Paul Bohnert is the Executive Director and presentation coordinator for SACEE. Paul has been a public educator for 20 years and has a passion to improve environmental literacy in Canada. Over the past four years Paul has connected with more than 20,000 audience members at more than 46 conferences, workshops and symposiums. His presentation style will engage, inspire, educate and entertain your audience and provide practical approaches and meaningful actions that will make a difference in ones community.

Past Speaking engagements include:

2010 TEDx Banff - Banff, AB
2010 WaterEdWest - Banff, AB
2009 ForestEdWest - Kelowna, BC
2009 Palliser Teachers Conf. - Calgary, AB
2009 NAAEE Conference - Portland, Or
2008 Calgary Teachers Conf. - Calgary, AB
2009 World Congress on Environmental Education - Montreal, Que
2008 EECOM - Kanaskis, Alberta
2007 EECOM - White Point, Nova Scotia
2006 Pacific Northwest Economic Development Conference - Lethbridge
2006 North American Environmental Education Conference - Albuquerque, NM

Paul's presentations focus on the unique approach of 'systems thinking'. He understands that every choice and action is part of a greater system, one that is either positively or negatively influenced by isolated choices. Approaching a problem or circumstance in a holistic manner respects all those involved, the relationships and our ecological base.

Presentations focus on enhancing environmental literacy of all people. Current environmental literacy levels are a great concern and need to be addressed within all sectors of society. Educators are expected to educate future generations with dated facts, and without an adequate educational background to make connections between human actions and choices and the reprecussions of those actions and choices.

Are we destroying our future generations potential just to satisfy our immediate consumer desires? Industry, business and governments are beginning to realize that the 20th century consumer economy will not be the continued trend in the 21st century. Successful industries, businesses and governments will have to adopt a 'tri-economy' approach in the very near future. One that considers social and environmental impacts along side their economic bottomline.

Will the inaction of our governments today negatively impact the potential of our future generatons? All levels of government have taken a 'wait and see' attitude rather than taking a leadership role. SACEE provides numerous presentations that educate and illustrate economic and consumer trends, technological advancements, social marketing and personal action.

SACEE presentations celebrate success stories and profile mentors that have worked directly with individuals, organizations, business and governments to practice and succeed more responsibly, economically and ecologically.

Below is a list of available presentations that Paul has successfully presented around North America over the past four years.

 
Presentation Categories
Economics
Arts
Politics
Education
Environmental
Technology

21st Century Education for the Environment

The 21st century will witness two dramatic changes in public education, the content taught and the engagement of individuals in their own learning. 21st century children live in a new paradigm and will require their teachers to understand this paradigm and the pedagogy that will inspire learning. Leave 20th century teaching where it belongs in the 20th century. Learn how to leap out of the box and become the educational leader that will inspire and engage 21st century learning. Access resources from your community and educate your students to be innovative, creative, and self-learners so that they can achieve their potential and exceed expectations.

 

 

The Arts and the Environment

The human body has multiple senses that reeive information continually that effect health, intellectual growth, and emotional stability. With the creation of Nature Fest Canada (Canadian Nature Arts Festival) in 2008, multiple experiences have been created to appreciate and promote environmental awareness, stewarship and appreciation through music, art, dance, poetry and theatre. This presentation includes live and recorded performances along with the 'how to' create an educational, entertaining and engaging experience for an audience.

 

 

Qualities and Skills of 21st Century Educators

Technology had a major impact on the last quarter of the 20th century. Have educators adapted and prepared themselves for the accelerated pace of the 21st century? Technology and environmental considerations have begun to evolve at exponential rates. Information is doubling every two years. Are we educating our children to be creative, innovative self learners so that they can exceed expectations and achieve their potential in a rapidly changing society? Five pillars supported by 10 principles of learning will be presented that will ensure we (educators) and our children exceed expectations and reach their potential.

 

 

Ideology versus Technology Which Will Make a Difference

Innovative and new technologies are exciting, and prove useful to engage students in the classroom. However, with every new technology, there are concerns, cautions and things you should be aware about. Paul and Craig will provide and overview of recent technology innovations and also give you ways that students and teachers can be put into negative circumstances due to using these technologies. Learn how to enhance your students learning using 21st century technologies in a safe and responsible manner.

 

 

Live so Your Forefathers Would be Proud and Your Children Will Thankful

Every parent/grandparent wants their children to have a 'better' life than theirs. One that will be fulfilling, happy, and secure. If we could speak with our forefathers would they be proud of the way we are living? Would they be able to say "I am so glad that I sacrifieed ... so that my descendents could live like this? Are we thankful of our past family members' actions and choices? Will future generations be thankful for our actions and choices? Social responsibility requires accountability, honesty and courage. There are things we can do to ensure future generations will have better lives than we have.

 

 

LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

The Canadian Green Building Council and many North American designers and builders have adopted the LEED building as a new standard for new and renovation projects. Designing a building, home or renovating an existing building learn how to design/build with the environment in mind. Cut costs, reduce your waste, and improve the efficiency of your building.

LEED building focuses on five principal categories:

  • Sustainable Sites
  • Water Efficiency
  • Energy and Atmosphere
  • Materials and Resources
  • Indoor Environmental Quality
 

Societal Engagement

What is society interested in? Why are the number of voters so low? When do people become engaged in their lives? Research states that in order for the environmental destruction to stop we must engage society. How do you engage the powerful, the apathetic, and those that are fearful.

 

 

Opening the Senses

Seeing Like an Owl, Walking Like a Fox...

Obtain a better understanding of one's place. Challenge your five senses to experience the natural systems in your surroundings. Learn to better understand your environment and gain a greater appreciation of the natural world.

 

 

Knowing the Prairies

Medicinal plants to rattle snakes

The Alberta Prairies is wonderful and beautiful place if you know what to look for and where to took for it. Get aquainted to the native grasses and plants of the prairies and the the numerous species of animals and birds that live there.

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The Potential of Wind in Southern Alberta

Southern Alberta is one of the windest places in North America. Strong westerly winds throughout the year blow their way across our prairies. Is it possible to harness more of the energy from wind. How much wind do we harvest and what potential do we have for the future.

 

 

Climate Change in Southern Alberta, Good, Bad or Smokescreen

Over the past decase the issue of climate change has become a major topic of discussion between governments, industry and investors. Ice Age, draught, flooding, major weather, and destruction of ecosystems are these really the concerns of mankind or are we missing the entire point.

 

 

Consumerism

Is the Oil Industry the problem? Where, What, When, Why and How you buy are impacting future generations. Great grandchildren will be forced to correct the implications of our choices we make today. Your ecological footprint is determined by you!

 

 

Youth Engagement

Young people have always rebelled against older generations. For the first time in recent history the youth are not demanding respect from older generations but rather responsibility and accountability for their actions. Empower the youth to make a difference and give them the tools to exceed our expectations.

 

 

Politics, Economics and the Environmental Education

 

 
What Happens When the Oil Industry Fails?