Two Graduates of the MPA-ESP Program Publish a Children's Book On Wind Power

Two graduates from the class of 2005, Irene Boland and Vanessa Kellogg, recently co-authored the children's book Wind the World Over.  Having met each other in New York while studying in the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program at SIPA, they crafted the idea to write a children's book about the history of renewable energy, bringing to a younger generation an understanding of the great power and potential of renewable energy.  In their book, they describe the journey of two siblings who visit ancient Persia, Imperial China, medieval Europe, and rural America, witnessing the different forms of wind power throughout history.  The voyage ends in modern-day Texas, where new wind turbines have been constructed, producing clean, renewable electricity for the area.

In discussing the inspiration behind the book, Boland describes, "I met a ten-year old boy who was in awe about a modern wind turbine that was recently built just outside his home town in upstate New York.  While adults today debate the politics and aesthetics of wind power, kids want to know what it is for and why.  We want kids to recognize wind power as both an important part of our future and a connection to the past."  Both see this book as an opportunity to education middle school children on the great value that wind power has to offer.  Kellogg explains, "It is so important that younger generations grow up with a better understanding of our natural resources so that perhaps they may be inspired to contribute to a sustainable world in the future."

Boland came to Columbia University after graduating with her BA in Urban Studies from the University of Virginia.  Previously, Boland worked at the Albemarle County Department of Planning and Community Development, the Institute for Environmental Negotition, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  Currently, Boland is a policy analyst at the Environmental Protection Agency in New York City.  Kellogg received her BA in Policy Studies and Spanish at Rice University before entering into the MPA-ESP program.  Presently working as a wind power developer in Houston, Kellogg previously was an Associate Client Manager of Coca-Cola, a Research Consultant/Project Manager with Clarigent Technologies, and has worked with the US Public Interest Research Group.  

While studying in the MPA-ESP program, both Vanessa and Irene displayed a strong interest in renewable energy and energy policy. 

Wind the World Over was published on May 1, 2007.  To purchase this book, please click here.