The CO2 Trust was established with three objectives;
- Educate people of the challenges presented by climate change.
- Persuade people to use the earth's resources in harmony with the 4 way test.
- Help the billions of people who are affected by climate change.
The planet's climate is changing. Should we do anything about it?
The Trust believes:
- Carbon emmissions will cause the earth to warm to the point that the environment is no longer able to support the population.
- Civil unrest will ensue and create an increased need for human aid.
- Rotarians should take action.
Don't confuse weather with climate. Changes in daily weather temperature has nominal impact on the environment. But a few degrees climate change in either direction will have a huge impact. There is a direct correlation between global temperature and CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Increases in world population is compounding the problem. The world population has increased from 2 billion in 1950 to 6.1 billion in 2000. It is estimated that there will be 9 billion people by 2050. Carbon emmisions are further accelerated by todays' improved standard of living based on fossil fuels.
One example of the impending disaster is the shrinking of the Himalayan glaciers. Over 2 billion people depend on the Himalayan glaciers for their fresh water supply. With the glaciers disappearance, these people will have to secure other sources of water.
There is a simple solution: Stop using fossil fuels.
Rotarians are focused on the three H's: Health, Hunger, Humanity. They should tackle the Health of the world.
Things you can do to help the Trust achieve its goals:
- Educate people on why it is important to reduce CO2.
- Learn how to save energy.
- Demonstrate how we can do it.
- Monitor your fossil fuel usage - reduce your costs.
- Innovate with ideas to help address the problem.
- Go easy on the gas pedal.
- Donate to the Trust when you must generate CO2.
As a club, we can start a Sustainability Project. First, we can form a Rotary Energy Conservation and Sustainability group. Define the project and look for grants. The Trust will get ASU to accredit the project. The club may use the Trust website to raise funds for their project.