Building Trust For Climate Change Means Action

I was the voice of many last Saturday night in Boise, when we stood in front of the Idaho State Capital, and voiced our passion for a Real Deal in Copenhagen. Now, a week later, I sit and ponder if our voices were even heard.

Honestly, I don't know the answers. But, I'm not naive enough, not to know, that there's a lot of 'special interest' involved in these discussions and decisions, (or lack thereof). In the meantime, I have to choose to believe that COP 15 was a launching pad for accelerating efforts and achievements, in dealing with global warming issues.

President Obama stated that there needs to be, "The building of trust between between developed and developing countries." That 'trust' cannot just be bought. It must also be demonstrated by action.

Rhetoric has to be replaced with action. And those actions, are necessary by everyone on this planet, as well as each and every country. Whether those citizens be from a developing or developed country, action is key.

A quote from an associate of mine, Antonio Bettencourt, in a recent LinkedIn discussion, voices my sentiments quite well:

"I suspect that the more aggressive actions we take, the more "moral authority" we will have in the world and the better we will be able to pressure other countries to step up to their obligations."

Also, as Gandhi said, "be the change you wish to see in the world". Another way to personalize this is: The more I change, the more I see I can do.

What will you do?

Boise, ID Got The Word Out For 350 !

What a wonderful time we had on October 24th, the International Day of Climate Change! A very small, but passionate group, gathered at the Boise Centre On The Grove during the Saturday Market. Their purpose: To share with as many people as they could, that Climate Change and Global Warming are REAL issues.

Tyrel Trainor organized this grass roots group to come together last Saturday, at the Saturday Market in Boise, ID. And without his bold step, the rest of the group wouldn't of had a central point to meet and organize this small but effectual reach out.

Thabata Regiani, a wonderful graphic designer, and a Lead Activist for Greenpeace, lent her talent and skills to the event. Not only did she design our easy-read handout flyer, but she was out on the front lines talking to everyone she could on Saturday.

The group had it's obstacles, a failing 10x10 canopy that's on it's way to recycle & canopy heaven. But, the weather held beautifully and we were inspired throughout the whole event by our local Scottish bagpipers and dancers.

The supply of handouts was almost completely given away at the end of four hours and numerous people stopped to exchange their ideas about preventing Global Warming. It was definitely worth our time, and we're ready to get out there again, very soon!

My Take On Global Warming Vs Global Cooling

I've spent a few hours online today, reading articles, reports, commentaries and such, on the issue of Global Warming verses Global Cooling. Obviously, I wasn't able to even put a tiny dent into all the information available, but I really endeavored to look at articles on both sides of the debate. And so now, I'd like to summarize for you, a little of what I learned today and will follow up with another post about the debate over the upcoming Climate Treaty conference that will be held in Copenhagen, in December.

First of all, the naysayers in the belief of Global Warming and Climate Change, are definitely vocal! But, what I found to be interesting, is that many of these vocal "experts" that believe in the "global warming hoax", cross referenced each other quite a bit. All well and good, but many of them weren't experts, they were just people with opinions against Global Warming.

They do readily cite the writings of one or two global warming skeptics and put all of their eggs into just those baskets. Along with the alleged political issues that they espouse, I found most of their proponents to be more emotional and cause related, than being based on scientific facts.

I believe that the discussion and debate raised recently from the Global Cooling proponents, comes out of a recent NASA report that says there as been cooling on the planet since 1998. That information appears accurate, BUT, there aren't mentions to the overall pattern of warming and cooling trends, in years preceding 1998. You see, these trends apparently run in "8-year trend lines", and they have variables. Sometimes the variables are small, sometimes large, sometimes significant, and sometimes not so significant. But, overall, the "trends" have continued to move up higher on the annual global-mean GISTEMP temperature record.

The sources that I gleaned this information from, were based on scientific studies and people who have an education and employment history, in biological and environmental issues. All of their sources were linked back to other credible scientific sources, opposed to the other side of the fence.

True, a scientist or expert, I'm not. But, what I am, is a concerned contributor and inhabitant to planet Earth, and I love Her dearly. I want only the best decisions made in Her behalf. Therefore, I will continue to share what I can, with whomever will listen.

Final Exam - Boise Make A Stand for 350!

Join us at Boise Centre On The Grove, Saturday, October 24th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

We are a group of people from around the planet—young and old, scientists and writers and activists—who have one thing in common. We know the most important number on Earth: 350. And we know how to use that number to finally get global action on the worst crisis humans have ever faced. But we can only do it if you help.

A year ago, our greatest climatologist—NASA’s James Hansen—and his team produced a landmark series of studies. They showed that if we let the amount of carbon in the atmosphere top 350 parts per million, we can’t have a planet “similar to the one on which civilization developed and to which life on earth is adapted.”

The bad news is we’re already past that number—we’re at 390 parts per million, which is why the Arctic is melting, why drought is spreading across the planet, why people are already dying from diseases like dengue fever and malaria occurring in places where they’ve never been seen before.The good news: that number gives us a target to aim for. When the world’s leaders meet in Copenhagen in December to reach agreement on a new climate treaty, we need them to go farther than they’ve planned to go: we need to make sure they’ll pay attention to the latest science and put forward a plan that gets us back to safety.

So here’s the plan. On October 24, we are inviting everyone in the Treasure Valley to help us make that the most important number visible to everyone. People in more than 1000 communities around the globe have already announced plans—they’ll be school children planting 350 trees in Bangledesh, scientists hanging banners saying 350 on the statues on Easter Island, 350 scuba divers diving underwater at the Great Barrier Reef, and a thousand more creative actions like these. At each event, people will gather for a big group photo that somehow depicts 350--and upload that photo to the web 350.org. As actions take place around the world, we'll link all the pictures together electronically via the web--by the end of the day, we'll have a powerful visual petition linking together the entire planet that we can deliver to the media and world leaders.

So far more than 100 nations are taking part—it's shaping up to be to be the biggest day of grassroots action on global warming ever. Come one, come all, bring your church, mosque or synagogue to your local bicylce group. People want to help, especially if they see the chance for something that might actually matter. This is even more important than changing your lightbulb—this is your chance to help change the way the whole world operates. October 24 comes six weeks before those crucial UN meetings in Copenhagen. It’s a great chance to take a stand—maybe the last great chance, given what the scientists tell us about the momentum of global warming.

But it can only happen with the help of a global movement—and it's starting to bubble up everywhere. Farmers in Cameroon, students in China, even World Cup skiers have already helped spread the word about 350. Churches have rung their bells 350 times; Buddhist monks have formed a huge 350 with their bodies against the backdrop of Himalayas. 350 translates across every boundary of language and culture. It's clear and direct, cutting through the static and laying down a firm scientific line.

This is like a final exam for human beings. Can we muster the courage, the commitment, and the creativity to set this earth on a steady course before it's too late? October 24 will be the joyful, powerful day when we prove it's possible.
For more information contact: Tyrel Trainor @ tstrainor@gmail.com or Liz Amason @ amason.liz@gmail.com.
Additional information about this global event can be viewed at http://www.350.org/

Blog Action Day To Fight Global Warming

Were you aware that today is Blog Action Day and do you know what it's all about? Well, I'd like to share with you, in case you don't.

Today, October 15, 2009, bloggers around the world are uniting by writing blog posts to raise awareness about environmental issues. Specifically, we want to put it out in front of every person, in every corner of the planet, that climate change and global warming are forces that must be reckoned with.

Scientists, environmentalists and politicians have already acknowledged the issue of global warming. But, what is still up for debate, is what extent will Global Warming really have on the planet and our quality of life.

To address the issues of Climate Change and Global Warming, there will be UN Climate negotiations in Copenhagen, this coming December. Non-governmental organizations, delegates and businesses from every nation will meet to finalize a climate change agreement. But, there are concerns, that these decision-makers may not lay out a stringent enough agreement. Thus, allowing negative climate issues to increase faster than the positive steps being taken, to combat it.

In preparation for this upcoming landmark meeting, there will be events all over the world on October 24th, which is 6 weeks prior to the UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen. In conjunction with United Nations Day, it will be a international day to address climate action. Communities around the world will be holding rallies to let their leaders know what kind of action they need to take on climate change.

There isn't a better time than right now, to become educated and be heard about these potentially catastrophic issues for us and our planet. October 24th is just a little over a week away, so the time is now. Find a local event in your community, which will be participating in the International Day of Climate Action. I've also listed below some websites for you to check for more information about climate change. Please don't hesitate to seek out even more info from the never-ending database of knowledge, via the internet.

Once you've located an October 24th event in your area, please make a commitment to be there. And, let us know where you'll be and what you've learned. The action we choose to take, may very well influence the environment that our children's children will be left with.

350.org
Act For Climate Justice
United Nations

The Fuel Film

Many are looking forward to this film making it to the local theaters! The documentary provides more information and insight about our country's use and misuse of fuel resources. It also presents more sustainable ways to fuel the country's needs with alternative fuels.

The Fuel Film was a Sundance Film award winner for "Best Documentary". Watch the video below as well as check out the film's website.

Then, check your local theater listings and if you can't find it on their calendar, call or email them and tell them you're waiting to see it!



The Choice is Ours!

Landmark Climate Bill Passes The House

Another landmark victory this week for protecting our environment!

In a very close House vote, 219 to 212, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454), was passed by the House of Representatives on June 26, 2009.

This legislation is a comprehensive plan to reduce carbon pollution, as well as grow our economy. It still has to make it through the Senate and be signed into law, but it definitely appears to be on its way!

What does this all mean?

Well, I definitely am no authority in the area of global warming and the economy, but there have been significant studies to access the impact of this bill. The effects on the nation's economy, energy costs and household impacts were seriously calculated. None of these areas will see measurable results in the very near future, but will show themselves over time.

It didn't take us a couple of years to put our planet in the condition that it's in, and it will take more than a couple to get us out of it. In fact, projected measurable results may not be fully seen until 2020 and 2030, in the impacted areas.

There is much division over the value of this legislation via H.R. 2454. But still, I can't stop hoping that if nothing else, this discussion brings the issues of global warming and reduction of CO2 emissions into the forefront of everyone's mind.

Our Voice About Global Warming

In addition to some easy lifestyle changes that can be made to slow down Global Warming, we also have a voice to get the message out. And that message can easily be disseminated right from our computer to anyone else who has a computer and email.

The Environmental Defense Fund has a great online resource to voice our concerns about Global Warming, with members of Congress. By completing some pre-formatted fields with your name and home address, your voiced concerns are routed directly to the Congressperson that represents you.

One endangered North American species, that could be affected by the results of Global Warming, is the Canada Lynx. The EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) shares about these beautiful creatures and others in their new feature, Warming and Wildlife. As the EDF states, all life is interdependent and any harm to these creatures, in many cases has direct effects on human life.

Visit EDF's Warming and Wildlife campaign for more information on other endangered animals and follow this link to make your voice heard by your local Congressperson today.

My Twelve Steps To Combate Climate Change

On the World Environment Day Website, they shared Twelve Steps To Unite To Combat Climate Change. I've decided that I would go through this Twelve Step "program" on my blog with all of you. By doing this, I am hopeful that others will be inspired to do the same thing.

Step Number One is: Making a Commitment

One definition of the word "Commitment" that I found was: The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons.

And I am here today, to state in writing, that I am COMMITTED to reducing my carbon emissions and thus, reducing my carbon footprint on this planet.

Every activity that I or any being on this planet participates in, has an affect on
Greenhouse Gases. Burning of fossil fuels and clearing of forests, have been the primary causes for the added Greenhouse Gases. And, these two activities in themselves, are dictated by society's demands, or more specifically...MY DEMANDS !

Gasoline and fuel for all forms of transportation, heating oils, plastics, manufacturing, construction, paper products; you pretty much name it, and everything points back to fossil fuels and the forests.

So, how do I reduce my personal demand from these resources? By being committed to educate myself and put into practice the things that I learn.

Now, I'm not going to "know it all", or even practically "do it all", but I am passionate about learning what I can do to make a more positive impact on our environment.

Are you committed to being a better steward of our environment and planet?

Save Ourselves - From Ourselves

If, you missed the special last week on the Discovery channel, it's your lucky day!

Earth: The Sequel will be reaired in an encore showing today, March 15th at 11 am ET.

Is Clean Energy In Our Future?

Clean energy is the only alternative to a sustainable future for our planet. Watch the Discovery Channel this Wednesday, March 11th at 10 PM ET, for Earth: The Sequel.

Earth Hour - March 28th - Join The World

In 2009, at 8.30pm on March 28, people around the world will turn their lights off for one hour - Earth Hour. We're aiming to reach one billion people, more than 1000 cities, all joining together in a global effort to show that its possible to take action on global warming.

This event is part of WWF's international campaign to convince governments across the world to agree a strong global deal to tackle climate change, when they meet at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen, in December 2009.

A two degree rise in average global surface temperature will have severe social, economic and environmental impacts: 3.1 billion people will suffer serious water shortages; 180 million people will be affected by sea level rise; and approximately 25% of species extinct in present habitat. The world's leading climate scientists believe that we must reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 25%-40% below 1990 levels if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Earth Hour provides a united global message to every individual, every business and every community that climate change affects us all and to take responsibility in working towards a sustainable future.

Join us for Earth Hour 2009, turn off your lights at 8.30pm Saturday 28 March and sign-up here at earthhour.org/Australia

Earth Hour is a message of hope and a message of action. Everyone can make a difference.

Above taken from WWF-Australia's website. For more info, please go to www.earthhour.org.

Global Warming

I was sent this great animated video that explains what global warming is, and why it is a reality. Please share it with others.


Wake Up, Freak Out - then Get a Grip from Leo Murray on Vimeo.

RE:FORM Conference This Week

I'm very pleased that this week has rolled around! A RE:FORM Conference will be on the 24th thru 26th of September, at The Vineyard Church in Boise. I will be having an exhibit of my products there, but more importantly, there is going to be 3 days of education on Human Justice, World Crisis, & Environmental Stewardship.

There's a schedule of events listed below, but you can also go the RE:FORM website for more information. Hope to see everyone there!

September 24, 2008—Human Justice
9:00am - Human Trafficking Overview —Rob Morris, Love 146
10:15am - Panel Discussion with experts on Human Trafficking issues including John Odean; Alan Brown, Compasio; Phil Gazley, Colorado Network to End HT ; Steven Hamilton, former Homeland Security; Kathy Maskell, Love 146; Surrea Oglesby, Eden House
12:00pm - Lunch (provided)
1:30pm, 2:45pm, 4:00pm - Workshops and discussions with panelists
5:00pm - Dinner break (on your own)
7:00pm - Rob Morris & Love Justice Human Trafficking Documentary

September 25, 2008—World Crises
9:00am - A Call to Action — Senior Pastor Tri Robinson
10:00am - Panel Discussion with experts on the seven areas of world crisis including Scott Sabin, Floresta; Mark Russell, HOPE Intl.; Jennifer Boyd, Vineyard College of Mission; Brandi Swindell,; Josh Campbell; Tri Robinson
12:00pm - Lunch (provided)
1:30pm, 3:30pm - Workshops and discussions with panelists
5:00pm - Dinner break (on your own)
7:00pm - Biblical Solutions to a World in Crisis—Tri Robinson

September 26, 2008—Environmental Stewardship
9:00am - Environmental Stewardship Overview—Peter Illyn
10:00am - Panel Discussion with experts on various Environmental Stewardship issues including Peter Illyn, Restoring Eden; Melanie Griffin, Sierra Club; Rhys Roth, Climate Solutions; Jim Jewell, Evangelical Environmental Network; Suellen Lowry, Noah Alliance; Thomas D. Rowley, A Rocha USA; Gary Nafziger-Meiser
12:00pm - Lunch (provided)
1:30pm, 3:30pm - Workshops and discussions with panelists
5:00pm - Dinner break (on your own)
7:00pm - Creation Care, an Evening of Experiential Journey —Andy Hendley; Peter Illyn, Restoring Eden; Melanie Griffin

Easy Global Warming Solutions

There's more and more discussion on Global Warming these days and that's a REALLY GOOD thing! Even though there are many debates out there about Global Warming, the end result of the positive actions towards it's end, certainly won't hurt the planet or us!

What's it gonna hurt? Nothing is it? So come on, give it a try, it's relatively painless, ya know ;-)

Here's some of those easy tips on Global Warming Solutions at the National Wildlife Federation's website.

I'd love to hear back from folks, about how it's going on instituting these practical ideas. I mean, how hard can it be to inflate your tires a little more, or turn down your thermostat two degrees?

Hope you'll "Warm Up" to these Global Warming issues.