Web of Life from Charles Tsai on Vimeo.

Forgive this personal post but on this global Blog Action Day, I’d like to share with you a story I did back when I worked for CNN.  It was the first in a series of videos about biodiversity, a subject I had just learned about at the time.

Biodiversity helped me see the world in a new way – not as a collection of species – but as a web of interdependent life, ecosystems within ecosystems.  Everything is interconnected.

In my reporting, the gopher tortoise, a threatened species found in Florida, presented itself as the best ambassador for biodiversity – a model for how we might conduct ourselves in the world.

You see, the gopher tortoise digs tunnels underground to protect itself from predators.  But in so doing, it also offers refuge to hundreds of other species.

Unlike the gopher tortoise, we seem to forget that millions of other species share our planet and our actions often determine whether they live or die.

As the world contemplates climate change on this historic day and how we should minimize its negative impact, let’s also seize upon a positive vision of who we can be.  Let’s think about how we can be a student – rather than the enemy – of Florida’s gopher tortoise.

Charles Tsai
Director of Virtual Program
Ashoka GenV

Interested youth can apply to be part of the IYCN’s Agents of Change program.

The IYCN Agents of Change program takes the IYCN movement from the grass roots to the international arena. We are proud to be partnering with a reputed organization such as the Centre for Environment Education on this project along with the UNEP’s South Asian Youth Environmental Network. This year, we plan to storm COP15, as an Asian Youth Sub-Continent Delegation with representatives from India, Srilanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan & Burma. We want youth from our neighbouring countries, from rural and urban India to be represented at this crucial global forum, where our climate future is decided.

The Agents of Change Program will include both young students and professionals, involved in massive lobbying , campaigning and direct action, at regional and national levels, to influence the political decisions and negotiations leading up to Copenhagen. Delegates will also be required to attend the Indian Youth Summit on Climate Change in July, 2009.

APPLY NOW

My idea is to develop a electronic system which automatically turns ‘off’ and ‘on’ the appliances in a room. It works with cheap circuitry. What it does is very simple, it counts the number of persons entering a room then for the presence of a single person the lights in the room turn on. Then when a person comes out of the room the system deducts the number from the previously counted value. When the value becomes zero i.e. when no person is present in the room the light and appliances turn off automatically. This project finds itself useful not only in homes but also in schools,colleges etc.

Though this system is a complicated substitute to a simple turning off of the switches but it is essential because power consumption is a major factor contributing to the pollution, particularly in a nation where large amount of power is generated using fossil fuels. A unit prevented from wastage is equal to 1.5 units generated.

Goals:

• Develop and test the gadget
• Install the gadget in a room of our college and test under different conditions
• Install gadget all over campus
• Request companies visiting campus to take interest in power conservation and encourage them to adopt Turn It Off

Circuit of system that automatically turns lights on/off.

Kids vs Global Warming (web) makes it clear that the climate crisis will affect our generation the most. We are the ones who will have to deal with global warming if nothing is done today to help us.

Many youth don’t realize that we have the power to make change. Youth care about this issue. And they are ready to do something about it.

So Kids vs Global Warming gives presentations to schools about what global warming is, how it affects us, and what we can do NOW to take action.

After each presentation, we start an action team: a group of kids who are empowered to make change in their community. We provide each action team resources they need to green their schools, give presentations of their own, and start activism projects in their cities.

We also do our own activism projects like SLAP, the Sea Level Awareness Project where we are alerting our city, on the coast of California, of the dangers of sea level rise as a result of global warming. We put up 8 ft tall poles along the promenade at the beach showing how far under water we’d be if we don’t make changes NOW. The poles also point out how we need to work together because the waste water treatment center and electricity generating stations, among other needed things, would be affected.

We will be training other kids to give presentations and do projects like ours in their own towns. We’re creating an “Activist in a Box” kit that brings together tools and resources from lots of different organizations so kids have some support when they start clubs after our presentations. They’ll be able to do energy audits, learn about green jobs, start green businesses, talk to their families and cities about alternative energy, give presentations of their own, learn how to talk to the media and meet with government officials, etc.

Link: Kids vs Global Warming Website

We are the youth of India. Climate change is going to affect OUR future. The decision makers of today, won’t be around in 50 years time to see the effects of their inaction. Hence we need take the action required to ensure that our future will be bright, clean and green.

The Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) is a coalition uniting Indian youth and Indian youth-oriented organizations that are concerned about climate change.

We as the future leaders of the country can generate awareness and establish consensus on what role India should play in the global debate, and how it should address domestic issues of climate justice and adaptation. It is a monumental effort but one with immense potential.

Support. Unite. Share. Engage. Inspire. Change.

Come be a part of something new, something bold: Indian Youth Climate Network.

Link: Website

“A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in
their mission can alter the course of history.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

The United Nation Environment Programme in cooperation with UNEP National Committee for the Republic of Korea will be hosting the 2009 TUNZA International Children’s Conference on the Environment in Daejeon, Korea from the 17 to 21 August 2009. The Conference whose theme will be Climate Change: Our Challenge will collectively bring together about 400 participants (aged 10 to 14) from over 100 countries.

The daily themes will include:

• Climate change and its effect on bio-diversity
• Climate change and young people
• Water
• Sustainable lifestyle

The delegates will be introduced to the new Tunza Strategy (2009-2014), and will discuss their role in the implementation of the Strategy. The delegates will also give suggestions on the themes for the 2010 International Children’s Conference on the Environment. The four-day Conference will culminate in resolutions on climate change to be presented to the Children’s Climate Forum in Copenhagen, Denmark in December 2009.

Please complete the Application Form and return before 31 JANUARY 2009.
More information, please visit this link: http://www.unep.org/tunza/children/inner.asp?ct=events&ev=int_children_conf

Standing over a fire is nostalgic, but certainly not environmentally friendly or efficient. The wood required to fuel these fires is causing deforestation.

My solution is one that has already proven to be both environmentally friendly and efficient, but requires more monetary resources than struggling Dominicans can afford. Improved ceramic stoves can be built using local materials; i.e. cinder blocks, concrete, and ceramic pieces.

Dominican families participating in the project are required to contribute a small monetary amount, as well as to help in the construction of the stove. As the stoves are built, enthusiasm for the project grows. The project demonstrates the families’ willingnes s to work towards a cleaner live for themselves, their country and their world.

The improved ceramic stove reduces the amount of smoke in the air thus contributing to reduce climate change, and consumes one third of the fuel used in an open fire, taking pressure off the country’s forest cover.

A Dominican mother smoothing the concrete finish on the top of her new improved ceramic cook stove.

If any progress is being made on the global fight against climate change, it is because of Youth Venturers like Chloe Maxmin.  Just 16 years old, she is an eloquent voice for our planet – both at her school and in her community. She founded Climate Action Club at her school in Newcastle, Maine, and in its first year, the club led successful campaigns to recycle batteries, initiate an energy audit for the school, and ban bus and car idling on school grounds.

The club has now launched a “paper vs. plastic” campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags. Club website.

What would you say is the most important impact you’ve made?

The most important impact I’ve made is to heighten awareness about the environmental crisis in my school and community. I founded The Climate Action Club at my school, and it was the  first and only club to focus on fighting global warming. We have achieved more in two years than any other school club. This achievement is due not only to our hard work and determination—it is because of the impact we have made on our peers, school administrators, faculty, and our whole community. Many people have become more aware of the current climate crisis and their power to act because of our work. We have given people opportunities to learn, participate, and take action.

Two important aspects of the club explain our impact.  The first is that our projects extend beyond the school into the community.  This balance has enabled us to reach more people and raise awareness about eco-friendly behavior. Second, each of our many projects focuses on the individual’s power to take an active role in protecting the environment.

Who or what inspired you to become a leader? How did it all begin?

I was inspired to become an environmental activist when the largest tract of undeveloped land in Maine—the North Woods—was threatened by a massive development proposal for a sprawl of second homes, marinas, and resorts. Plum Creek, the biggest real estate company in the country, was proposing these disastrous changes.

I snowmobile in the North Woods with my family. I have seen vistas of breath-taking beauty, pure pine-covered woods, and unthreatened habitats. These experiences made me fall in love with nature. My deep passion for nature has been fueled by Maine’s thrilling beauty, ever since I was a little girl. I feel it is my duty to do everything in my power to save our world.

I dove into action when I heard that the North Woods was going to be destroyed. I wrote letters to the Governor, the local environmental agency, the regulatory body that had authority over the development plan, and to newspapers all over Maine. I testified against Plum Creek at a public hearing, and I mobilized members of the Climate Action Club to write letters as well. We all went to a special conference protesting Plum Creek’s development proposals.

These experiences are the foundation of my passion for the environment. Every day when I look out my window and see the dark green pine trees on the outskirts of our broad hay field, I know why I must act. I know why I must motivate others. I know why it is imperative to save our world.

What three things have contributed to your success?

My un-faltering passion to save the environment has been the biggest part of my success. Even if I am having a discouraging moment, I always forge on because of my determination.

The second biggest contributor to my success is my belief that you need to educate people before they can act. I believe that education is the key tool that will enable people to effectively fight climate change. I spend a lot of time developing educational materials not only for club members, but for our community as well. We have created a firm foundation for people that is the basis for their own personal actions. We have empowered people to act for themselves. By doing so, we have spread our impact and heightened our success.

The third thing that has most contributed to our success is the support from our school and community. Faculty, school administrators, local citizens, and merchants have reached out and helped create a strong foundation. This has enabled us to achieve more, spread our work, and build a wider support base.

When do you most feel “in the zone”?

I feel most ‘in the zone’ when I am talking to others about the environment, the Climate Action Club, and my personal experiences.

Is there one story that illustrates why you do what you do?

When I see how much our work has spread across the state and the nation, I am reinvigorated. Two stories come to mind that illustrate this point.

One day I checked the Climate Action Club’s emails. A man from California had contacted us through our website. He said he found our website thought we would be a great candidate for The Sundance Channel’s series BIG IDEAS FOR A SMALL PLANET. This email catapulted me into a three-month conversation with him. This one email resulted in a 6 person camera crew traveling all the way to Maine to film us for the next season of BIG IDEAS. This opportunity gave the club the chance to motivate and inspire others to become environmental activists as well.

The Climate Action Club stood outside local businesses in our town to hand out a one page fact sheet to customers to educate them about the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment. On the sheet, we gave people the opportunity to pledge their support for our Paper Vs. Plastic Campaign. One respondent pledged her support with a blog post on our website. She was inspired to make a long-lasting commitment to  use canvas bags. She wrote about how she tried to use her canvas bags, but she usually forgot them in her house or car. Our work and rekindled her initiative to always use canvas bags. Her message reminded me that we are making differences in many people’s lives, even if we don’t know about it. Our work diffuses around the state, and it is always exhilarating when you receive a glimpse of the depth and breadth of the impact you’ve made. 

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from your work as a leader?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is how to have voice. I am a shy person. I usually don’t like to go outside my comfort zone. But through my work with the Climate Action Club, I have learned how to speak up for myself, express my beliefs, use my voice to convey my passion, and use my words to motivate others. This lesson has not only helped me in the realm of environmental activism—it has enriched every corner of my life and helped me become a more confident person.

Who are the current leaders or thinkers you admire?

I admire Al Gore. He has broken the stereotypes that surrounded him as a politician. He diverted from the traditional corrupt path of a politician gone activist. He is truly dedicated to fighting global warming. He sees, as I do, that it is important to educate people to empower them to act. He believes in the power of the individual. Al Gore is not afraid to set what may seem like impossible goals (for example “100 percent zero-carbon electricity in 10 years” (Al Gore, 2008 Speech on Renewable Energy). He has set a precedent for future environmental activists. Al Gore also recognizes that every single person on this planet needs to work together as one to fight climate change. Governments, business, states, town, organizations, individual groups, and individuals need to collaborate to save our planet. All sectors of life must come together in this epic movement.

I also admire Barack Obama. He has transcended every stereotype of thinking, acting, and empowering. Like Al Gore, Obama realizes that all parts of our world need to come together to fix our problems. But, as Obama exemplified with his extraordinary grassroots efforts during the election, individuals are the building blocks for change. Empowering is changing.

What book has made a great impression on you in the last few years? Why?

Three pieces of literary work have made an impression on me, especially in terms of my work as an activist and leader.

Fight Global Warming Now by Bill McKibben. This was one of the first books I read about how to organize a group to fight global warming.

It provided me with key information about how to be a leader, what kinds of projects to work on, and how to motivate and captivate others.

Sula by Toni Morrison. Although this book has nothing to do with the environmental movement, it reminded me of the challenges of being different. The environmental movement is like no other movement in the history of the world. We are in unchartered territory, daring to break with conventional behavior and offer radical new solutions. These same themes are in Sula.  Toni Morrison suggests that a single person can break through the walls of conformity. We can learn from Sula that we have the power to successfully throw off conventional limitations and forge a new truth for a new day.

The Crisis by Thomas Paine. Paine released each part of this 13-part essay between 1776-1783. These were carefully timed to inspire soldiers before a key battle, or rally citizens at crucial moments in the Revolutionary War.  I think Thomas Paine is the most influential writer in American history. He used the power of his words to protest the enslavement of the colonists and to fight for freedom. His rhetoric inspired people to revolt and to rethink the structure of government. In the current climate crisis, we can take inspiration from Paine’s words. We can ignite our collective power to take charge of our planet and save our world.

What gives you hope for the future?

I felt alone and isolated when I first started the Climate Action Club. I didn’t know any other teenage environmental activists, I had no network, and I had no idea how to lead or motivate others. However, when a friend told me about Youth Venture, my world opened into a massive support network.

Through Youth Venture, Earth Island Institute, and many other organizations, I realize that there are so many young activists taking control of the future. These support networks have given me hope that we can all work together to make a difference, and we can all influence others to do the same.

What advice would you give to aspiring young leaders today?  

I would tell an aspiring young leader to try anything and everything. I live in a small town of 1,200 people. My school has 600 students. I had no connections when I founded the Climate Action Club. But I did not let that deter me. I let my passion for the environment lead me to motivate my peers to act.

Our collective determination resulted in national recognition and new connections to vast support networks. The theme of the Climate Action Club is FIRST HERE, THEN EVERYWHERE. This saying reminds us that even though we live in a small town in Maine, we have the power to influence others and diffuse our passion and work all across the world. No individual is insignificant; no town is too small to make a difference.

But there is one problem we cannot adapt to: sewage from villager’s pit toilets leeching into the wells. When this happens we have to cut down more and more forest to move away from the polluted areas, forest that would otherwise be reducing green house gasses.

To solve the problem, we would like to design and build a composting toilet for the village that keeps our waste out of the water. This will be the first ever composting toilet on our small island, an idea that might be taken up by other villages (built by us) and have a huge impact on the environment. Most importantly, the compost generated by the village toilet will be used to fertilize a climate garden that we will plant with carbon capturing rainforest trees.

Our group: Joe, Teniera, Kaltang, and Joseph