GLOBAL WARMING: Taking responsability - one step at a time
The 90th annual meeting of the Ecological Society of America, held in conjunction with the IX International Congress of Ecology, represents the first meeting to take place since the Kyoto Protocol entered into force on February 16, 2004. This means that 141 countries, responsible for more than 50% of the global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) have agreed to attempt to curb these emissions. The common goal of all participating countries is to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 5% below their 1990 rates by 2012. Emission targets can be met in several ways – more fuel-efficient cars, more energy efficient appliances, developing and using efficient renewable alternative energy sources or changing land use practices.
However, responsibility to meet Kyoto’s CO2 target lies at multiple scales; that is, not just at the scale of government and countries, but also at the scale of the individual. As responsible global citizens and ecologists, it is important for us to lead the way by example. Therefore, we are asking all participants to consider the carbon footprint they have generated by attending this conference, and we challenge you to offset your impact.
How can you do this?
- Click on one of the links provided below to calculate the carbon emissions produced when you flew or drove to Montréal. The calculator will provide you with the equivalent dollar cost necessary to offset these emissions through various environmental projects.
For example try the calculator at: http://www.climatecare.org/
- Next, choose from any one of the organizations listed below and OFFSET your carbon emissions by making a donation equal to the carbon cost of your travel. There are many possibilities for off-setting your carbon emissions: investing in reforestation projects or in energy efficient light bulbs in developing countries, etc. The local host committee has already verified for you that these organizations are credible and secure.
http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/carbon_offset_wind_credits_carbon_reduction.htm
http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/news/carbonneutral.html
http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/
http://eco-services.worldlandtrust.org/
Through your donation you will actually be offsetting the carbon you spent coming to the meeting. It is easy to do and you will make a difference. Lead the way and help stamp out global warming!
Last update: June 20, 2011
Webmistress: Carole Verdone-Smith, Image Centre, Department of Biology