A Clear Call for Action

It was with great pleasure that I presented a copy of The Enviropaedia to South Africa's President Kgalema Motlanthe on Tuesday this week, and it was with even greater pleasure that shortly thereafter I heard him making clear and unequivocal commitments to addressing the challenge of Climate Change. One might expect such committed words from a Minister of the Environment, but to hear this coming from the very top level of Government followed by similar commitments from three other Departmental Ministers - was deeply encouraging and I believe reflects a fundamental shift in the political will and response to the challenges of Climate Change.

In order to write this letter for our e-Newsletter, I am missing out on one of the negotiation sessions at a Climate Change Summit hosted by the Departments of Environmental Affairs and Tourism in collaboration with the Department of Science & Technology. From the outcomes of this 4 day Summit in Johannesburg, they intend to produce a detailed policy framework which will provide the foundation for creating a green paper on a National Climate Change Policy.

Whilst I am encouraged by the evident levels of scientific and political commitment, there are a couple of aspects that do concern me.

Firstly, why, when this is a matter of such critical National importance, were only 600 delegates invited?

Secondly, it seems to me that there is an elephant in the room that no-one is willing to look at. All the focus has been on finding scientific ways to address Climate Change - but no talk at all about addressing the value systems and culture of Consumerism that are an underlying cause and key driver of Climate Change.
Climate Change itself is only a symptom, a consequence of inappropriate past behaviour. If we want to change this consequence, we need to change the mindset and values that drive inappropriate behaviours. To my pleasant surprise I have found agreement with this perspective from a few other Delegates including a CSIR Scientist - but the issue is just not up for formal debate right now.

At this Summit, there is a clear call for each and every one of us to take whatever individual action we can - RIGHT NOW, so let me draw your attention to two particularly important initiatives that YOU can be part of right now.

ONE: The environmental focus for this month is WATER. Due to Climate Change & Population Growth we are going to be very water challenged into the future, so please use our water saving tips in this newsletter to save every drop you can.

TWO: WWF have asked us to support the EARTH HOUR initiative. What you need to do is to click on and sign up on www.earthhour.org.za and your name will be added to a global petition putting pressure on world leaders to pass appropriate legislation on Climate Change.

Then you can join the millions around the world who at 8.30 pm on 28th March will turn their lights out for 1 hour.

Last year, the effect of 2.2 million people and over 2100 businesses turning their lights out for Earth Hour was equal to 48000 cars being off the road for a year. Whilst this collective action is therefore of significant benefit to our planet, I will turn my lights out primarily in order to support a growing world community of environmentally enlightened individuals who are taking responsibility and action to protect and preserve our planet.

Yours eco-logically

David

PS. If you really want to promote environmental enlightenment please forward this email on to friends and colleagues who you think will care about protecting & preserving our planet.

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