A great example of an organization that is making a difference is San Francisco-based Global Exchange. I had the privilege of working with the Reality Tour Director, Malia Everette, on their Africa programs (read the Tanzania blog entry to learn more about my experience). However, this video sums up the groundbreaking work and contributions of the organization to the global community. While most organizations focus on one or a two issues, GX addresses numerous issues afflicting societies worldwide. Peace building. Sustainable tourism. Sweat shops. Human rights. Women empowerment. Clean energy economy. And more. So watch the video, be informed and inspired to get involved with GX!

Emagazine just published an article announcing last weeks release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) document corroborating the facts that greenhouse gas emissions cause health problems to humans. As stated in the article by Vickie Patton of the Environmental Defense, “This is a long-awaited EPA analysis that has been kept under wraps by the White House. It’s of critical importance because it looks at the

Source: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

extensive body of science demonstrating that global warming threatens Americans’ health and well-being.”

My first reaction to this was a mixture of sarcasm and giddy laughter. Come on now, how is this groundbreaking news that the federal government is finally ‘acknowledging’ an issue that the American public and global communities have ‘realized’ long ago? I tend to desensitize and find the humor in situations, as my adjusted response over the years to disappointing circumstances and discouraging actions of American leaders. But, behind the humor is an underlying sense of hope and feeling that things are really changing in the United States. Maybe it’s due to the fact President Bush is leaving office soon - or maybe Al Gore’s rigorous climate change campaign has finally made a dent in the most obtuse of subjects - well, for whatever reason that the federal government is exhibiting ‘change’ clearly reflects an encouraging possibility that the tides are changing for environmentalism in the United States. How much more effective it will be if the federal government supports the American community and local organizations in OUR efforts.

Plan!t Now! What does that mean, to ‘plan’? To empower communities…to work together…to prepare…to use our intelligence and not make the same ‘mistakes’ twice. Well, according to the outlook of one organization, Plan!t Now, planning is “being an advocate for the power of preparedness, focused on empowering people to develop their own solutions. But, the challenge is not only to create tools and resources for public preparedness, it’s creating a sense of urgency for preparedness itself.”

Formerly known as the Grenada Relief Fund, this organization was founded in 2004 by actor Morgan Freeman. After the 2004 Hurricane Ivan plummeted and devastated the Caribbean island of Grenada, Mr. Freeman and his small group provided recovery assistance and spread the word of Grenada’s severe dilemma to the international community. As the result of collaborative efforts, Grenada became a prime example of how to successfully recover from severe storm and hurricane disasters.

Since then, Plan!t Now has spread it’s work to regions along the Gulf Coast of the United States and throughout the Caribbean.  According to scientific predictions, increasing numbers of hurricanes and tropical storms will occur in the future designating this as an URGENT issue. With proper planning and improving the environmental quality of coastal regions, we do not have to experience the same atrocities as Hurricane Ivan in Grenada or Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. If you want to help but not sure how, contact Plan!t Now or their campaign partner, the Sierra Club! People say ‘you can make a difference’ for a reason.

What causes people to change their actions or state of impassiveness? Well, if nothing else, we change when circumstances are forced upon us. For example, let’s take a look at the unceasing rise in gas prices from a more personal point of view. When I moved to San Francisco in 2002, the cost of gas was slowly rising even at that time. As the price per gallon reached $1.89, we were astounded that it would soon surpass the $2.00 mark! Ironically, today that $2 mark doesn’t seem such a hefty amount after-all.

As noted throughout the world, the rise in gas is not a condition experienced only by Americans. After living in the UK for a year and spending some time in the Caribbean, Africa and South Pacific regions, I saw firsthand the inflation of gas and issues occurring as a result of this imbalance. When I returned to San Francisco, I was greeted with an astronomical sight and gas is now exceeding $4.50 per gallon!

Well, what do we do about it? After we dish out $75 to fill up our tank and complain about it in the process, we go about our business in a sullen mood.  The rise in gas has only added to the financial stress of daily life and business, making the situation appear out of control and future outlook bleak of only getting worse. Recent findings of the CSI/CLEAN survey corroborate the fact that 74% of Americans are ‘angry’ about the rise in gas prices. As a result of this dreadful situation, 85% of Americans are now strongly in favor of a national clean energy strategy. We are now all aware that by supporting clean energy policies, not only do gas-alternatives surface but the climate change crisis is addressed in a more proactive manner.

Endless statistics and reports are available indicating evidence that alternative energy sources provide tangible solutions. However, this post is merely food for thought and to instill a bit of hope in citizens. As Americans are forced to become aware of the circumstances, we can also acknowledge that solutions are available. We don’t have to ‘accept’ any situation that we don’t want to experience. The technology, services and providers exist so we don’t have to be reliant on gasoline anymore. We CAN buy cars that operate on alternative sources of energy. We CAN travel with airlines who foster sustainable tourism and can offset our emissions. We CAN increase workplace and home efficiency, by decreasing emissions and implementing more sustainable applications. We CAN improve our health by biking, walking and carpooling. The amount that we CAN do grows everyday, so feel empowered to make simple steps to change your life and the world for the better. And if you don’t know what to do, you can always ask!

Health care, employment, war on Iraq, housing crisis, the looming threat of recession - all are serious issues that the next U.S. President has to remediate. As if the list is not long enough, climate change and tourism emissions must be added to top it off. Which Presidential candidate can tackle this daunting challenge?

Know More

Setting aside personal viewpoints of political affiliations, the inherent need to address climate change is a topic of primary concern for this 2008 presidential election. Although the United States is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the country has lagged behind the international community in mitigating these impacts. The Pew Center on Global Climate Change reports that the U.S. accounts for approximately 25 per cent of global emissions. The effects of these emissions are prevalent from the South Pacific to the Polar Regions. To address this issue, a global agreement to reduce emissions was adopted in 1997 and implemented in 2005. Considered the most comprehensive international climate change accord, the Kyoto Protocol set emission reduction targets and was ratified by the majority of signatory countries. However, the Unites States denied the sanction, further hindering the success of mitigating global warming.

Regardless of the politics surrounding this issue, a growing concern for the plight of planet Earth has permeated throughout American communities. Many Americans are aware that the next U.S. President must address the country’s impact on climate change just as much as improving health care or other issues. The Earthlab Poll allows the public to provide their opinion whether “a presidential candidates’ views on global warming affects how citizens vote for them.” Out of the 47,217 responses received as of February 8, an overwhelming amount of 83% indicated yes, followed by 10% maybe and 7% no. The indication can not be more evident, that the majority of American citizens are concerned about global warming and want the next President to actively tackle this issue.

In order to effectively reduce emissions, it is vital that the candidates include mitigating tourism emissions in environmental policies. As the world’s largest industry, our leisure and business travel poses serious threats to the global warming epidemic. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicates that current transportation levels are responsible for more than 60% of air travel and a large share of greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions. According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the year 2007 demonstrated unprecedented growth with the number of international arrivals reaching approximately 900 million an increase of 6% from 2006. In 2006, the USA exhibited over 51 million in inbound arrivals and 30 million in outbound travel.

So what are the environmental viewpoints of the Presidential candidates? The League of Conservation Voters provides information about each candidate’s stance on global warming. Check it out for yourself and make your own conclusions, on who will best redirect the United States from the status as guilty emissions emitter to a leader in sustainability. Keep in mind what proposed methods will decrease tourism emissions most effectively.

My Know How:

In my opinion, the vast majority of Americans are ready for a change. The past 8 years have left many of us in a tumultuous cloud of uncertainty, disappointment, outrage, embarrassment and lack of faith in the decisions made by our leaders. The transition of passing the Presidential torch is always a time of hope or on the contrary, apprehension. Currently, so many issues are affecting the daily lives of American citizens that we hope the next President will transform society for the wellbeing of the citizens. Additionally, the wellbeing of the world is dependent on the actions this country takes in many areas, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The United States has the capacity to relinquish consumptive habits and excel in sustainability. The major requisite is the action from a leader who acknowledges environmental policy, clean energy and climate change as crucial concerns.

What if knowing your carbon footprint could be as easy as understanding your financial life? With free and easy access to resources (such as bank statements, online banking and Web 2.0 tools like Mint.com), our financial decisions are more informed, but what about our environmental choices? In many ways your environmental impact is just as critical as your finances. It affects your way of life, future, local economy, health, taxes and much more. If someone asked you to describe your carbon footprint, the last thing you would do is check the soles of your feet. In some ways, that’s what we’re forced to do. Not because we’re ignorant - we just haven’t been given the proper tools! With all the advances in information technology and the proliferation of social media, this information should be universally accessible.

Starting this Tuesday, Toronto is setting an example for cities worldwide by launching Zerofootprint.net. This project empowers Toronto residents with web tools to help measure and understand the impact their lifestyles have on the environment. Canada’s largest city made this project a reality by fusing the environmental know-how of Zerofootprint and the technology / business intelligence of Business Objects. While analytics and environmental insight are great, the real potential for this project is in the social networking features. Residents can quickly identify carbon myths, share them with neighbors and contribute to a community wide initiative to combat climate change.

Leading cities and residents around the world should take note. According to Toronto Zerofootprint homepage “Zerofootprint Toronto aims to be the model for other communities. To demonstrate the influential role of cities in achieving climate goals, Mayor David Miller has challenged his peers at the Large Cities Climate Initiative in New York to also Zerofootprint their cities. The underlying vision is to aggregate results of all participating cities, create joint initiatives, measure their achievements, and celebrate their successes. By joining forces, cities can have as much impact on the environment as an entire country.” Here in San Francisco we’re flooded with Internet startups and city initiatives like AlertSF. Maybe we should be paying attention to what our Canadian neighbors are doing and start implementing technology for sustainability.