The world is in trouble. A new report on Climate Change came out this week, and it paints a grim picture of what is happening to our planet. According to scientists, Climate Change is: 1) already taking place; 2) mostly man-made; and 3) expected to get dramatically worse unless we take action right away. The report warned that failure to seriously address Climate Change would trigger – major food shortages – devastating floods – increased wildfires – widespread extinction of plant and animal life. The news is daunting…and the evidence is voluminous. “Science has spoken,” said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. “There is no ambiguity in the message. Leaders must act. Time is not on our side.” (For more on the report click here – http://nyti.ms/1s8Jmtw) It’s hard to read the report and not feel pessimistic. To date, the track record of world leaders in acting on this issue has not been encouraging. So far, there have been little more than baby steps and empty promises. It is easy to feel overwhelmed. Still, there is reason to hope. Despite all the negative news, there are important positive developments taking place as well. In countries and communities around the world, private individuals are taking action, businesses are developing new technologies, environmental groups are forming new strategies, and financial trends are starting to favor sustainable energy. On an individual level, people are planting trees, recycling resources, conserving energy, and switching to economical cars in greater numbers. In the business world, start-up companies are exploring various new energy sources, including tidal-motion, algae-based bio-fuels, hydrogen fuel cells, and “nano-diesel”. Environmentalists are also exploring new ideas, including a fossil fuel divestment strategy (now taking off internationally), and an environmental “Marshall Plan.” Finally, market developments are starting to favor some alternative energy sources. For instance, over the past 5 years, the cost of solar panels has fallen a stunning 80%. And wind power is now cheaper than coal, nuclear, and natural gas, according to recent European study. These and other developments offer some hope. And then there are the actions of certain remarkable individuals to consider. With their extraordinary achievements, they remind us that our choices DO matter and that positive change IS still possible. Three Role Models Here is a quick overview of three people who are working hard to combat Climate Change. Each one utilizes a different approach, but all three are having a real and measurable impact. First, there is Izabella Teixeira, a Brazilian state official who demonstrates how effective governments can be when they use their power to protect – rather than exploit – natural resources. As an official at the government’s environmental agency, Teixeira was determined to reverse the destruction of the Brazilian rainforest – one of the most important natural environments in the world. (In an average year, the Amazon rainforest absorbs around 2.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.) With her aggressive regulation and enforcement, Teixeira was able to reduce deforestation in Brazil by an incredible 84% over the course of 8 years (2004-2012). As noted by the United Nations, “this remarkable feat is a tribute to her courage to push against the tide of destruction.” Through innovative land-use policies, she was also able to set aside 250,000 sq km as conservation areas, dramatically increasing the global supply of protected forest areas. Next, let’s consider William McDonough, a cutting-edge designer and architect who is out to revolutionize the way we build things in the modern world. When McDonough takes on a project, his goal is to make it as energy efficient, sustainable, and Earth-friendly as possible – using only recyclable materials and energy from renewable sources. McDonough is currently working on a ground-breaking urban development project in the Netherlands that will not only be carbon neutral – it will actually produce more energy than it consumes. The development, called “Park 2020”, will include photovoltaic surfaces, a solar-aquatic waste treatment facility, rooftop farms, and a grey-water recycling system. Gas produced by the treatment of human waste will be used to spin turbines and produce electricity, while heat generated from the turbines will be used to heat hot water. Nothing will be wasted. When completed, the development will be like nothing else in the world. McDonough’s example demonstrates that the private sector can be a powerful part of the climate solution. Businesses can make money and be good stewards of the Earth at the same time. Likewise, as a society, we can not only consume less energy, we can actual build in ways that make the world better for ourselves and future generations. Finally, there is the Pre sident of Mongolia – Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj – a larger than life figure whose accomplishments seem almost to defy belief. Since 1990, he has helped to transform his country from an authoritarian Communist regime into a free and open democratic society with a vibrant free market. During his career in politics, he has taken on government corruption, initiated judicial reform, liberalized the economy, and aggressively advanced women’s rights and environmental protection. Since Elbegdorj was elected president in 2009, he has passed laws to reduce air pollution, invested in clean energy technologies, and initiated a public-private collaboration to protect Mongolia’s scarce water supply. Elbegdorj has also initiated a nationwide tree-planting day, when people all across Mongolia plant new trees to protect the soil, combat desertification, and address climate change. Every year, an estimated 2 million trees are planted throughout Mongolia. Elbegdorj exemplifies what can be accomplished with bold leadership and innovative thinking. Conclusion In the end, there is no one approach or solution that is going to help save the planet. It will likely be a combination of innovative ideas from various sectors, countries, and people. The bottom line is that change is possible. It all comes down to the choices we make. It’s not too late. There is still reason to hope. Let us use these role models as our inspiration. And let us work together to save the Earth.

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