Earth Day Lessons that Last

Earth Day's best lesson is to plan to build awareness that lasts year round. A fine example is that shown by President Clinton, when the William J. Clinton Foundation gave birth to it's Climate Initiative. In 2006 it jumped in feet first with a feisty approach; tackling Government and big business head-on.

By going right to the top, the program's aim is to encourage world industry leaders to incorporate realistic strategies to reduce greenhouse emissions. At the former President's prompting, a group of world leaders came together to form the C40 Large Cities Climate Initiative Group. This prestigious group comprises of city and business officials from 45 cities across the world. It has successfully brainstormed several rescue strategies to date. These ideas have to be practical solutions in order to be put into place as there is much cost involved where any change is concerned. On a larger scale is even more difficult. Since most of the world's population lives in larger cities, and these cities consume ¾ of the world's energy, it only makes sense that any possibility of reversing the damage must start right here at the heart of the problem.

One of the first programs launched by the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) was the Energy Efficient Building Retrofit Program. The goal is obvious. To bring large cities, energy companies and financial sources together. Reduce the cost of converting public facilities, including schools into more environmentally friendly establishments. Not only will this save cities millions of dollars, it will also conserve energy and reduce dangerous emissions. Sixteen cities from across the world have already been selected for the new retrofit.

Groundwork is also being done to offer incentive to private companies and home owners to follow suit. We already have substantial tax rebates for utilizing energy efficient building practices. This is exactly what the public need wants and needs. Cash incentives to refit our homes with green technology will see a huge decline in the use of non renewable energy sources. Even the purchase of one Eco-friendly light bulb each week at a mere $3 - $7 is a huge step to not only saving money, but also securing the future of our planet. One small change multiplied by millions of homes can have a substantial impact. Call your electric company and see what they have to offer you. A small monthly payment plan may allow you to make a change by installing a more efficient water heater.

It is pleasing to see that with Earth Day's 2008 arrival, many of our great leaders are doing what they do best, setting a fine example for the rest of the world to follow. What steps are your local government and business taking to help conserve energy and reduce global warming? Find out by contacting your Chamber Of Commerce. By reducing the damage done by our own individual footprints on this Earth, we can collectively make drastic positive change.

Source:

William J Clinton Foundation

Clinton Climate Initiative

http://www.clintonfoundation.org

World Chambers Of Commerce

http://www.chamberfind.com/