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Happy 120 Working Anniversary!
On February 23, 1905, the first Rotary meeting took place. Imagine the immense good we’ve accomplished since then—the countless communities that have benefited, from Rotary’s first comfort station (a public toilet in Chicago) to today’s Programs of Scale. Think of the millions who now live healthier lives thanks to polio vaccines, the hours of service, the generous donations, and the lifelong relationships built along the way. As a member of a four-generation Rotary family, this legacy resonates deeply with me. Yet, all our efforts are now at risk from the Triple Planetary Crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. How could these environmental challenges threaten everything we’ve worked so hard to achieve? The earth provides the water and air essential for life and is foundational to Rotary’s causes like water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Clean water is critical to preventing disease and protecting mothers and children. Healthy children can attend school,...
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Lebanese Rotarians racing to reforest
Lebanese Rotarians are racing to qualify for a global grant to plant a cedar forest on dessicated land on the slopes of Mount Lebanon this fall. The project will protect the region’s priceless biodiversity and boost eco-tourism. Called Arztak Hawytak (“Your Cedar, Your Stamp”), it is rooted in love for their country and hope for its recovery from violence, disaster, and diaspora.
Kenyan Students Shine in Climate Innovation Challenge
Kenyan students from elementary through high school rejoiced in May to learn they had won awards in the international Climate Innovation Challenge for their films about environmental action. The contest draws over 10,000 students a year. Kenyan environmental educator and Rotarian Mercy Wambui helps African teachers launch the curriculum on climate change, critical thinking skills, and effective environmental video storytelling.
ESRAG’s Annual General Meeting
Dr Rebecca Hartley keynotes ESRAG’s Annual Meeting about how to talk about climate change to inspire action in time to make a difference.
Exotics versus Indigenous Trees
A Kenyan environmentalist contrasts the incredible wealth of Africa’s indigenous herbs, plants, and trees with the havoc caused to soil, water, and air quality by cash crop monoculture of imported trees.
Solar Saving Lives in Ghana
How RC Accra-Spintex and RC Rochester Michigan teamed up to provide solar power to a remote clinic, improving the quality of care and work and living conditions for clinical staff, increasing their willingness to continue to serve.
Simposio Latinoamericano de Medio Ambiente
Simposio Latinoamericano de Medio Ambiente June 5-6 for World Environment Day hybrid for the first time! After the great experience of the World Environment Conference organized by ESRAG’s Latin American (LATAM) Chapter in 2021 on Zoom, we decided to have our own...
Teaching Climate Action in Türkiye
By SAFAK OZSOY Less than a month after the cataclysmic earthquakes of Feb. 6 – in the midst of organizing emergency shelter, health care, and other essential services to survivors - the Rotarians of District 2420 went ahead to hold a conference on climate action....
Plant-Rich Diet Challenge Catching On!
By Kris Cameron, Confluence Rotary Club, Wenatchee, WA, USA Project Drawdown lists plant-rich diets as the climate solution with the second highest global potential to reduce heat-trapping gases in our atmosphere. The ESRAG Plant Rich Diet Task Force has recently...
Imagine Low-Carbon Energy Security
Climate change compelled Canadian Joey O’Brien to sell his family ski resort. He dove into sustainability, and shares good news: carbon-neutral diesel and reliable green electricity are not only feasible, but fast expanding in Canada.
Rotarians Reviving Flooded Villages
Pakistani Rotarians’ Smart Village exemplify climate action best practices, combining communities’ traditional skills with new technology to build resilience, health, and vibrant economic development.
Launch Your Climate Action!
The UN and OECD are pleading with the world to accelerate climate action and funding. Rotary can get swift, effective aid to where it’s needed most. This article connects you to ESRAG’s free technical assistance and fast-growing library of online toolkits, talks, and articles on field-tested projects.
What the Heck is a Carbon Market?
By Joey O'Brien Is the carbon market real? Take a look at this map identifying current actors in the voluntary carbon market. If you have not been inundated with information about carbon credits or offsets, you might have found the perfect rock to hide under. But for...
ESRAG Podcast: Climate Conversations
Welcome to the ESRAG Podcast, your go-to source for all things related to the Environment and Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG). Join us as we explore innovative solutions, inspiring stories, and actionable insights from Rotarians and experts dedicated to creating a sustainable future. Each episode delves into topics such as climate change, renewable energy, biodiversity, and community-driven environmental initiatives. Whether you’re a seasoned environmental advocate or new to the field, our podcast offers valuable information and motivation to help you make a positive impact. Tune in and be part of the global movement for a greener, healthier planet with ESRAG.
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