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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