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Biodiversity: The Cornerstone of Life on Earth – And How You Can Help Protect It
When you hear the word biodiversity, what comes to mind? Maybe bees buzzing in a summer garden, forests teeming with birdsong, or coral reefs alive with color. But biodiversity is far more than beauty and wonder—it is the very foundation that supports life on Earth, including our own. From the air we breathe and the food we eat, to the water we drink and the climate we depend on—biodiversity sustains it all. Yet today, we face a crisis: biodiversity loss is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. One million species are at risk of extinction. This threat is so severe, the United Nations has named biodiversity loss one of the three interconnected components of the Triple Planetary Crisis, alongside climate change and pollution. Why Biodiversity Matters Biodiversity is not just about the number of species—it’s about the relationships between them and how they support ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems purify air and water, regulate climate, recycle nutrients, and pollinate crops. They form...
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On the Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship: Camp Kawartha’s free curriculum
By Jacob Rodenburg, Executive Director, Camp Kawartha Stewardship Education Peterborough, Ontario, September 2024: Simon Ogunda, a Kenyan youth worker, once posed a profound question: “Instead of asking what kind of world we are leaving for our children, we should ask...
How ESRAG applied the 4-way test to their banking, and how you can, too!
by Larry Hands and Rob Sisson Ethical banking practices: Using your money to support your values Banks lend out the money you deposit to other people (which you’ll know if you’ve seen “It’s a Wonderful Life!”). Some banks lend it to businesses which might not be so...
Choose small acts for big impact: Your diet affects every SDG
By Dawn A. Byford ESRAG Plant-Rich Diet Task Force Co-Chair September, 2024 Empowering Global Change: How Small Actions Support the SDGs and Climate Solutions Ever wonder how far-reaching your environmental actions truly can be? When I first joined Rotary, my focus...
Inspiring Youth Leadership: ESRAG Director Named Prestigious 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow
By Cinderella Ndlovu 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow for Youth Climate Action We're thrilled to report that newly-elected ESRAG Director Cinderella Ndlovu is one of only 42 young leaders from Zimbabwe chosen to be a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow in the United States....
Join Our Team! Marketing Team Coordinator Volunteer
Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a positive impact on the world? Would you enjoy working with our marketing and web team to: Create and carry out global marketing campaigns with measurable results? Support the team’s weekly meeting logistics...
Why Community Action for Freshwater is Critical: Key Insights and an Inspiring Case from India
by Dr. Mina Venkataraman, ESRAG lead for Community Action for Fresh Water Urgent Call for Action: How Rotary’s Global Network is Protecting Freshwater Resources Amid Climate Crisis Community Action for Freshwater (CAFW), Rotary's new partnership with the United...
Master the Four-Way Test for Plastic Solutions
By Ariel Miller, ESRAG Newsletter Editor Finding a Path to Plastic Solutions Shining the Four Way Test as a surgical light, ESRAG's Plastics Solutions Task Force is illuminating ways for the family of Rotary to act most effectively to reduce the world's massive...
Tiny solar lamps spotlight the urgency of energy transition
by Ariel Miller, ESRAG Newsletter Editor Solar Light Campaign striving to Leave Noone Behind Buffalo, NY, September, 2024: Founded by American Rotarian Sarah Baird, a small nonprofit is leveraging $15 solar lights into a campaign to convince global stakeholders to...
Happy 10th Anniversary ESRAG!
Introduction by Laurie Zuckerman Celebrating ESRAG's major milestones this Anniversary! The following article, “A Brief History of ESRAG” by Karen Kendrick-Hands and Paul Riehmann Have you ever looked at a child and wondered, “What is the world going to be like when...
A Brief History of ESRAG
By Karen Kendrick-Hands and Paul Riehemann ESRAG's journey Paul Riehemann, Past President, and Karen Kendrick-Hands, Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin, U.S., District 6250, co-founded the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), a journey that began...
Protect Your Family from Wildfires Smoke: How to Build Effective DIY Home Air Filters
by Ariel Miller, ESRAG reporter Wildfires season causing public health crisis September, 2024 - The terrifying expansion of wildfires and wildfire season is a fast-growing public health crisis. The Yale Center for Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) has published...
The Road to RICON 2025: call for volunteers!
Calgary – June 18-25, 2025 By Karen Kendrick-Hands, ESRAG RICON 2025 Coordinator, ESRAG Co-founder, and Past Director Calling all Volunteers! The 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary is later than usual - June 18-25, 2025 - because our Canadian hosts are...
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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