48 hours to go...

I'm packing frantically, and even packed a can of yams to open on Thanksgiving. Hopefully Argentina's customs officers will go easy on me...it's a big can. It's been a crazy week, but hopefully I'll have some time on Friday to write about the debate I attended last night called "Copenhagen & Beyond: A Multilateral Debate about Climate Change Policy" at the Japan Society. Really interesting...

In the meantime, be sure to bookmark, follow or subscribe to this blog!

Jeans vs. The Planet

As the news comes in that a firm global treaty is less and less likely to be signed at Copenhagen in December, I'm reminded of this video that was featured at "The Age of Stupid" premiere in September. If only the world leaders could be bold enough and brave enough to actually lead. It still shocks me that people are so passionately opposed to the government investing in alternative energy and individuals spending a little too...like $150 a year per US household (just one of the many similar figures thrown out there - some are more, some are less). That's a pair of designer jeans!! And studies from all over the world (example: a recent TD Bank-funded study in Canada called "Climate Leadership, Economic Prosperity") detail how investing now can offer a better standard of living and create more jobs for the future. Not to mention how more renewable energy solutions would reduce our dependence on foreign oil. How can the world's leaders be so short-sighted...and so afraid to acknowledge that climate change is THE global issue of our time?

Personally, I'd rather buy a long and comfortable future for my generation's grand-kids than a few new pairs of jeans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FVYUTr61rc

My Formidable Opponent

Stephen Colbert vs. Stephen Colbert in another hilarious debate.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/255173/november-04-2009/formidable-opponent---global-warming-with-al-gore

Heading south soon...too soon?

This one's for those of you who have asked how my ship will be able to reach Antarctica this early in the summer season. Here's your answer...warmer water =  faster pack ice melt & more rapidly calving ice shelves.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/11/ice-loss-antarctic-peninsula-unprecendented-14000-years.php

Countdown....7 days!

The Countdown Begins

TEN DAYS until I leave for Antarctica! With all of the 350.org excitement, combined with Robert's book launch (have you bought it yet?), I am only now getting my head around all the preparations for the journey south. This post will test my ability to sent blog entries via e-mail, so l can keep you all updated for as long as I can before disappearing off the edge of the world without any way to communicate.

Recap of the 350.org Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Saturday was a magnificent day. The International Day of Climate Action began in New Zealand at sunrise, and continued to fan out all over the globe. At the end of the day, 350.org reported that over 5200 actions in 181 countries had taken place, and we became the top story on Google News, CNN, and many other news outlets on Saturday night. Here's a re-cap of how I spent the day...

At 11:30am on Saturday, October 24th, a crowd started to gather near the Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge. It was relatively mild in temperature, but the rain was on and off and I was afraid that it would turn off people from coming out to march. And then they came...and kept coming, until I lost count. Among those gathered was Robert Swan and others from my first expedition to Antarctica, many friends, and even my mom, who was visiting from Oregon. Somehow, in the midst of the chaos, I found myself next to Robert and being given a banner to hold. Turns out we would be leading the throng of several hundred across the bridge! We started out in some light rain, and after about an hour, reached the other side and continued to the DUMBO park. Robert gave an inspiring speech to the cheering crowd and then we headed off to our next stop...Times Square.

Approaching Times Square, it began to rain again, and as we got close to the center we started to see dozens of blue and white 350 signs dotting the plaza. The celebration began at 3:50pm when music played, people danced, and pictures that had been sent from around the world were were shown on four big screens overhead. At one point I looked up and saw a picture of myself leading the Bridge Walk earlier in the day. Bill McKibbon, the founder of 350.org spoke, then introduced 3 other leaders in the movement, including Robert Swan. Once again Robert inspired the crowd, announcing his upcoming "Return Journey", where he will make another polar walk, this time without the use of any fossil fuels.

It was a magnificent day, filled with hope and enthusiasm, but what struck me as truly remarkable was the way people from all over the world came together to support a common cause. There were no religious or political divides with those involved, only concerned citizens of the world. That should speak pretty loudly to decision makers...it's not often that citizens from warring nations can come together and agree whole-heartedly on something. They did on Saturday.

Check out some pics and video here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/26/350-protests-in-new-york_n_334051.html

WOW, talk about action...

It's amazing what can happen in a week. Since my post on October 14th, the International Day of Climate Action has nearly doubled in size to over 4300 actions in 171 countries, and the buzz is EVERYWHERE! To find a common cause that brings together people from nations at war with each other is rare and precious, and to see how fiercely determined young people are to spread this message is inspiring. There are over 300 events planned across China alone...that is mind-boggling.

Please join me in experiencing this special day. Wherever you are.

And New Yorkers...I'll see you on the Brooklyn Bridge!