'Save our planet' day is an attempt to kick start effective
action. This is done by giving
the general public, in as many countries as possible, the
chance to go somewhere locally to receive the relevant information.
This information is already available from many sources, but
by making it conveniently presented nearby at easily recognised
places, on a set date means we may be able to inform and inspire,
in a way not achieved before. Only by bringing the
general public onboard can we hope to get the global response
necessary to enable our survival.
At present we are in
the process of contacting many organisations from many different
fields to sign up to support the day. To engage the emotional
element, we have started with the conservation groups, zoos,
wildlife trusts and the media assocated with them. NGOs, political
groups and faith groups will follow. The local groups within
these will be encouraged to make it fun and relevant to the
local area. It is hoped community centres, libraries, church
halls will be made available for information distribution
by these groups, since it is in their interest and to their
benefit that the intention of the day suceeds. Most faiths
teach that we should look after and respect the planet. Most
Councils will wish to be able to make the changes necessary
to tackle climate change in the most efficient manner and
this day should be able to help them do that. Additional item
specific distribution venues such as leisure centres and estate
agents will be included, e.g.in the latter case, for information
on house related items and services.
Every year, for at least the next 5 years, there will be cordinated events when traffic lights themselves
will be used as individual local distribution points, on the
day in leaflet form from participants, between 12.00 noon
and 1.00 p.m. Those that will be attended on the day will
be 'marked' with green and white ribbons placed a few days
before, so that the public will know where they can go locally.
The distributors at the lights will also be able to inform
people which local community centres have additional means
of information on the day, if those people have not been able
to find out through the media. We hope this explains
a little about what is trying to be achieved by the organisation.
'Traffic lights for peace', designed to highlight the link between many of the worlds
problems, started the ball rolling for Save Our Planet Day. Things such as war, poverty, injustice, third World
debt and climate change. Many of these are inter-related and
the need to link for a super grouping has never been achieved
thus far. One reason for this is probably the array of different
aims which sometimes conflict with each other. To get around
this 'Traffic lights for peace' uses a neutral already existing
object that is found worldwide to convey a basic message that
all these groups could adhere to. To be at peace with each
other and in harmony with the planet that supports us, is
the message conveyed in the form of the globally disributed
traffic light, which is deemed to represent:(red light) STOP
WAR, (amber light) CHANGE TO, (green light) a GREEN PLANET.
To be true to its aims
it exists using the smallest possible amount of the Earth's
resources.It is therefore web based. It is also uniquely non-financial.
This allows it to be none threatening to any other organisation
or grouping, for it is not attempting to replace or usurp
any that exist already. This stance, though, does lead to
difficulties since we are dependant totally on our members
to provide the meagre resources we need to exist. This does
mean that we try to function on virtually nothing and so are
true to our environmental aim. We will never ask for money
and our services are offered free to all that seek a peaceful,
just and harmonious world.
Our present major concern is that of global warming and the
impending climatic catastrophe if humanity doesnt change its
power hungry, profit driven ways. We could go into details
about the reasons for man-induced global warming and the likely
cosequences if we dont change, but you should have heard and
seen most of that before. There is an expanding environmental
movement due to a growing awareness of our predicament. However,
there are many powerful forces that for short term self interest,
seek to keep the majority under informed. Reversal of CO2 emissions
and environmental damage cannot happen overnight, but if we
dont act effectively soon, it will be too late. There is a
'tipping point' of no return that many now consider to be
a rise of 2 degrees C in the average global temperature. At
the present rate of damage we are doing and the CO2 emission
rises, that point will be reached at 2030.
After this point feedback systems kick in and natural buffering
processes fail, so warming spirals out of control and mass
extinction will occur. To achieve the necessary
reductions in CO2 emissions will require changes on a micro
(individual) and macro (industrial) level. Individuals will
need to know how to reduce and why. To compliment those changes,
to make them fairer and to get industry to comply, will require
legislation. This is also a problem that needs to be solved
on a global scale, since we all share the same atmosphere!The
solution requires all to join in and for our world leaders
and decision makers to respond and act. A unifying means that
can be easily recognised globally, yet is neutral is needed.
The proposed symbolic message of the traffic lights and their
use as an already available, unifying, globally disrtibuted
symbol, is suggested as the means to bring about concerted
effective action.
We also hope that you,the reader and any others that you know
of, whom may be interested, will join up and help organise
this voluntary project. It is free membership! and you do
as little or as much as your resources and time allow.
Thanks and help 'Save
our planet' by joining our band of members.
