During the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) posted an online survey asking Rotarians where the organisation is with climate change. Here is a flavour of the replies:
“Rotary will use its position in the community to bring pressure within on businesses and commercial organisations to encourage and support them adopting more environmentally-friendly energy use, manufacturing processes, waste management/minimisation and packaging arrangements.”
“Work towards a sustainable environment with clean rivers and healthy life.”
Rotary is in a unique position in that its members form an extensive network of 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries.”
“Rotary commits itself to planting 5 million trees annually for the next 10 years.”
“Rotary and Rotarians worldwide commit themselves to being carbon neutral by 2030 (or 2040 if the first date is felt to be too ambitious).”
“If every Rotarian starts taking action with small steps we can encourage others to join in with their small steps and make the journey together therefore enabling the actions to grow into larger ones from which everyone will benefit.”
“We all must all unite to take sensible actions to bring about positive change. Promote a plant-rich diet.”
“Rotary commits itself to planting 5 million trees annually for the next 10 years.”
“That a measured approach should be adopted which has regard to the economic consequences of introducing restrictions on the way we currently live. That the over-zealous actions of extremists such as Extinction Rebellion should not be humoured.”
“Rotary cares. Helping to replant tropical mangroves forests and plant native pollination systems gardens to conserve biodiversity.”
“I would like for Rotary to urge the world to shift to plant-rich diets today as the most powerful step an individual can take starting right now to save the planet.”
“There is no question that time is running out in saving the world from climate change and Rotary should be a leader in giving the message out to everyone.”
Rotary could be a catalyst in leadership for reducing emissions.”
“That Rotary inspires, networks and advocates for a sustainable world and has an ability to engage in environmental projects that make a difference around the world.”
“That the Climate Emergency is real and a huge worldwide Humanitarian Emergency that we Rotarians must take action now to reverse. The Rotary Foundation should announce that it is divesting in fossil fuel investments by 2025.”
“Rotary is all about the global network of individuals willing to give back – let’s lead in offering to give back by changing our consumption habits, and shine a light on how consumption impacts each of our carbon footprints”
“Rotary is in a unique position in that its members form an extensive network of 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and is ideally placed to realise climate action on the ground within the communities. No other organisation in the world has such a network of dedicated individuals.”
“We all must all unite to take sensible actions to bring about positive change. Promote a plant-rich diet.”
“The message I think should be delivered by Rotary is the urgency at which the world should migrate from fossil fuel energy to renewable energy sources.”
“Rotary could be a catalyst in leadership for reducing emissions.”
“Leveraging the power of Rotary to address environmental challenges worldwide.”
“Given Rotary’s international network of leaders and history of tackling polio, we could play a key role in pushing for climate action and climate justice.”
“That Rotary will actively work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support good forces in communities that want to drive sustainable development.”
