The Sustainability Trust is a global project by participating Rotary Clubs around the world.
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Our Responsibilities as Rotarians:
The average person living today needs the resources of 1.4 planet Earths to support our life-style. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) 2006 Living Planet Report estimated that by 2050, this demand will rise 50%. Many of us today have lifestyles that require the resources of four planet Earths. This is not sustainable.
Learn the Truth:
As business people and community leaders, we should learn about these issues, treat them professionally, accept the majority scientific viewpoint and take action to reduce the impact through our Rotary and business activities.
The Four-Way Test:
The Trustees believe it is the personal responsibility of each Rotarian to treat our planet, it’s changing climate, the scientific evidence and its resources in accordance with Rotary’s 4-Way Test.Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and better Friendships?
Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
To which we can now add a fifth Test – “Is it Sustainable?”
Definition of Sustainability:
The most frequently used definition of Sustainability comes from the Brundtland Commission Report, which states: "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
Understand the Issues:
We have a duty to our families, our fellow Rotarians, our communities, our descendants and each other to understand the vital challenge of creating a sustainable planet Earth. We should aim to reduce our dependence on carbon-based energy sources and do everything possible to decelerate the warming trends arising from climate change. We should aim for sustainability in everything we do, including our Rotary projects.
As Rotary Clubs we should accept the challenge to:Learn more about reducing energy use, and pass this on to our communities.
Show people how reducing carbon usage also saves them money.
Create relevant, sustainable, humanitarian projects that are carbon-neutral.
Devise at least one Club project that cuts the carbon emissions reaching the atmosphere, or removes them once there.
Educate: Every Rotary Club should invite relevant speakers in order to educate members about:
The impact of carbon-based fuel emissions on our planet Earth
Reducing our use of carbon-based fuels
How energy-saving projects will save businesses money
Creating energy efficient buildings
Local energy-reduction projects
Grants to help low income families reduce their energy use etc.
Donate to a Rotary Project:
Where we cannot avoid activities that emit carbon dioxide - such as a flight - we should donate to a Rotary project that removes an equal amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. This can be done via this website for air and car travel and domestic energy use.
The Sustainability Trust – Rotarians for Sustainability & Carbon Reduction - aims to be a forum for 1.2 million Rotarians around the world to share ideas on education, projects, advice and fundraising, using the principles outlined in this website. You can help by sending us ideas from your Club and District. And by connecting your Club to the Trust by clicking on the red button at the bottom of the Home Page.
The average person living today needs the resources of 1.4 planet Earths to support our life-style. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) 2006 Living Planet Report estimated that by 2050, this demand will rise 50%. Many of us today have lifestyles that require the resources of four planet Earths. This is not sustainable.
Learn the Truth:
As business people and community leaders, we should learn about these issues, treat them professionally, accept the majority scientific viewpoint and take action to reduce the impact through our Rotary and business activities.
The Four-Way Test:
The Trustees believe it is the personal responsibility of each Rotarian to treat our planet, it’s changing climate, the scientific evidence and its resources in accordance with Rotary’s 4-Way Test.
Definition of Sustainability:
The most frequently used definition of Sustainability comes from the Brundtland Commission Report, which states: "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
Understand the Issues:
We have a duty to our families, our fellow Rotarians, our communities, our descendants and each other to understand the vital challenge of creating a sustainable planet Earth. We should aim to reduce our dependence on carbon-based energy sources and do everything possible to decelerate the warming trends arising from climate change. We should aim for sustainability in everything we do, including our Rotary projects.
As Rotary Clubs we should accept the challenge to:
Educate:
Donate to a Rotary Project:
Where we cannot avoid activities that emit carbon dioxide - such as a flight - we should donate to a Rotary project that removes an equal amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. This can be done via this website for air and car travel and domestic energy use.
The Sustainability Trust – Rotarians for Sustainability & Carbon Reduction - aims to be a forum for 1.2 million Rotarians around the world to share ideas on education, projects, advice and fundraising, using the principles outlined in this website. You can help by sending us ideas from your Club and District. And by connecting your Club to the Trust by clicking on the red button at the bottom of the Home Page.