Would you be willing to embark on a week-long expedition to the Arctic to see firsthand the impacts of global climate change? I am part of working group that is helping to organize this event and spread the word to the few communities selected by ISGP, the world-renowned Institute on Science for Global Policy. This project has been made possible by a partnership between the United States and Norway, and a desire to educate everyday citizens on the effects of climate change. We are all well aware that politicians say one thing and end up doing something else (or rather, nothing at all). This expedition aims to show average citizens the importance of acting on sustainable living NOW; it’s not some vague notion in the future, but an issue that will affect the human race in this century.

Arctic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Arctic_ice.jpg

       Details, details, details. This expedition scheduled for June of 2015 is taking 95 citizens from the US and Norway, 8 policy/debate experts, 16 climate change experts, 10 publicly recognized figures, 10 ISGP staff, and a media crew to the Arctic. This initiative was funded through a grant from the United States and Norwegian governments. To be selected for the “citizen” staff, the local working groups (what I am a part of) will nominate a diverse group of people (15 citizens) from areas that are likely to be affected severely by global climate change. The nominees must live in the cities listed here:
1. Delaware Valley, PA
2. St. Petersburg, FL
3. Lincoln, NE
4. Fort Wayne, IN
5. Whittier, CA
6. Asheville, NC
7. Ithaca/Geneva, NY
8. Tuscan, AZ

       If a citizen is selected to go, they will be expected to research climate change before the expedition, and then report their findings/experiences to those in their community through presentations in schools, businesses, commercial areas, etc. What are we looking for in nominees? We want a diverse group of citizens that have different ages, genders, education/cultural backgrounds, geographic residences, economic situations, etc. Basically, we want a representative sample of the population of our respective city. I cannot stress enough that this expedition is not political or meant to simply boost resumes; it is for educating everyday people and making real strides towards mitigating climate change. Are you an ardent believer in global warming, or do you doubt the very existence of it? We are looking for people with all different views, not just one that we want to hear. However, it is worth noting that this expedition is not to verify the fact that global climate change is occurring. It IS occurring without a doubt, and this trip is to preach the message to a larger population. Additionally, camera crews will be going aboard this Lindblad-National Geographic vessel and filming every second of the trip. Every debate, discussion, and casual idea thrown out to the Arctic wind will be recorded. If you are not comfortable with this temporary “invasion” of privacy, please do not apply. Before you accept your nomination, please think of venues in your community in which to communicate your findings; this expedition is not a vacation, but a working group aiming to change behaviors and archaic beliefs.

Rising sea levels could affect my own house

       Temporarily disregard the polar bears and melting ice shelves; how is global climate change going to personally affect YOU? If you tell your community just that (i.e. rising sea levels destroying our homes, warmer temperatures leading to increased rates of salinization and desertification, lower crop yields, etc), actual change is likely to ensue. This project was the brainchild of the Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP), a group that holds regular debates and caucus meeting on important global issues. Learn more about their phenomenal initiatives here. After each meeting, the ISGP staff publishes a book relating to the topic discussed (citizens can inquire about a free copy on the website listed above). Examples of the topics discussed include “Food, Safety, Security, and Defense,” “21st Century borders,” and “Emerging and Persistent Infectious Diseases.” Their latest initiative is the Lindblad project described above.

 IF YOU LIVE IN ONE OF THE SPECIFIED TOWNS, CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE EXPEDITION OR CONTACT THE WORKING GROUP TO BE NOMINATED.

Email me for more information or to be nominated; more posts on this topic to come soon.

Climate Change will affect the health of vulnerable plants such as mangroves