Environmental

ROTARY’S 7TH AREA OF FOCUS – PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

Rotary In London are committed to supporting activities that strengthen areas such as:

1. The conservation and protection of natural resources

2. Advance ecological sustainability

3. Foster harmony between communities and the environment

4. Empower communities to access grants and other resources

5. Embrace local solutions

6. Innovate to address the causes / reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation

Importance of Protecting Our Environment

Rotary members are tackling environmental issues in innovative, creative and proactive ways by:

• Launching new projects

• Using connections to change policy

• Planning for the future

Each Rotarian, Rotary club and Rotary District plays an important role in protecting our planet and carrying out impactful work in this world. The topic of environment is wide and includes many areas such as Environment Areas of Focus

USEFUL RESOURCES, LINKS & ROTARY EDUCATION

PRESENTATIONS

1. A Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a team of non-Rotarians who are flexible partners in service for Rotary clubs. Setting one up may be a great way to get the wider community involved in environment-based projects. https://www.rotaryinlondon.org/training/Community2020/RotaryCommunityCorps(DH).pdf

2. Everyday tonnes of food is wasted and thrown away. 9% of human greenhouse gas emissions are from food waste and therefore a prime culprit in global warming. This is mainly because rotten food generates methane which warms up the earth. You may ask what is happening to these food leftovers? https://www.rotaryinlondon.org/training/commvoc/CityHarvest2019.pdf

ARTICLES

Check out some of these interesting articles to get an insight:

ENVIRONMENT – Will climate change bring more poverty? Will we be able to stop its worst effects? Former Rotary scholars and peace fellows who studied environmental issues offer their thoughts. https://www.rotary.org/en/climate-change-rotary-scholars-put-expertise-work

CLIMATE CHANGE – Rotarians understand that the importance of protecting our planet. See what members are doing now to protect the environment, especially relating to climate change. https://www.rotary.org/en/climate-change-what-rotarians-are-doing-now

CLIMATE LOBBY AND ADVOCACY – Tackling various issues in these present times requires a climate Lobby that brings an even-handed approach to advocacy. https://www.rotary.org/en/climate-change-rotary-member-gains-ground-citizens-climate-lobby

FUNDING FOR ENVIRONMENT PROJECTS

ROTARY FOUNDATION – The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotary members and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of creating a better world. This support is essential to make possible projects, funded with Foundation grants, that bring sustainable improvement to communities in need.

FOCUSING ON ENVIRONMENT – Projects within the Seven Areas of Focus are funded by a grant system operated between Rotary clubs and The Rotary Foundation. This gives clubs the opportunity to apply for grants for projects which matter to them, and that includes environment related projects.

WORKING WITH PARTNERS – Once a project is identified, clubs in Great Britain and Ireland partner with Rotary clubs in the host country to undertake the project. Additionally, clubs have the opportunity to partner with approved agencies to provide specialist input in the Seven Areas of Focus, which includes “Environment”.

ISSUES THAT MATTER TO YOU – The great thing about Rotary is that is gives people the platform to make a difference and focus on the issues which matter to them. If you as an individual or an organisation, have a cause you are passionate about, set the wheels in motion and collaborate with Rotary clubs locally, nationally and internationally to make a difference.

BENEFITS FOR ALL – You will have access to resources and programmes that can help you increase your personal and professional skills, gain world understanding, and make lifelong friendships – all while bringing about sustainable, positive change in communities and ‘Doing Good In The World’. For further information – https://www.rotarygbi.org/about-rotary/the-rotary-foundation/