Days before the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference begins, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) has responded by mobilising its new Carbon Army with '3000 Days of Action'.
The UK's largest green volunteering charity is challenging Copenhagen delegates to say “no to hot air” and act.
The frontline attack on climate change was launched today by celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock.
The 3000 Days of Action - one for every delegate at Copenhagen - will be accumulated between 1-18th December 2009 to demonstrate what could be achieved with deeds rather than words.
The Carbon Army represents BTCV's most concerted effort in its 50-year history to communicate the urgency of the climate change issue and will involve its existing force of volunteers and new recruits have a direct and tangible impact on reducing the UK's emissions.
Dimmock launched the 3000 Days of Action mission at Lauderdale House, London, joining a Carbon Army unit planting a kitchen garden, an ideal way to reduce the carbon produced by food miles.
During the 3000 Days of Action the BTCV will offset the carbon emissions of the conference delegates through planned activities around the country.
This could see the Carbon Army:
* Plant 1.4 million trees, or
* Create enough allotment space to save three million food miles, or
* Turn an area the size of 34 Wembley football pitches in to urban green spaces.
Speaking at the event, Charlie Dimmock said: "I was pleased to sign up as a Carbon Army volunteer. The point of the 3000 Days of Action is that by getting involved in the Carbon Army's operations, we can individually make a difference both to ourselves and our local community."
BTCV Chief Executive, Tom Flood, added: "The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference has been billed as the most important meeting in history, and that is part of the problem - it scares people off and makes the problem seem too big.
"Our fear is that it will just be more hot air. While the Copenhagen delegates talk, BTCV acts.
“Whether it is planting an allotment or new trees, improving flood defences or creating carbon sinks, we urge everyone to join our ranks and head in to their communities to be on the front line of tackling climate change."
Shadow Environment Secretary Nick Herbert welcomed the initiative, saying it was a perfect model for young people to volunteer their time to help conserve the environment.
He added: “The Carbon Army is a fine example of active citizens taking practical steps to improve the environment and it builds on BTCV's long and admirable record of mobilising volunteers to make a real difference.
“Tackling climate change and protecting the environment is not just the responsibility of government and businesses - it requires everyone to play their part. Joining BTCV's Carbon Army is a great way for individuals to work together for the benefit of the whole community.”
Nick Herbert added: “We want to make it easier for people, especially teenagers, to volunteer for a wide variety of causes. And nowhere in Britain is the scope for volunteering so broad as in conservation and environmental work.
“Young people are passionate about the environment – more so now than ever before. And throughout the country there is no shortage of conservation schemes that need extra hands. Whether it is helping to maintain woodland paths, restoring habitats for threatened species, repairing fencing or just cleaning up parks and beaches, conservation volunteering provides a wealth of worthwhile activities for young people of all backgrounds.
“The BTCV’s ‘Carbon Army’ need lots of young recruits so I want to build on our plans for all school leavers to conduct some form of National Citizen Service, by inviting BTCV and other leading conservation charities to help run some of these voluntary programmes.
“Our National Citizen Service programme would see a big expansion in the number of young people engaged in some form of volunteering. Conservation charities should be heavily involved. By boosting volunteering and harnessing young peoples’ enthusiasm, we can help conserve our environment and create a stronger society.”
Pippa, N. London around 9 months, 2 weeks ago