Aug 14 2008
Earthwatch Institute is kicking off a two-month campaign to support global climate change research at Boston’s Museum of Science this Thursday evening. The Climate Change Campaign—a “first” for Earthwatch—runs from August 14-October 14, 2008.
The kick-off cocktail party event on August 14th is designed to engage hundreds of Boston’s young professionals and features special guest Wallace “J.” Nichols, a world-renowned sea turtle scientist featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The 11th Hour, as well as educational booths, music, a silent auction, fire dancers and more.
“Climate change is the defining challenge of our generation,” said Ed Wilson, President and CEO of Earthwatch. “Earthwatch is about engaging people in science that matters. We need to reach out to as many audiences as possible—especially those in our own backyard—educate them in the understanding that they can make a difference, and give them the tools they need to do so.”
Earthwatch’s project portfolio includes more than a dozen climate change-focused projects in which volunteers can participate alongside leading scientists, from studying fur seals in Alaska, to coral reefs in the Bahamas, methane (a significant greenhouse gas) in the Arctic, glaciers in Iceland and tidal forests in Kenya. Campaign participants will qualify for a discount on the contribution to join these projects around the world.
The event and associated campaign features another “first” for Earthwatch, said John Jorgenson, Director of Marketing and Communications:
“In an ongoing effort to create more locally focused volunteering projects, Earthwatch has partnered with area nonprofits to offer campaign participants even more opportunities to truly make a difference in the face of climate change—even close to home,” Jorgenson said. Earthwatch will encourage volunteers to participate this fall in urban tree plantings as part of the “Grow Boston Greener Campaign,” participate in the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, and assist in removing invasive species along the Charles River.
“Climate change is happening everywhere, not just within the locations of Earthwatch expeditions, and our mission is to widen the access point for all people to get involved in working together to build a sustainable future,” Jorgenson said. “The window of opportunity to make a real difference will close if people don’t act now. We want to use this Climate Change Campaign as a platform to step up our interaction with local nonprofits, and to inspire action, not apathy.”
For event details, visit http://www.earthwatch.org/beattheheat2.