Synopsis

Sheryle Moon

THINKTANK – What this industry can do around the planet
11:45 – 13:15, Friday 29th August 2008

The greatest threat to our future society and economy is global warming. The Arctic is warming at twice the average rate of the rest of the planet and the sea ice is now considered by many scientists to be a "coalmine canary" for monitoring the speed of global climate change. The disappearance of the Arctic sea ice could have serious ramifications for the earth's climate and weather patterns, polar scientists say, explaining that it would be like leaving the refrigerator door open on the planet.

Governments around the world are wrestling with the challenge of how to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The current preferred approaches are to impose "carbon" taxes and implement various forms of cap and trade or carbon offset systems. However another approach to help reduce carbon emission is to "reward" those who reduce their carbon footprint rather than imposing draconian taxes or dubious cap and trade systems. It is estimated that consumers control or influence over 60% of all CO2 emissions.

As an individual consumer and as a leader in an organisation you can make a difference. This presentation will look at practical ways to Review, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle at home and at work.