I have met several environmentalists in the past eight months during workshops, presentations, and conferences. Most of them are very impressed with what Project Jatropha is doing, but some of them have asked me how the project helps America when the project site is all the way across the other side of the planet. In order to answer this question, we have made some changes in the web site home page and I thought of making a blog post too.
Carbon dioxide emissions are local, but their effects are global. There are one hundred and ninety four countries on this globe, big and small; their boundaries are fixed but the air that they breathe is shared. No matter who contributes how much to the CO2 burden, all nations suffer together. The USA is one of the largest producers of carbon dioxide in the world, and if we don't start decreasing emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels, the repercussions will be felt throughout the world. We are looked upon as a world leader but if we do not lead by example, we are destined to be followers. It is of the utmost importance that this transition starts now, because if emissions are not curbed significantly by 2050, then the tipping point of climate change will be reached. In addition, a transition away from fossil fuels is key to not only creating countless new jobs in green industries, but also in mitigating the impact of peak oil and decrease the amount of pollutants in our atmosphere. This is where Project Jatropha comes in. Jatropha curcas is a carbon sink, taking carbon dioxide out of the air and putting it into the ground. The bio fuel produced by the seeds provides a clean, alternative source of energy that not only helps reduce emissions, but also is able to be used in all kinds of vehicles. In addition, by providing an alternative crop to tobacco for rural farmers, the burning of large quantities of firewood, which releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, can be reduced. By demonstrating that biofuels can be produced in a sustainable and economical way, Project Jatropha hopes to start a mass movement to mitigate climate change across the entire world.
Sincerely,
Adarsha
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Dear Adarsha,
ReplyDeleteThis is not only a great way but also correct way to present your project. I for one think that it is comparitively easy to help local community than going global. Especially when it comes to fund raising issues. If you request funds explaining it will help the community we live in, locally people will be willing to may be donate. However, if we say we need to help people far away then the first human thought will be, wait a minute, why can't we first help our community. Now thinking of the whole planet as one community, that is hard for even eduacted righ people in our experience. With the global outlook, has the fund raising become more effecient? Do you have fund raising adventures with success and failures. Can you write about that. May be Kenya needs the same boost. I will look forward for a reply in this regard. People make a huge issue in their blog about their fund raising efforts and I am surprised youe web site has no such information.
Blessings
Ihab
Dear Ihab,
ReplyDeleteThanks for following our blog regularly. Well, fund raising has been one of the biggest challenges that we have faced. When we came up with the initial plan two years ago, we had around $650 with us and our budget for the first two phases was almost $15,000. Though we have not done any fund raising events per se, we do have some insight in this area. Apoorva will make a blog post by the end of this week about the way we came up with the required amount of funds.
Sincerely,
Adarsha
Hi Adarsh,
ReplyDeleteI work for a prestigious multinational film industry. Our management committee is searching for new faces for their upcoming art movie which is based on race. We will be shooting in USA, Pakistan and India. we saw your videos and speeches. The directors feel that you will be a perfect fit for one of the main roles. Your passion, voice and big brown eyes are exact match.
Are you interested in a career in theater? even if you are not, this is a great opportunity to explore. The one catch is, the filming starts in August 2010. You will have to take a break from school from Aug 2010 through April 2011. this will be rewarding on various levels. Before we go any further, can you please let us know if you might give it a thought, then we will contact your parents.
Good Luck
Preeti
Hey Adarsha,
ReplyDeletewow, great opportunity! Are you taking up on this film offer? On a serious note, with regard to fund issues, I must say that your group was lucky to have found sirona Cares. They were brave to sponsor your project. Now the public knows that your team is very dedicated and honest. You are serious about the project. But then, when your project was just taking roots, it was not easy for adults to believe that you can make a difference. If you remember, I was the first one who wrote on your blog. The day you published it! I believed in you guys and wished to collaborate.
It is impressive that Sirona Cares sponsors your efforts so that you don't need to do fund raising and focus on your actual work. Good luck.
Belssings
Mrs. Andorra