climate1

It was such a surprise to learn about 10:10 Global’s “No Pressure” video on its website last week. Even though they almost immediately recognized their mistake and removed the video from the site, it has been a difficult weekend as I struggled with how to respond to this potential setback.

Although WiserEarth is an official 10:10 Global sponsor, we were not consulted on the decision to post the video on the website. Our community, which has rallied so enthusiastically around the goal and challenge of reducing our carbon footprint by 10% in one year, has responded with a mixture of sadness, anger and confusion.

We trust that the filmmakers’ intentions were not malicious, however, we are aware this misstep may unfortunately impact our movement and its efforts.

WiserEarth pledges today not to allow this to happen! Around the world, countless organizations and individuals have been tirelessly working together to ensure we succeed in reducing our carbon emissions by 10% starting this year and to promote Global Work Parties on 10/10/10.

As of today, only eight countries in the world have not yet signed on to launch an event on 10/10/10, and every state in the United States is participating in 10/10/10 events. Additionally, over 105,000 individuals and organizations have signed the pledge to make the necessary changes to reduce their carbon output by 10%.

These are enormous accomplishments. This is where our focus and our action must be centered.

That is why, at this time, as we move forward towards this spectacular day of global action, I encourage all of us to hold fast to this vision, remain peaceful and not allow this misstep to interfere with the power and reach of our joint mission: cutting carbon emissions by 10%.

And so, with just 6 days left to take action, let’s go!

  1. Join or start a climate work party: 10:10 work parties are forming for the day of action thanks to 350.org leadership. Over the weekend, 350 shared that they broke their record with over 5,500 events for their Global Work Party, truly amazing!
  2. Think beyond October 10, and join the collaboration group on WiserEarth. October 10 is the beginning of a long journey, and we invite all of you to support the global day of climate action on October 10, 2010 and beyond!

I know that the WiserEarth community will remain inspired to continue its work and encourage all of us to think globally, especially as we attempt to bring a global movement together. With time, I have no doubt that all of us who are committed to a sustainable future will unify on how best to represent the diversity of a global community.

Warmly,
Peggy Duvette
WiserEarth Executive Director

Additional information:

Official apology from 1010 UK

Response from Bill McKibben

Photo by Kevin Dooley

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