It’s Groundhog Day! Today the Groundhog has not seen his shadow, so we can “SPRING” past winter! This is according to Punxsutawney Phil, and a team of other Groundhogs, in different locations.
Today, the energy sector mirrors the Groundhog Day’s dynamic, not seeing the shadow, overcome by light! Fossil fuel drops further, till #100%RenewableEnergy is global. This is the kind of global Groundhog Day that deserves repeating!
“The energy sector reflects #GroundhogDay dynamic, shadow-fossil fuel shares drop, light #100%RenewableEnergy grows!” WorldTeam1 wrote on Twitter. Does it sounds like we said this before? Well, “Yes.”–it’s Groundhog Day, and we will repeat! May this reality repeat.
“Groundhog Day” lives now not just as a weather, or community ritual to predict when the winter ends and spring comes. Groundhog Day has grown into a collective expression. The expression “Groundhog Day” refers to a situation that repeats until it changes.
We reflect on the core stages of awareness with the movie Groundhog Day. Each time when the situation repeats, there is growth. When the situation stops repeating altogether, then there is total transformation, and freedom from the past. Sound familiar? Watch to see hedonism transcended or uncover many religious, moral and ethical principles through Groundhog Day’s stages of awareness that reflect upon life’s spiritual journey. Dig deeper and you’ll see hints of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ principles on death and dying–All played out in a comedic way in the movie Groundhog Day.
May this Groundhog Day dynamic repeat until we have reached 100% renewable energy globally. Power to the People shows, we can participate in renewable energy power generation. Our energy’s source of power can be in balance with our resources. Let’s do it, and REPEAT! “Groundhog Day” is true for us too, “Living Into A World Team”! Let’s play to transform ourselves and our world.
A Message of Freedom and 100% Renewable Energy from Paris. Hundreds from around the world unite in a giant message of freedom, standing with the people of Paris and calling for 100% renewable energy, during the United Nations COP21 Climate Summit. Can you spot us? We from World Team Now made up the rays on the left side of the image. Photo by Yann Arthus-Bertrand / Spectral Q
COP21’s victory signals to the world that global transformation is in the works with adoption of the Paris Agreement by the United Nations. It’s historical to have almost 200 nations agree to take action, “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” a UN goal.
COP21 Convention Space at Le Bourget.
Those of us breathing inside of the global climate movement over the years know this moment is a win— a valuable step and an important place to start. At Le Bourget, the French Foreign Affairs Minister, Laurent Fabius brought his green gravel down to tears of joy and applause for the agreement exclaiming, “It’s a small gavel, but I think it has a big impact!” With the perspective getting diverse entities consisting of countries from different regions of the world to agree on anything is significant. We at least have set a course and direction together. Many of the outcomes we considered in our prior blog post were covered in this agreement. Here is the text of the Paris Agreement. Here it is made simple to digest. Here are some more of our favorite articles and speeches, that break this historic time of the Paris Agreement down to understand:
Within the global environmental movement, there are many people that have been on the journey for decades— each of us has a piece of this puzzle— that are core to who we are, and it lives outside the boundaries of a location, as it is for our earth, and all of humanity. This consciousness is now becoming contagious, thankfully— as it will take teams of people, industries and many sectors of society for the transformation to take root.
The stage is set for our World Team project, and next year 2016, we plan to be public facing with our World Team platform. World Team will be an interactive tool to entertain us while playfully engaged in transformative projects achieving the realization of our most ambitious and collective goals for humanity, and our planet earth. It is not only technology, innovation, policy and funding that will change the global game of our changing climate. The game starts to change when all people are aware of the power of human capability of choice. Change will occur when we choose to prioritize how we use both our internal and external energy. When we prioritize living in better balance with our resources, we will then play the game to transform ourselves and our world.
The co-located Climate Generations Areas, open to all, was a first for the COP meetings. In prior COPs, Civil Society had open side events that were distant from the UN negotiations.
Even in celebration there is caution that clouds this historical time, which finally acknowledges humanity’s role in climate change, and sets forward a plan of action. If we can’t get to 1.5 degrees, stop destroying our forests, heating and acidifying our oceans and eliminate burning fossil fuel today we are writing ourselves a death sentence. The framework is now in place to start the journey to arrive there tomorrow— it was a successful negotiation. As Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon said, “This a time when we need all hands on deck”. Multiple sectors are taking active roles in also setting targets, and here is the key; team work, over time, with ALL of us in action. This thread was there at the events happening at COP21 during this time in Paris.
Akapusi Tuifagalele, Director National Disaster Management of Fiji (SIDS), with Suzanne Maxx & Albert Boulanger of the World Team project.
It’s exciting when leaders of countries agree to take a stand, and actually strive for targets and a framework for an agreement. Can we move to a firm 1.5 degrees quickly enough to reverse the damage of climate change? When we will phase out fossil fuel? Our oceans and forests, all species together in balance— how soon can we achieve rapid change? Will there be justice for the indigenous people, and those of small island developing states (SIDS) in the long run? Now we have some agreed upon goals. Can we overcome the antiquated categorization of defining a country by developed, developing, and least developed? Will each country begin to support the other with sustainable development based on what they are able to contribute, as the reality takes hold of cliché, “we are all in this together”?
The seeds of reaching the answer to these questions in reality are planted. How quickly we can reach these targets, and more will be the long term success of the Paris Agreement. All is not there in the Paris agreement yet, but it starts with the will— we celebrate these milestones even though the real work has just begun.
Ban Ki-moon preparing to talk at the Earth to Paris Conference during COP21
Now to have all countries ratify the Paris Agreement so it becomes legal structure— whether that be a Treaty, Accord or Protocol. The opportunity for world leaders to sign, and ratify the Paris Accord begins in New York on Earth Day April 22nd, 2016. All leaders will have one year to endorse it, but early participation is being encouraged. The plan looks to not just meet the deadline, but also to indeed demonstrate the will and understanding of urgency for all of us to keep the work moving fast forward. The Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, is charged to organize the activities around the signing on Earth Day.
We will need more action over time, the government sector with public policy is needed, but the real change will require many other sectors, to jump into the action—and we will. It will be the collective cumulative action that matters most over time. World Team plans to officially announce our first team in 2016 and we
plan to officially begin our media platform.
There was a thread to all events happening at COP21 during this time in Paris. It’s exciting when leaders of countries agree to take a stand, and actually strive for targets and a framework for an agreement.
For decades we dreamed of this day when countries might all agree on action for our future. It is a collective starting point to a commitment of an aligned global direction for humanity. The Paris Agreement will need work but much of the direction we are going collectively has seeds that aligns with the vision that many of us hold in our hearts for a sustainable future. We are now challenged to follow the Golden Rule Principle too, as Pope Francis encouraged in his UNGA and USA Congress speeches. Now to unpack many of the principles of how we will realize the change for our common home, and integrate them throughout our policy, and ways of life— this is the challenge. The challenge of not only of the Paris Agreement, but for humanity at this time on earth.
These “Trees of Hope” outside COP21 produce renewable energy by their leaves turning to generate sustainable wind energy turbines.
From the last three day weekend Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, and the Inauguration, the Green Movement is gaining momentum in the USA. On Wednesday, February 13th, 48 of our friends and allies made international news by risking arrest at the White House gates protesting the Keystone XL pipeline. The next day, two Senators introduced a powerful new climate bill with a path forward on climate. Now tomorrow, during President’s day weekend, the momentum continues with a historical march. It was great to jump-start this New Year and Presidential term by the Clean Energy and Environmental Ball in Washington, D.C.! Here’s a souvenir album.
Congressman Ed Markey, World Team Now’s Suzanne Maxx, Chip Cummings of AREDAY at the Clean Energy and Environment Inaugural Ball, Washington, DC
It’s time for action. To use our inherent wisdom to change the things we can, and we have a choice about our energy sources. President Obama said in his State of the Union Address:
“But for the sake of our children and our future, we must do more to combat climate change”. Yes, it’s true that no single event makes a trend. But the fact is, the 12 hottest years on record have all come in the last 15. Heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and floods – all are now more frequent and intense. We can choose to believe that Superstorm Sandy, and the most severe drought in decades, and the worst wildfires some states have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence. Or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science – and act before it’s too late.
The good news is, we can make meaningful progress on this issue while driving strong economic growth. I urge this Congress to pursue a bipartisan, market-based solution to climate change, like the one John McCain and Joe Lieberman worked on together a few years ago. But if Congress won’t act soon to protect future generations, I will. I will direct my Cabinet to come up with executive actions we can take, now and in the future, to reduce pollution, prepare our communities for the consequences of climate change, and speed the transition to more sustainable sources of energy.
Four years ago, other countries dominated the clean energy market and the jobs that came with it. We’ve begun to change that. Last year, wind energy added nearly half of all new power capacity in America. So let’s generate even more. Solar energy gets cheaper by the year – so let’s drive costs down even further. As long as countries like China keep going all-in on clean energy, so must we.”
This President’s Day is the opportunity for action. We are hoping that President Obama will leave an environmental legacy of true change. For him to do that, we have to do our part: prove there is a large constituency of people who are demanding this change. Then he will be able to answer with action. He has said numerous times, “push me”. He is our leader and in a true Democracy, a leader will serve the needs of the people. Not just some people, but all of the people. We, the people, have to communicate and demonstrate our needs. Especially in this grid-locked bi-partisan congress, where corporate lobbyists control the action or rather block action. Let’s give President Obama a chance in this term where he can take action to leave a legacy of a leader, and do his job. In the best interest of public welfare and safety, he can exercise his executive power. It is President Obama’s job to answer the needs demonstrated by the people. This is why we need you…
Tomorrow the environmental movement will rally to show its strength in numbers for the support of change, we haven’t seen organizing of this scale since Martin Luther King led the Civil Right March, and shared “I Have a Dream”. Many of us have a dream now too: a dream where energy is sourced from wind, solar and tidal and other renewable energy.
Calling all ROLLER SKATERS to join the movement
If you don’t know about the demand to stop the Keystone XL Pipeline, click here. To understand the implications, and risks to our water, air, and earth read on here. The Keystone XL Pipeline which has started construction needs to be stopped, for our collective future and the safety of our public at large. If you still want to go down to Washington, D.C., here are the details. Our friends at the Sierra Club,350.org, and the Hip Hop Caucus got some great sponsors and have teamed up with many other non-profit organizations as well. They have over 130 buses coming from 28 states, and tens of thousands of people signed up for Sunday’s rally with the goal to make history.
The political system needs the voices of the people to truly affect policy. We need to demonstrate the change, we all know it is a fragile time in our world, and the choices we make will create our future home for our children. So how do we leave a legacy to inherit an earth with clean water, air, and clean energy sources? Take action, do your part, as Gandhi once declared, “Be the change we want to see in the world”. Want to be part of the team?
By Nicholas Zarchen, a Senior at Santa Monica High School, and the Photo & Media Editor for the Samohi school paper, and an Intern at World Team Now.
For my first event since joining our non-profit organization, World Team Now (WTN) as an intern, I made my way through the herds of people trying to make an impact on our earth, one car at a time. As a part of the next generation, walking through Santa Monica Civic Center’s electric and eco-friendly car exposition formally titled; AltCar Expo2012, I realized that these cars are key components of the needed journey towards a more ecological future. As I went to each company’s displays, and listened to each brands’ talk, the magnitude and impact of these cars dawned upon me. I was mesmerized with the lingo and the incredible power and progression of the multitude of cars powered by alternate fuels. But in all honesty, I was impressed by the innovation, the inventions of what seemed to be new technology. After consulting with Suzanne Maxx, Founder of WTN, I learned from their team’s article in the IEEE, Vehicle Electrification Status and Issues that electric vehicles were not exactly new at all. My fellow peers who made an appearance from my high school’s Team Marine, and the many adults and children who attended the exposition began to catch on– as I did, in hopes of educating ourselves on how we can reduce our ecological footprint.
I got my share of ecological education and realized that there were various alternate ways of powering cars, like electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and bio fuels. I discovered there were new policies being put in place, and saw the fruits of incredible efforts of activists, non-profit organizations like World Team Now, governments, corporations and scientists alike. I was inspired by the intelligent and inventive students and experts and was thoroughly impressed and shocked by the numerous new ways ideas presented targeted lowering fossil fuel use.
In addition to me being in the next generation, I am also shopping around for my first car before hitting college next year. Going into the exposition I had an open mind, yet I had apprehensions towards electric cars. However, after learning about these awesome new vehicles, I have taken the ecological impact into much greater consideration. Logistically, all the cars on display made an impression on me, for all were better than the current condition of cars polluting our air while we pay at the gas pump. Each company had their own take and was utilizing a different energy source, if not using two or more, like the hybrid electric. I was shocked by the vast number of cars and was pleasantly surprised by each one’s efficiency. Yet, the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt impressed me immensely. Not only did the mileage and the workings of the car stun me, the cars are beautiful, stylish, and functional. The Leaf has an estimated 92-106 MPGe and has a sleek body, while the Volt has an estimated 98 MPGe and has a bold design. Despite my quest for the right car, the fact that these two cars are leading the way in the fight against fossil fuels, gives me hope that there will be more to come. The list of new vehicles WTN published has grown, and it’s exciting to learn that most manufactures will have an alternative car by 2014.
Coming from the perspective of a younger mind, I hope that that the next generation realizes the impact of these new sources and these new cars. I am thankful that World Team Now helps us better understand the change happening, and I’m happy to volunteer. This AltCar Exposition is just a beacon in the movement for the transition towards total alternative fuel dependency and I hope the switch is flipped for many people in the future. I am so excited to see how these cars progress and how the movement shapes out; there is no doubt in my mind, that they are the future, my future.
Next year, June 4th hopefully we all will be back in Rio+20 for the United Nations’ Earth Summit 2012 to continue what was started many years ago . What is a “life call” for transformation within many of us—being stewards of our earth—may finally become important enough to motivate our world leaders to agree on strong global policy that supports our collective environment, for humanity, and our future.
It was a life changing significant journey for many of us who attended The Earth Summit/Global Forum in Rio De Janeiro, in 1992. “I wish I could capture the energy in this room and bottle it,” said Olivia Newton-John at a press conference. It further ignited a collective spark that fueled the fire inside of many activists, leaders—indeed, all of us who made it to Rio, and continued on the environmental path!
During this year long road to Rio+20 World Team Now will be focused on renewable energy and policy, with on the ground projects to demonstrate what is possible. To read about some coverage of recent renewable energy projects click here. Or be inspired by Google’s solar energy goal to go “viral”, and make solar affordable for us all. The scientists are our real heros, and most are behind the scenes quietly doing their research without the eyes of the world on them. Several of the organization partners in the campaign Tck, Tck, Tck including World Team Now, believe in 100% reliance on renewable energy in the future. What once seemed impossible, like putting a man on the moon, becomes possible with bold declarations and commitment to execution.
World Team Now will also share some of the original video, stories and information from Rio 1992 when Suzanne Maxx wore multiple hats; a speaker, a performer, activist, journalist, and videographer for Jerry Brown (who was then running for President of the USA). In the footage, we follow a VIP entourage that included many people deeply respected. Our goal is to encourage all to participate now and wear the hat of being a citizen of our world committed to living in better balance with our resources.
If all of us, the people of the world push for global political will to drive towards united commitment, transformation can happen. On the eve of World Environment Day this is an invitation to join World Team Now virtually; from the past into our future, as we invite all to be present in whatever way possible next year at the reunion in Rio.
