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Baltimore, MD, 20 June 2008 – Change is in the air: the message “stop global warming” is gaining ground. As the window for prevention of further human-induced extreme climate change narrows, the urgency of the planetary condition has struck home. This in spite of ongoing allegations of widespread suppression of government-funded climate research and industry-backed calls for studies decrying IPCC findings. Environmentally focused activists and academics around the world watch with bated breath for the sea change that many feel is now inevitable. Yet many, with good reason, remain dissatisfied with corresponding levels of activity. Top-level discussion and decision-making venues reflect what some have called an unwarranted air of optimism, focusing more on species adaptability and possible technological saves, rather than on preventing as much change as humanly possible.

Reflecting deepening concerns about the web of words in which many initiatives have become entangled, EcoRes Forum, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the free exchange of information and ideas concerning society and climate change, has today issued the statement EcoRes Forum Call for Action: Achieving Global Climate Justice in the 21st Century. From around the globe, Forum members are reaching out, calling for leadership, action, and change across eight interrelated levels of influence, from local governments to mass media, from international bodies to religious, indigenous, and community groups, from grassroots initiatives to individual efforts.

Leveraging the synergies that arise in interdisciplinary cooperation, the Forum’s voice calls from a wide variety of fields, as reflected in the call’s opening statement: “We, an international group of academics and activists, scientists and social justice advocates, government and community leaders, professionals and concerned citizens, assembled on the EcoRes Forum virtual platform in April 2007 to discuss the ethical, political, and socio-cultural aspects of climate change and to forge a common vision and action plan. We hereby commit ourselves to the development and implementation of a climate justice agenda for the 21st century, and we call upon the world's citizens to join with us in this commitment.”

Speaking on behalf of the Forum team, Mary Leyser notes, “The time for change is now. Individuals and groups around the world are stepping up, recognizing their responsibility – and their unique capabilities – in this situation. It’s not just a responsibility: It is our privilege to take part in this historical moment, this ‘Great Turning’. What we’re seeing is encouraging: but more is needed. We must build on this momentum. As Gladwell pointed out, there are tipping points in any undertaking. Many fear that we are headed for a tipping point in the wrong direction. That’s a valid point, but there is another possibility: Now is our chance to tip the scales the other way, to lead a directed surge in the right direction. The pendulum swing has begun: It’s up to each of us – now – to provide the critical mass needed to make this a reality.”

A full copy of the statement EcoRes Forum Call for Action: Achieving Global Climate Justice in the 21st Century can be found at EcoRes Forum or can be downloaded here.

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If you agree with the statement, please add your endorsement. To do so, complete the online form at http://www.eco-res.org/call_signature.html or write endorse@eco-res.org, including your name, organization or institution, address, and email.

Our web-based dialogue series launched in April 2007 with a two-week debate about whether a societal paradigm shift to ecocentrism* might speed the global climate movement. More than 700 participants from 80+ countries took part in the discussion, which was followed in April 2008 by Environmental (In)Justice: Sources, Symptoms, and Solutions, taking a look at some of the underlying causes of environmental and climate injustices around the world, with participants sharing examples and suggestions on how best to resolve and redress these issues. Based on this series of discussions, members of the Forum have issued the EcoRes Forum Call for Action: Achieving Global Climate Justice in the 21st Century.

By hosting this cross-disciplinary series, the Forum team aspires to building synergistic bridges among activists and academics, scientists and social critics, researchers, journalists, community leaders, and concerned citizens in order to increase our shared understanding and thereby to empower joint efforts on climate justice issues.

Learn more about what we do, why we do it, and how you can help -- visit www.eco-res.org.

* From Wikipedia: "Ecocentrism is a philosophy that recognizes that the ecosphere, rather than any individual organism, is the source and support of all life and as such advises a holistic and eco-centric approach to government, industry, and individual."

Have you checked your carbon footprint? Why does it matter? Check this out:

Ready to make some personal changes? A few starting points:

1. Shopping: Bring cloth bags to the market. Buy local, organic products. Make sure everything is minimally packaged!
2. Change to compact fluorescent bulbs, and learn how to turn light switches OFF. :D
3. Take shorter showers. Try turning off the water while you soap up, shampoo, or shave, then turn it on to rinse.
4. Pick at least one night a week to eat meatless. Big change: Go Veggie! (We can recommend some GREAT cook books)
5. Home improvements: Insulate home and water heaters, change AC filters (better: turn it off!), adjust thermostats on home/water heaters, install low-flow shower heads, replace old appliances with energy efficient ones (try the manual can opener!), switch to double pane windows or a tankless water heater.
6. Change your mode of transportation: Carpool. Take the train or bus. Bicycle. Walk. (Skip if you like)
7. If you must drive, be car smart: Inflate your tires and check air pressure monthly, change your filters, don't leave your car idling, reduce how much you drive (group errands), and make sure your next car is fuel efficient or hybrid.
8. Complete the cycle: Reduce your use and garbage, recycle what you DO use, and buy recycled products whenever possible.
9. IE: Use only recycled paper (start with the back of your own!)
10. Air dry your clothes, and wash laundry with minimal water -- on cold, with natural, biodegradable laundry products.
11. Unplug all your chargers and unused electronics. Turn off computers and TVs -- standby is not eco-friendly.
12. Use a push mower (bonus: doubles as a non-electric treadmill).
13. Plant a tree or two (or 100). Make sure they're locally growing, and that rainfall patterns can support them once established. If you live in a dry area, try desert-scaping!
14. SPREAD THE WORD.