An Interview with Nigel Winser
Nigel Winser, Executive Director of Earthwatch (Europe) talks about the new partnership:
What is the aim of the new Climate Partnership?
There are few things more complex than the climate of the planet and we all recognise that we must act quickly if we are going to make a difference.
Collectively the five partners have a clear goal - to work together to reduce the impacts of climate change in cities, river systems and forests - for the benefit of humanity. In doing so, we will endeavour to inspire individuals, businesses and governments worldwide to take action and make a difference.
Why is Earthwatch involved?
The Earthwatch task is to bring together top scientists - HSBC staff - and local communities - to speed up the knowledge required to understand the complex issue of climate change and to make clear and firm recommendations.
We will be doing this through a global programme of research in five key temperate and tropical forest locations around the world - in China, India, Brazil, North America and the UK. We will be working with local and international scientists to understand how to best manage the impacts of climate change in these forests - and sharing this knowledge and understanding with local managers, farmers, conservationists and policy makers.
This programme is also about people - and promoting action - not apathy, and Earthwatch has a clear role to play here. We will be working with HSBC's entire global workforce to involve them in climate change. All staff will have access to an online-learning programme, there will be volunteering opportunities on projects in local communities for 25,000 HSBC staff, and 2,400 will join our team of scientists for 'hands on' research on our forest projects to gather critical climate change information.
Our intention is also to work closely with local communities who live and work around the forest sites - the Partnership will be funding members of these communities to take part in the research so they can learn about forest management in our changing climate.
This is an ambitious project, are you confident that you can make a difference?
The challenge ahead is daunting but we mustn't be stunned into inaction by the enormity of the task.
Earthwatch believe that this level of personal 'hands on' engagement will give all those involved the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead behaviour-change at home and in the workplace. With the help of our four partners - we want to reach millions of people.
Understanding how our world is changing is one thing. Knowing how to make a difference is another - this is why I am convinced this Climate Partnership will be a great success.
If you would like any more information about the Climate Partnership, the Earthwatch team are happy to chat to you, give them a call on +44 (0) 1865 318852.