Save the Arctic: A Global Event

Like the view? THINGS YOU DO TO YOUR PLANET, YOU DO TO YOURSELF



According to Greenpeace International, there are seven billion of us on our planet. We are all affected by the health of the Arctic in such a way that it reflects the sun’s rays off its ice and it shapes our weather patterns, that in turn affects the food that we grow and eat.

But then, the Arctic is melting. Fast.

Our warming climate heats up the ice on the Arctic causing it to melt rapidly. Another devastating event that is occurring in the Arctic region is the fact that it is the forefront of the oil industry, which is one of the dirtiest dead fuels that are also guilty of melting the ice.

And in the span of thirty years, we have lost almost three-quarters of floating ice cover at the top of our world. The polar bears, and other animals that live in the Arctic are slowly losing their home. I know it is very disturbing and disappointing to know that. Our Arctic region is slowly being destroyed by big companies that only care about one thing: PROFIT. But at who’s expense? Mother Earth? Why should she suffer and be degraded just for the benefit of a few people?

 

Polar bears

That is why there must be action done at a global rate. One or two persons cannot stand alone for the protection of the Arctic. There must be a participation of many different people, not only in one country or nation, but around the globe. This must be done in a global scale since EVERYONE is affected in this issue. EVERYONE can contribute. EVERYONE should speak out and be part of the fight.

That is why Greenpeace International has launched the “Save the Arctic” campaign. Under this campaign, Greenpeace has planned different events or activities that will raise awareness among people and to call the attention of political leaders and company owners to stop their destructive ways against the Arctic.

One of the events planned and launched by Greenpeace International under the Save the Arctic campaign was the Save the Arctic Expedition. A group of young people were chosen to go to this long expedition to the North Pole in order to declare it protected on behalf of all life on Earth. Supported by millions across the globe, they will place a flag for the future on the seabed and call for a preserve in the unoccupied area around the North Pole. The group of young people are accompanied by experts in trekking and traveling through the icy wonderland that is the North Pole. And they are called Team Aurora. They represent all of us who are calling for world leaders to protect the Arctic and do something about climate change. They began their journey last April 5, 2013 and they’re still continuing their journey. Their supporters all around the world are constantly checking them for updates. Communication with them is on-going so that we will know about their progress in the expedition.

Team Aurora

Another event planned is the I HEART ARCTIC Global Day of Action (GDA). This will be held on April 20, 2013 here in the Philippines. This project is part and parcel of the whole Arctic campaign which aims to generate and mobilize a large amount of people in support of our call for Arctic protection. And we are aiming for 5 million by 2014. This huge number will be enough for political leaders around the world to take notice of the issue. The I HEART ARCTIC GDA will ask people to create human banners that read “I <3 ARCTIC”. This must be done simultaneously around the world on April 20, 2013. Photos of the human banners will be taken and will be sent to the Arctic Council in time for their meeting on May 15, 2013. Those photos will show the council how much everyone around the world cares for the Arctic region and how much everyone supports its cause. Another activity under this project is the “I <3 ARCTIC” speech bubble photos. People around the world are asked to take their pictures while holding up near their head an “I <3 ARCTIC” speech bubble. Then they are asked to upload their photos and post and share them in social networking sites. Through this activity, the campaign will reach millions of people and supporters may multiply. This is one way to both gather supporters and to spread the issue of the Arctic to those who are not aware of it.

 

 

 

Speech bubble

 

human banner

 

 

The success of these activities would mean that we are one step near the goal of saving the Arctic. We must do ourpart in supporting this cause. We are all affected with the ever changing environment. That is why we must also be a positive part of the change. So let's start by SAVING THE ARCTIC. :)

Working for the environment: A dream come true

Dreams can only I was in high school, I have always dreamed of working for the environment and being a part of the big campaign which aims to help conserve and protect it. I always listened well to my science teacher’s lectures, I joined the science club, and I even became a part of the Science Enrichment Program of our school since I wanted to learn more about the environment after classes.

Now, after years of preparing myself and gaining enough knowledge, I have landed an internship in one of the leading environmental organizations around the world. Greenpeace. I am an incoming fourth year Mass Communication minor in Development Communication student at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila. The moment we were told to think of any non-government organization that we would want to have as our On-The-Job training (OJT) site, I immediately thought of Greenpeace. I made sure that all my requirements would be ready early, so I submitted them early. And once I got accepted, I was ecstatic! I was so overwhelmed, that the journey from Taft to Quezon City every day for 200 hours seemed nothing to me. I thought, “Super worth it naman. Kahit malayo pa biyahe ko araw-araw, kaya ko naman basta at least dun ako mag ojt”. I knew that I would learn something every day during my internship. And I have learned a lot so far.

Being surrounded by people who are experts in the field of communications and campaigning is a big deal for us. We get to see first-hand how campaigns are planned, created, prepared and executed. We get to have a feel of an office environment, wherein you are on your own when it comes to tasks assigned to you. But then there is also teamwork involved especially in handling projects. You must be able to adapt and relate with other people in the workplace, otherwise you will have a hard time.

So far, I am enjoying my internship here at Greenpeace. Me and my fellow intern, who is also my classmate, get to help in simple ways through small tasks. We do research, office work like photocopying important documents, and most of all, we also participate in the different events and campaigns of the organization. We get to go out in the field and actually help in the campaign events.

I really am happy to have an internship here at Greenpeace. Not only am I getting or gaining new knowledge, I also get to enjoy myself. I love the simple things that I get to do and contribute. And now I really understand what they mean when they say that when you work, its about the feeling of happiness that you get is what's important. And everything else will just come in second.