Birthright Earth

Vital Stats

Eli B

New York, NY

  • people helped100
  • People Doing It 60

The Problem

Climate change is the issue of our generation. From governments to high schools, our population is beginning to realize the severity of the threat that global warming poses. For Example, in August 2009, in Daejon, Republic of Korea, Children and young people from across the world came together to address climate change with a new initiative, Unite for Climate, www.uniteforclimate.org launched at the International Children & Youth Conference in Daejeon, Republic of Korea. UNICEF, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, youth activists, academia and the private sector have developed an online space to enable youth networks, children, young people and experts to collaborate on climate change using open-source technology. While such an initiative is to be lauded, it lacks the excitement and long lasting psychological and personal effects of direct exposure and does not address the very specific aspect of global warming that Birthright Earth does which is deforestation. According to a 2006 study conducted by the UNF, deforestation contributes to 20% of carbon emissions annually, which is more than all airplanes, cars, and trains worldwide. This is a glaring statistic that very few people are aware of. For Birthright Earth, deforestation is the touchstone issue that the program will use to educate and enable young people to take action both against deforestation and the myriad other issues contributing to global warming. Schools and College campuses across the United States take part in all manner of positive environmental initiatives such as Challenge 20/20, or the Green Cup Challenge, suggesting that the interest is there. Birthright Earth will harness this interest but enhance it by taking students out of the classroom and out of their comfort zone, giving them an unforgettable experience where their passion for environmental action will take further, deeper root, will be nurtured, and enhanced.

Plan of Action

Birthright Earth is an environmental non-profit program that offers fully funded eye-opening trips for young people to the rainforest of South America. Birthright Earth seeks to instill an understanding of the rare wonders and detrimental circumstances of today’s fragile ecosystems through direct exposure. On our trips, young people experience the rainforest itself, outside zoos and theme parks. Participants interact with indigenous communities, explore exotic beauty, come face-to-face with local wildlife, and learn from resident researchers about current conservation issues. Over the course of 10 days, every Birthright Earth traveler is shown how intricately connected we are with the world’s ecosystems, how truly breathtaking these parts of the world are, but more so how desperately we are needed. The Birthright Earth trip is a gift. As our name suggests, we believe it is every person’s ‘birthright’, regardless of economic, religious, or cultural heritage, to experience the exotic eco-systems of the world first hand. However, it is also every person’s responsibility to protect these areas. The Birthright Earth trip is an initial, influential step meant to inspire both awe and a sense of urgency. Once Birthright Earth travelers return from their trips, the organization will provide environmental volunteer work and employment opportunities through our affiliates as well as give past travelers the opportunity to work for Birthright Earth. Finally, Birthright Earth will publicize avenues for investment in the environment through conservation, donations, and land purchase.
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