The Cayman Institute and Branson’s “The Ten Island Renewable Challenge”
The Cayman Institute is an apolitical, privately funded, non profit organization established to consider the long term effects and implications of diverse technological, sociological, economical and cultural issues to the Cayman Islands. Its members work on a voluntary basis and offer strategic plans for consideration to guide the delivery of nearer term projects, so as not to jeopardize the future of the islands’ infrastructure, financial and human resources.
By the end of this century many of the world’s islands and coast lines will have changed or disappeared altogether, placing the lives of millions of people at risk.
These are people that live and depend on the ocean for their livelihood. Whilst changes in sea level have occurred over the long geological history of the planet, recent global observations indicate that rising sea-levels will dramatically transform many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Arctic Communities, Island Nations and Coastal States.
One of our missions is to bring together countries, scientists, policy-makers, the civil society, the media and other stakeholders to share know-how; provide a platform for public-private partnerships and mainstream sea-level rise adaptation within country-level institutions.
Could the days of fossil fuels be over in Cayman? Billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson is looking to wean ten islands off those sources of energy.
“I am having people come to me and say we cannot afford to pay our mortgage and electrical bill this month. We have to decide – do we pay our light bill or our mortgage,” said Nicholas Robson of Cayman Institute.
For more and to view video go to:
http://caymaninstitute.blogspot.com/2014/01/time-for-cayman-to-go-green.html
Challenge Aims to Help Small Islands Reduce Fossil Fuels
Paula Felps From Earth 911
While dependence on fossil fuels is a global problem, it poses an even bigger threat for small islands that must import resources like oil, coal and natural gas. With rising sea levels caused by climate change, small islands find that their dependence on such fuels to survive is also the very thing that is threatening their existence.
As a way to break away from fossil fuel dependence, 10 Caribbean island nations have joined with the Carbon War Room and The Make Yourself Foundation to launch the Ten Island Renewable Challenge. The Carbon War Room, founded by Sir Richard Branson, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering and implementing business solutions that reduce carbon emissions and promote a low-carbon economy. For the Challenge, they will work to make the islands dependent upon wind and solar power.
“We work as an ‘honest broker’ for islands,” Branson explained in promotional materials about the Challenge, “helping them identify the best available technologies, attracting the right experts and the investment, because we want to help them choose the best technology options for their islands, their economy and their people.”
According to a blog post written by Branson in September, the Ten Island Renewable Challenge will lead by example and encourage other, larger nations to move toward the use of renewable energy. Work has already begun in Aruba, and Branson says they will next expand to St. Lucia, Grenada and the British Virgin Islands before turning their attention to the Pacific Islands.
“There is no Planet B,” Branson wrote. “Let’s take good care of our planet. We’ll start by implementing renewable energy on islands, and then expand to the rest of the world.”
For more: http://earth911.com/general/ten-island-renewable-challenge/
The Ten Island Renewable Challenge
By Richard Branson Founder at Virgin Group
Imagine a world free of fossil fuel emissions as a result of a profitable transition towards renewable energies.
Imagine a small island nation, like St. Lucia or Samoa, that rather than have its economy continuously depleted by rising costs of imported oil, created jobs and a stronger economy by embracing wind and the sun for power.
At the Carbon War Room, we are working to show the world what’s possible and set the example for other, larger nations to move towards 100% renewable energy through a project called the Ten Island Renewable Challenge.
We are already on the ground in Aruba and looking to expand to ten other islands, including St. Lucia, Grenada, and the British Virgin Islands. Immediately afterwards, we want to head to the Pacific Islands and implement everything we will have learned.
In recognition of this pioneering initiative, the Carbon War Room has been selected as an inaugural campaign on The Urgency Network to champion for $1 million in project funding.
By supporting Carbon War Room on The Urgency Network, together we can help implement the change we want to see.
The Urgency Network offers people the opportunity to win unique experiences for supporting great causes. Complete actions like watching videos or reading articles, inviting your friends, and donating to the project, and you’ll be entered to win a trip to meet with me in New York.
Whether you want to discuss the environment, pitch me on a new business idea, or talk about the Sex Pistols and my days at Virgin Records – this is your shot. You’ll get to rub elbows with some of the biggest leaders in the environmental field at Carbon War Room’s office opening party.
The more actions you complete, the better your chances will be at winning.
After all, ‘there is no Planet B!” Let’s take good care of our planet by bringing environment and economics together. We’ll start by implementing renewable energy on islands, and then expand to the rest of the world.
Join us in helping inspire a more sustainable planet by taking action on The Urgency Network today. Good luck, and maybe I’ll see you soon in New York!
For more on this story and to view the video go to:
