The Climate Reality Project is a diverse group of passionate individuals who have come together to help solve the greatest challenge of our time.
We are cultural leaders, marketers, organizers, scientists, storytellers and more, and we are committed to building a better future together.
 |
| Our country is a rich country. |
 |
Former US Vice Pres. Al Gore reminds
us that this little blue globe is the only
home we have.
|
Al Gore's "The Inconvenient Truth," released in 2006, was a documentary that opened up a lot of eyes and changed a lot of minds on the reality of climate change.
The movement has grown since then, spawning an organization called "The Climate Reality Project," an international non-profit organization focused on climate change education. Its main program includes training an army of Climate Reality Leaders: individuals who make a commitment to spread the word about the climate change, and to advocate for solutions and positive response.
I've always been "green-minded" as a kid. Probably brought about values that were passed on by my parents, who were nature-lovers themselves. I haven't really pondered what brought me to this present envi-loving state, so I guess my climate story deserves a separate blog entry of its own. I see my involvements throughout my school days, up to when I was a young professional, as small actions that I hope somehow added up and made good differences.
At present, I'd like to think that I am doing my part for the environment through my job with the Sustainable Energy Finance program, which encourages the private sector to get into cleaner energy use and production. However, I've always felt that there is a need to do more, and that I have the ability do so much more (just like exercise, ha!)
I got introduced to the Climate Reality project by my current boss and Climate Reality Leader (trained in 2010), Engr. Noel Verdote. He talked to me about the organization and his experience, and I was jealous! How cool is it to be trained and inspired by Al Gore himself, be able to talk about climate change in a creative way and being backed up by well-researched pieces, plus be part of an international network of envi-advocates? I knew I had to be part of it somehow.
 |
| With my Climate Reality Mentor, Myke Magalang, an anti-mining advocate from Marinduque |
I was very fortunate to be one of the 700 Climate Reality Leaders (coming from 50+ countries) accepted to be part of the first ever training held in the Philippines, and by far the largest. It was such a blessing that they held the training in Manila (I think they've had over 30 trainings already, in several locations around the world - I was supposed to attend a New Delhi one, but decided to wait for something closer to home..), which made it accessible to more Filipinos.
We Filipinos should keep the climate issue well within our sights since we are one of the countries most affected by the ill effects of climate change.
We Filipinos should keep the climate issue well within our sights since we are one of the countries most affected by the ill effects of climate change.
The training was held at the Sofitel from March 14-16. I met such a diverse group of people, and listened to the most powerful talks. Mr. Gore walked us through several versions of his presentation, slide by slide.
I gained valuable tools, that are now not only mine, but are meant to be shared. What's great with the Manila training (as a local) was that the content was localized, and the network will be within reach! On March 16th, 700 Climate Advocates were released back into the "wild" , all equipped to deliver an enlightening climate talk, hopefully, ala-Al Gore. ;)
I gained valuable tools, that are now not only mine, but are meant to be shared. What's great with the Manila training (as a local) was that the content was localized, and the network will be within reach! On March 16th, 700 Climate Advocates were released back into the "wild" , all equipped to deliver an enlightening climate talk, hopefully, ala-Al Gore. ;)
Feeling the effects of climate change, learning about its impact, seeing cities and people's lives destroyed all over the world from quick deaths such as extreme weather events, or slow torture through droughts and loss of agricultural productivity -- one would feel so powerless and insignificant.
The Climate Reality Project brought me to a room full of like-minded people, who came from all over the world who made time to listen (3 days!), and have made a commitment to advocate for change for our world, and our only home. It was a truly inspiring and overwhelming experience.
"So, What Now?"
 |
| Green-ringed. A different kind of commitment ring |
What's next? So, I've been "green-ringed" and I've posted it on my Instagram for all my friends to see. So, I've updated my LinkedIn account. So, I've uploaded photos of my training and added a smart climate status on my Facebook page. Cool.
Eh ano na ngayon? -- was the question that Rodne Galicha, Branch Manager of The Climate Reality Project Philippines, posed to the newest batch of Climate Warriors.
I take that question personally. Climate Leaders are made to :sign: a social contract to perform our Acts of Leadership: actions, some big, some small, that influence people to help solve the climate crisis. We also commit to undertake at least 10 Activities within 1 year of completing the training, which include presenting about Climate and Climate Reality to different audiences.
I'll share my Magic 10 soon enough, when I am ready and able. We've also been assigned a Climate Reality Mentor (an experienced Climate Leader) , and a Climate Reality Partner - a training 'batchmate' so we can monitor and encourage each other's Acts of Leadership.
More than that, I'd like to involve you, friends and readers of this blog, to monitor and encourage, and to provoke and push me to do my actions for the climate. My first step is to revive this Communicate for Change platform (my UP Open University and development work blog) and get back to writing again.
One more way you can help is to know more about climate change and how you can get involved. Be updated, read more about the issue, and start practicing and sharing info about solutions. Feel free to leave me a message through this blog, at hanna.fernando@gmail.com or tweet @hanna_sef should you need more information.
Take it a step further and help organize a Climate Talk in your school, company, barangay, barkada, club, or even in your family reunion :-) -- again, you may contact me and (if not myself..) I can help hook you up with an appropriate Climate Reality Leader ;)
Climate Change is Real. It is not just about the warming of our climate or extreme weather events. All this translates to you and me - it affects our food supply, our health, our economy, and our overall security. This is now our Reality and we have to be prepared for it.
To borrow the words of producer Laurie David, who encouraged Mr. Gore to make his slideshow into the movie, "An Inconvenient Truth" : "None of us are going to make a dime." What is at stake, she said, "is, you know, the planet."[26]
