1)Green Warriors of Norway (Norges Miljøvernforbund) is an idealistic environmental organization, founded in May 1993 with its headquarter in Bergen. The Green Warriors (GW) has active members all over Norway, and regional offices in Bergen (west), Tromsø (north) and Oslo (south+east).
In the eventful years from 1993 until today the GW has rapidly grown towards its goal of being a nation-wide environmental organization. GW is working with all kinds of environmental cases both locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
2) Eco-agents is the environmental organization for children in Norway.
The Eco-agents is a unique combination of children's culture and a profound commitment to the environment. This distinctively Norwegian phenomenon has now existed for 15 years, and a generation of young adults are already carrying a lot of our involvement and insight with them.
Our aim is to stimulate the childrens interest and love for nature, and to make them realise that the way we live our lives have influence on the environment. Eco-agents always focuses on possibilities, and our goal is to make the voices of the children heard.
Advertisement example : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBo9gj6AHl8
Eco-Agents challenges the parliamentary parties to an environmental competition. Most events organised by them were to encourage the young to challenge the politicians and be active in lending a hand to the green movements, for example proposing a ban on vehicles idling for too long and that parking guards be authorised to hand out fines to those who violate that rule.
3)Natur og Ungdom (NU) which translates Nature and Youth, also known in English as Friends of the Earth Youth Norway is a Norwegian youth environment protecting organisation. It is the only environmentalist youth organisation in Norway. 6,100 members in 80 local groups work on environmental issues all throughout the country. Officially NU is the youth branch of the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature. The organisation is led by Ola Skaalvik Elvevold.
The main issues the organisation works with include petroleum, public transport, energy and nature conservation. In addition to local groups there is a central board with 14 members that works on national issues and an administration, both located in Oslo.
Natur og Ungdom is a member of Friends of the Earth International and an active participant in the A SEED network (Action for Solidarity, Equality, Environment and Development). It published the magazine Putsj.
In 1967 the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature (NNV) had announced that they wanted a youth organisation, and the two organisations Norsk Feltbiologisk Ungdomsforening (NFU) and Oslo Katedralskoles Naturvernforening decided to merge on November 18, 1967. The organisation had a difficult start with few members and difficult organisation, but in the 1970s NU got better organised with more local groups. Focus in this period was agriculture. But in the 1970s nuclear porwer became a hot issue in Norway and NU gained organisational strength as it opposed the plans, and won a victory when it was decided to not build nuclear power in Norway.
Through the 1970s and 1980s the organisation worked with many issues, including the Alta controversy, and also to prevent environmental contamination, especially from industry. In 1984 members from NU and Greenpeace chained themselves to the factory Titania in Sokndal in a civil disobedience action to prohibit the dumping of 2.2 million tonnes oil and rockdust mixed with chemicals in Dyngadjupet in Jøssingfjord. This was the first civil disobedience. In 1990 Titania was required to deposit the waste on land, like the environmentalists had demanded.
During the end of the 1980s environmentalism grew among the general population, further strengthening the organisation with more members and local groups. In 1991 NU was the prim organisation in the Rotvoll controversy. In the EU referendum in 1994 NU worked actively against EU membership. During the late 1990s the main focus has been on trying to prevent the building of natural gas power plants in Norway and in the 2000s stopping the opening of the Barents Sea for petroleum production.
Showing posts with label Environmental Efforts by NGO's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Environmental Efforts by NGO's. Show all posts
Singapore Environment Council
The Singapore Environment Council (SEC), a non-government organization, was established in 1995. The Council aims to be the organization that communities, governments and businesses would want to form a partnership with in order to achieve best-in-class sustainable city development in Singapore and beyond. Also, its mission is to form a jointed effort between people, industries and authorities so as to raise awareness and to do our part in this global community of “Green-Consciousness”. In addition, the Council is working towards achieving sustainable urbanization and to promote environmental movement within Singapore without affecting our biodiversity. By doing so, SEC plays a vital role in fighting climate change in Singapore.
Singapore Environment Council's programme has 5 aspects. They are Community education, Capacity building, Awards and endorsements, Publication and research and SEC Volunteers. First aspect would be community education, implement projects such as Bring Your Own Bag Day (BYOBD), Green Singapore 2050, Carbon Zero, Green transport, SEC Climate portal and Youth Habitat portal. Secondly, capacity Building there are projects such as Tertiary Institutions Council for the Environment and UNEP TUNZA International Children Conference on the Enviroment. Thirdly, School’s Green Audit Awards, Project Eco-office, Singapore Green labelling Scheme, Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme, Green Label Community Club Certification, Green Label Food Court Certification and Green Label Hotel Certification. Fourthly, Publication and research comprises Elements, books and SEC Climate Change Slideshow. Fifth, SEC Volunteers, volunteers seek to increase public participation in environmental protection by providing hands-on activities and programmes to turn awareness into action. It attracts all sectors of the community, from students to retirees.
With their vision of aiming to be the preferred non-government organisation partner for communities, business and governments to achieve outstanding sustainable city development in Singapore and beyond, SEC has proven its capability by giving strength and bearing to the various environmental movement throughout Singapore. They have raised awareness about the importance of natural environment and responsibility citizens should adhere to with the beneficial holistic programmes they have organised. Schools are reducing to the amount of paper, companies are adopting green practices and even individuals are cultivating habits to minimise waste. In fact, SEC is so efficient that it has attracted volunteers from different background and it is growing from 50 to 1000 participants. In Singapore, 99% of the companies here are SMEs. Many SMEs are adopting eco-friendly and sustainable practices in order to be recognised. With the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards (SEAA) many companies are adopting green practices. Hence, this goes to show that SEC has achieved successful consequences through their fruitful programmes.
Done by:
Aqilah
Zahirah
Rahmat
Karen
Done by:
Aqilah
Zahirah
Rahmat
Karen
10A03=)
International Day of Climate Action
October 24th: International Day of Climate Action (Singapore)
19 Oct 2009 07:20 GMT
Singapore: October 24th - People from around Singapore gathered today to create a human tidal wave as part of the largest day of climate change activism ever. The tidal wave was part of day long activities, which started with the number 350 being formed at Padang, a Wacky Walk to SMU, and free vegetarian food at SMU.
Participants joined more than 1,800 communities in 145 countries as part of a global day of action coordinated by 350.org to urge world leaders to take bold and immediate steps to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
“There is little real doubt now that global warming is a real and urgent danger, and requires our attention to protect our future prosperity.” said Wilson Ang, President of ECO Singapore.
Around the world today—from capitol cities to the melting slopes of Mount Everest, even underwater on dying coral reefs—people held rallies aimed at focusing attention on the number 350 because scientists have insisted in recent years that 350 parts per million is the most carbon dioxide we can safely have in the atmosphere. The current CO2 concentration is 390 parts per million.
“That’s why glaciers and sea ice are melting, drought is spreading, and flooding is on the increase,” said Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org and author twenty years ago of the first major book on climate change. “And it’s why we need a huge worldwide movement to give us the momentum to make real political change. Our leaders have heard from major corporations and big polluters for a long time—today, finally, they heard from citizens and scientists.”
These global actions come six weeks before the world’s nations convene in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to draw up a new climate treaty. 89 countries have already endorsed the 350 target, as well as the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Rajendra Pachauri, the world’s foremost climate economist, Sir Nicholas Stern, and Nobel prize-winner Al Gore.
Images of the events from around the world, including the human flood in Singapore, were featured on giant video screens in Times Square in New York as part of a 350 countdown, and are accessible at 350.org as part of a online photostream. Visual documentation From the Day of Action will be delivered to the United Nations on Monday.
“People have said the science of global warming is too confusing for average citizens to understand,” said McKibben. “Yesterday’s events prove that millions of people understand exactly what is at stake in the next few years, and that they want swift action to safeguard the future.”
19 Oct 2009 07:20 GMT
Singapore: October 24th - People from around Singapore gathered today to create a human tidal wave as part of the largest day of climate change activism ever. The tidal wave was part of day long activities, which started with the number 350 being formed at Padang, a Wacky Walk to SMU, and free vegetarian food at SMU.
Participants joined more than 1,800 communities in 145 countries as part of a global day of action coordinated by 350.org to urge world leaders to take bold and immediate steps to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
“There is little real doubt now that global warming is a real and urgent danger, and requires our attention to protect our future prosperity.” said Wilson Ang, President of ECO Singapore.
Around the world today—from capitol cities to the melting slopes of Mount Everest, even underwater on dying coral reefs—people held rallies aimed at focusing attention on the number 350 because scientists have insisted in recent years that 350 parts per million is the most carbon dioxide we can safely have in the atmosphere. The current CO2 concentration is 390 parts per million.
“That’s why glaciers and sea ice are melting, drought is spreading, and flooding is on the increase,” said Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org and author twenty years ago of the first major book on climate change. “And it’s why we need a huge worldwide movement to give us the momentum to make real political change. Our leaders have heard from major corporations and big polluters for a long time—today, finally, they heard from citizens and scientists.”
These global actions come six weeks before the world’s nations convene in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to draw up a new climate treaty. 89 countries have already endorsed the 350 target, as well as the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Rajendra Pachauri, the world’s foremost climate economist, Sir Nicholas Stern, and Nobel prize-winner Al Gore.
Images of the events from around the world, including the human flood in Singapore, were featured on giant video screens in Times Square in New York as part of a 350 countdown, and are accessible at 350.org as part of a online photostream. Visual documentation From the Day of Action will be delivered to the United Nations on Monday.
“People have said the science of global warming is too confusing for average citizens to understand,” said McKibben. “Yesterday’s events prove that millions of people understand exactly what is at stake in the next few years, and that they want swift action to safeguard the future.”
POPULATION, DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT
Population, development and environment are inextricably linkedand are critical to determining quality of life on Earth, now andfor generations to come. The 1994 International Conference onPopulation and Development (ICPD) must address these paramountissues together, with foresight well into the next century.Increasing poverty, overconsumption of resources in the North,low status of women, inappropriate economic policies, rapidpopulation growth and unsustainable use of natural resources areall interconnected. One quarter of the world's population -predominantly in the industrialized nations - consumes over 70%of the earth's resources and is responsible for most of theglobal environmental degradation. In addition, the implicationsof adding 95 to 100 million people annually to the world'scurrent population of 5.4 billion people are staggering and willplace tremendous stress on the earth's ability to provide forbasic human needs.
Clearly, current patterns of consumption and distribution ofpeople, wealth and natural resources are as much to blame forwidespread environmental degradation as is the sheer number ofpeople. Efforts to address population should focus on the rootcauses of poverty, migration and high fertility rates, such aslow status of women and girls, early ages of marriage, lack ofeducation and health care, high child mortality rates, lack ofaccess to family planning information and services for women, menand teenagers, etc. Addressing the consumption lifestyles ofpeoples and societies is equally important.
Alleviating poverty, empowering women, increasing access tofamily planning and health care, ensuring human rights,developing more sustainable lifestyles in the North and improvinginternational development policies are all critical to providinga decent quality of life for future generations, without causingirreversible damage to the environment.
Clearly, current patterns of consumption and distribution ofpeople, wealth and natural resources are as much to blame forwidespread environmental degradation as is the sheer number ofpeople. Efforts to address population should focus on the rootcauses of poverty, migration and high fertility rates, such aslow status of women and girls, early ages of marriage, lack ofeducation and health care, high child mortality rates, lack ofaccess to family planning information and services for women, menand teenagers, etc. Addressing the consumption lifestyles ofpeoples and societies is equally important.
Alleviating poverty, empowering women, increasing access tofamily planning and health care, ensuring human rights,developing more sustainable lifestyles in the North and improvinginternational development policies are all critical to providinga decent quality of life for future generations, without causingirreversible damage to the environment.
ENGOs in Central and Eastern Europe
To understand the character and activities of ENGOs in the region, in 2007 I conducted a survey of environmental organizations in the countries that joined the European Union in 2004. In the summary that follows, I report the results of the survey, which represents the responses of 838 ENGOs from the Czech Republic (206), Estonia (97), Hungary (227), Latvia (35), Lithuania (20), Poland (142), Slovakia (54), and Slovenia (57), or 60 percent of those contacted.
Funding Sources and Income LevelsSince the transition, ENGOs have had to adapt to new funding realities associated with democratic societies and market economies. As Table 1 shows, when asked about the sources from which they receive funds directly, membership dues and domestic governments were the most important. Domestic government funding usually consists of grants or contract work sponsored by ministries of the environment, education, or regional development and, in some cases, subsidies from municipal funds. While the original sources of these funds vary, in many instances they are disbursed by the European Union (EU) through its associated institutional bodies, funds, and programmes to government agencies for research, education, and project-based activities. Some of these funds, in turn, are channeled by domestic governments to ENGOs to perform specific tasks. Although dues are critical to many organizations, most have struggled to generate membership even though these annual payments usually are quite modest. In contrast to domestic funding sources, the ENGOs rated transnational funders as their least common financial supporters. Early on, the field was crowded with foreign foundations and foreign governments, including their bilateral agencies. In the run up to accession, most of the funders left the region or phased out their support. This transformation is reflected in the survey results which show that foreign foundations and foreign governments are the lowest- ranked supporters. While still at the lower end of the rankings, the most active transnational funder is the EU which, in addition to channeling support through governments, makes funding available directly to ENGOs through some of its programmes.
Funding Sources and Income LevelsSince the transition, ENGOs have had to adapt to new funding realities associated with democratic societies and market economies. As Table 1 shows, when asked about the sources from which they receive funds directly, membership dues and domestic governments were the most important. Domestic government funding usually consists of grants or contract work sponsored by ministries of the environment, education, or regional development and, in some cases, subsidies from municipal funds. While the original sources of these funds vary, in many instances they are disbursed by the European Union (EU) through its associated institutional bodies, funds, and programmes to government agencies for research, education, and project-based activities. Some of these funds, in turn, are channeled by domestic governments to ENGOs to perform specific tasks. Although dues are critical to many organizations, most have struggled to generate membership even though these annual payments usually are quite modest. In contrast to domestic funding sources, the ENGOs rated transnational funders as their least common financial supporters. Early on, the field was crowded with foreign foundations and foreign governments, including their bilateral agencies. In the run up to accession, most of the funders left the region or phased out their support. This transformation is reflected in the survey results which show that foreign foundations and foreign governments are the lowest- ranked supporters. While still at the lower end of the rankings, the most active transnational funder is the EU which, in addition to channeling support through governments, makes funding available directly to ENGOs through some of its programmes.
NGO Efforts in Africa’s Largest Oil Project
The contrast between two worlds in Sub-Saharan Africa’s single largest investment project could not be more striking. An hour’s drive over dirt roads from the nearest town, Bebedja, which does not have running water or electricity, lies the base camp of Kome, the logistical center for the drilling of 300 oil wells deep in Chad’s southern region. The camp is a white man’s enclave complete with a small airport, generators, air-conditioned office containers, and even little flower beds in the large suburban-looking parking lot filled with a fleet of ESSO marked jeeps and trucks. The camp is surrounded by the small villages of rondavel mud and straw houses in the shade of tall ancient mango trees where life’s daily routines have barely changed over the centuries. But now the prospect of oil being pumped out underneath their soil raises specters of hope and fear. Hope for schools, clinics and jobs. Fear of further government repression, violence by gangs linked to the military which terrorize local people with impunity, polluted water wells and loss of valuable land and trees. More insecurity is added by increasing conflict between local villages and migrant herders and other Chadians from the country’s north lured to the region by the promise of El Dorado. Will the oil in Chad’s ground bring ruin to its people as it has done in other African oil-producing countries from Nigeria to Angola? Or can it, as its financial backers claim, lead to a reduction in poverty and protect the environment? Delphine Djiraibe’s article provides an overview and analysis of the project, while the focus here is on the role and efforts of NGOs to address the serious risks of this project today, which will leave both Chad and Cameroon transformed for generations to come.
Green Camel Bell - Helping Migrant Families Reduce Environmental Impact
Situation Analysis
China’s economic development pattern has promoted vast growth and economic opportunities in urban areas, while rural areas continue to stagnate economically. As a result, millions of families are moving from rural to urban areas in search of jobs as migrant laborers. In Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province and the biggest city in northwest China, there are an estimated 1,030,000 migrant workers living in the city. Of these, 50% have brought their families with them and are creating new "suburbs" of migrant settlements around the city. This huge influx of migrants has caused social and environmental problems that Lanzhou city is struggling to address. These communities are characterized by high levels of poverty, low levels of educational attainment and a scarcity of public services. Migrant schools, which have been established to provide education for the children of migrant laborers, struggle to meet the needs of these students. This rapid and unplanned urban growth places great strain on China’s struggle to manage environmental degradation. Water, air and waste pollution in these urban areas are at drastic levels, with 16 of the globe's 20 most polluted cities located in China. While polls show Chinese residents are highly concerned about local and global environmental issues, there is little public awareness of how individuals and communities can reduce their environmental impact, particularly among rural migrants. Raising environmental awareness and encouraging more "green" living in migrant communities is an integral part of the solution.
Project Details
Gansu "Green Camel Bell" Environment and Development Center (GCB) was established in 2004 and is the first civic environmental organization in the Gansu province with a mission of protecting the environment in Western China, with a vision of green mountains, clear water, and blue skies. GCB actively promotes environmental protection, provides environmental education, and supports the growth of local environmental organizations in Gansu. The organization’s recent activities include educating elementary and secondary school students in environmental protection, promoting the development of environmental associations in Gansu’s colleges and universities, surveying and mapping environmental conditions in Lanzhou, and organizing training and capacity building projects for environmental volunteers. This proposed project will provide environmental education to migrant workers, migrant school teachers and students in order to change the environmental practices of the migrant communities in Lanzhou city. The project will select three migrant schools in the suburbs of Lanzhou city and provide the school teachers and students with ongoing environmental education activities that are engaging and meaningful. As part of this effort, the project will promote writing and painting competitions on the theme of environmental protection, and will hold anti-littering and waste recycling events organized with students. Twenty teachers will receive intensive training to lead these efforts. The activities in the migrant schools will be complemented by community environmental awareness activities that are designed to increase awareness of environmental issues and to reduce polluting behaviors.. Volunteers from the community will receive intensive training to lead these community environmental efforts. The major activities will include surveying the current environmental status and practice, providing training to volunteers, cleaning up and beautifying the communities, and supporting the creation of volunteer groups to champion community environmental protection.
Expected Impact
Over the course of this community-based environmental education project, over 400 school students and teachers will learn about environmental protection and awareness and influence their families, relatives and communities. Trained community members will spearhead efforts to increase environmental awareness among the 10,000 residents in the targeted communities, with the goal of increasing environmentally responsible behavior.
Done by Dominic Soh 09S27
China’s economic development pattern has promoted vast growth and economic opportunities in urban areas, while rural areas continue to stagnate economically. As a result, millions of families are moving from rural to urban areas in search of jobs as migrant laborers. In Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province and the biggest city in northwest China, there are an estimated 1,030,000 migrant workers living in the city. Of these, 50% have brought their families with them and are creating new "suburbs" of migrant settlements around the city. This huge influx of migrants has caused social and environmental problems that Lanzhou city is struggling to address. These communities are characterized by high levels of poverty, low levels of educational attainment and a scarcity of public services. Migrant schools, which have been established to provide education for the children of migrant laborers, struggle to meet the needs of these students. This rapid and unplanned urban growth places great strain on China’s struggle to manage environmental degradation. Water, air and waste pollution in these urban areas are at drastic levels, with 16 of the globe's 20 most polluted cities located in China. While polls show Chinese residents are highly concerned about local and global environmental issues, there is little public awareness of how individuals and communities can reduce their environmental impact, particularly among rural migrants. Raising environmental awareness and encouraging more "green" living in migrant communities is an integral part of the solution.
Project Details
Gansu "Green Camel Bell" Environment and Development Center (GCB) was established in 2004 and is the first civic environmental organization in the Gansu province with a mission of protecting the environment in Western China, with a vision of green mountains, clear water, and blue skies. GCB actively promotes environmental protection, provides environmental education, and supports the growth of local environmental organizations in Gansu. The organization’s recent activities include educating elementary and secondary school students in environmental protection, promoting the development of environmental associations in Gansu’s colleges and universities, surveying and mapping environmental conditions in Lanzhou, and organizing training and capacity building projects for environmental volunteers. This proposed project will provide environmental education to migrant workers, migrant school teachers and students in order to change the environmental practices of the migrant communities in Lanzhou city. The project will select three migrant schools in the suburbs of Lanzhou city and provide the school teachers and students with ongoing environmental education activities that are engaging and meaningful. As part of this effort, the project will promote writing and painting competitions on the theme of environmental protection, and will hold anti-littering and waste recycling events organized with students. Twenty teachers will receive intensive training to lead these efforts. The activities in the migrant schools will be complemented by community environmental awareness activities that are designed to increase awareness of environmental issues and to reduce polluting behaviors.. Volunteers from the community will receive intensive training to lead these community environmental efforts. The major activities will include surveying the current environmental status and practice, providing training to volunteers, cleaning up and beautifying the communities, and supporting the creation of volunteer groups to champion community environmental protection.
Expected Impact
Over the course of this community-based environmental education project, over 400 school students and teachers will learn about environmental protection and awareness and influence their families, relatives and communities. Trained community members will spearhead efforts to increase environmental awareness among the 10,000 residents in the targeted communities, with the goal of increasing environmentally responsible behavior.
Done by Dominic Soh 09S27
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