Why Project Genie?
The planet - what is the real situation?
Human-driven climate change is accepted by every major national scientific body worldwide and recognised as an immediate and grave threat. Evidence suggests that we need to reduce CO2 emissions by between 80% and 90% cent before today’s KS2/3 pupils reach middle age. Furthermore, urgent reductions are needed in the coming five years or less. What we do now will determine the rate of atmospheric temperature rise and the severity of climate change.
The role of individuals
Responsible and urgent action by individuals is needed if catastrophe is to be averted: we cannot rely on governments and international treaties, nor businesses, to alter their modi operandi. Furthermore, corporate and government actions are constrained by the need for a permissive attitude from consumers and voters. In other words, the most effective change is that driven by the individual.The role of children
Yet the behaviour of adults is often hard to change. Today’s ‘have now’ culture – where life-style decisions are frequently based on short-term gratification – offers little thought to long-term consequences. Children, however, can be much more easily taught to think of the long-term effects their decisions may have and can positively influence their parents and other adults around them as a result.Project Genie seeks to educate, enthuse and empower children to reduce climate change and their environmental impact.
Children are worried:
E.ON UK Press releases - Children more worried about climate change than gun crime
BBC, 23 June, 2005 - Climate change worries children
GM TV March 2007 - Global warming keeps children awake at night
Adults are worried:
Listen to speakers, including Dr Hugh Montgomery, discussing Climate change and its impact on health held at the Royal College of Physicians. Our thanks to the Royal College of Physicians for permission to link to this conference.
http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/event/archiveevent/0801climate.aspx
https://admin.emea.acrobat.com/_a45839050/p24402866/
"Now is the time to change, not for us but for future generations, so our children and grandchildren do not look back and ask us why we did nothing to save our planet.”