Children to the Rescue!: Sir Robert Swan

We do not inherit our planet from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. The way we live our lives will profoundly impact the lives of our children and decisions made today will influence the future of life on Earth. Therefore, it is our mission to build on this by informing, engaging and inspiring the next generation of leaders to take responsibility, be sustainable, and know that the time for action is NOW.

Inspiring students at the E-Base.

2041 and Conservation Wildlands Trust engages the youth to actively participate in environmental conservation and sustainability. Through our Education Bases (E-Base) powered only by renewable energy, we have created channels to promote leadership around the world. The E-Base in Antarctica educates students and teachers to take smart, achievable steps towards safeguarding our planet.

Expedition Members at the E-Base in Antarctica. Image: antarcticsustainiblity

Similarly, the E-Base in Pench, India is a platform for local children to facilitate environmental preservation through sustainable projects. I have no doubt that empowering these agents of change will transform the current environmental trajectory.

The E-Base in Pench which holds bimonthly workshops for the students from villages around the Pench Tiger Reserve.

Students now have a deeper understanding of their surroundings thanks to the Biodiversity workshop at the E-Base!

Girls from Teliya Middle school brainstorming ways to reduce water pollution and garbage with TERI educators.

There is no denying the reality of climate change whether it is human caused or the result of natural cycles. The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has surpassed the 400 PPM milestone and it is now more than ever before that we put into practice all the solutions that we already know.

Students learning about climate change and how they can play a role in reducing it.

My life experiences have taught me that it takes a team of committed people, working together and sharing positive outcomes to facilitate change. I urge the rising leaders of tomorrow to advocate for sustainability; promote environmental initiatives (using clean energy, conserving water, recycling, etc) in their communities and really make an effort to encourage more people to do the same. We are in this together and that is our biggest strength.

Robert Swan