New Media Message: Global Warming For All Minds Young and Old

Independent newsletters and publications, like abc carbon express, are so crucial because they fill the vacuum left by the established media. These critical sources of information reach millions of individuals across the globe, reminding everyone about the simple truth that global warming and climate change have not gone away. This from rural Hampshire, England, where Flemming Bermann, runs Carbon-info.org – Europe’s largest global warming and climate change website – and is about to publish the book “Global warming for young minds”. Read More

By Flemming Bermann

Reaching the 100th issue of ABC Carbon Express is quite a milestone, and an important one too for many reasons.

At the end of 2008, news reports about the world financial crises started to increase in frequency, and the journalistic language spelled doom at every opportunity. The constant, daily flow of news reports reminding the Government and public about global warming and climate change, and which we here in the UK had grown familiar with during the previous 18 months, ceased to exist almost overnight.

The media had found its new scare story. A financial crisis simply sells more papers because it affects everyone here and now and because it is far simpler concept to explain to the public. “Your job is in danger” is far more headline grabbing than “Sea levels could rise by 75 cm by 2100″.

In fact, one could suggest that the media in recent months has found more success reporting perceived failures of the scientific community. The new low in climate reporting came last year just before COP15, when the media were more interested in making a major story out selective bits of information contained in a few emails, which had been obtained illegally than focusing on the conference itself.

This is in my opinion why the 100th issue (of abc carbon express) is such an important milestone. The continuing work done by countless individuals working for NGOs or non-profit organisations across the world has never been more important.

Independent newsletters and publications are so crucial because they fill the vacuum left by the established media. Each week these critical sources of information reach millions of individuals across the globe, reminding everyone about the simple truth that global warming and climate change have not gone away.

The truth is, however, that dealing with global warming, in particular if we as a species continue to delay an effectively solution to the problem of rising CO2 emissions, will inevitably involve some sacrifice on everyone’s part. And let’s be honest personal sacrifice has never been particular high on anyone’s list.

The average adult is locked into a short-term system of work and wealth creation, which often leaves little time for more long-term, global problems. However, the one area where modern day adults do feel a great responsibility is towards their family and in particular their children.

I have spoken to many mums and dads, who clearly are very concerned about what kind of world their offspring will inherit. I am convinced that many a parent has been motivated to do-their-bit because it indirectly would benefit their children or simply to avoid the difficult question: “Why did you not do more to help protect the planet?”.

Here at Carbon-info.org we firmly believe that the success of how well we are able to deal with global warming depends on how well we educate our children about this significant threat and involve them from an early age.

Unfortunately the UK Government only believes that children needs to receive what amounts to about two lessons of 45 minutes per year on the subject – though I know many teachers, who do much more because they understand how important a topic it is. Unfortunately a typical example of how the UK Government is failing in its educational duties. And yet another example of how individuals, in this case the parents, needs to take the matter into their own hands and provide the information their children would otherwise be excluded from.

The teaching of young children will soon become a lot easier. Carbon-info.org is publishing a children’s book “Global warming for young minds”, which is aimed at parents, who are looking to teach their children about global warming, climate change and sustainable living. The book will be available towards the middle of 2010 and be aimed at children from six to 10+ years old.

Flemming Bermann – Director

Founded in December 2004 by Flemming Bermann and a group of enthusiastic volunteers (The management committee), Carbon-info.org remain an independent, non-government, non-profit environment organisation.

Located in rural Hampshire, England, Carbon-info.org’s values and social objectives remain the same as in December 2004:

“To educate and raise public awareness about global warming, climate change and sustainable living.”

The management committee provide all their time and services to the organisation at no cost.
Income is generated through Carbon-info.org’s website as well as providing ‘green’ consultancy to small and medium sized business.
All profit is reinvested into the organisation to help it achieve its social objectives.

Source: www.Carbon-info.org