Onward to 2013
Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year! May 2013 be successful in all that you hope to achieve!
News
January 1st, 2013
December 28th, 2012
Happy 1st Birthday, E-Base India!
On Nov 21, 2012 the E-Base in Pench National Park, India celebrated its 1st birthday with a year of milestones. Similar to the 2041 E-Base in Antarctica, the E-Base in India runs entirely on renewable energy. Serving as an educational and environmental platform for the local community, the E-Base focuses on wildlife conservation; largely, for the tiger.
Tigers are important players in our ecosystem. As a top predator of the food chain, tigers help maintain an equilibrium within prey populations. According to the WWF, the loss of the tiger will “upset the ecological balance” and lead to a decline of support–prey species would inflate. Consequently, challenged by habitat loss, the tiger population has become more susceptible.
India holds over half the world’s tiger population and through the E-Base individuals not only learn about the importance of these symbolic cats, but the overall importance of creating a more sustainable world. At the E-Base children are inspired and attain the knowledge and values necessary for becoming future sustainable leaders.
- Cutting the first slice of cake
- Celebration
- Local school kids and the weekend workshop
- learning about solar panel energy
WWF. (2012). What if tigers did become extinct?
December 17th, 2012
Stay Committed to Your Goals
10-December 2012: While in Cape Town, South Africa, Robert delivered a presentation for Protea Hospitality Group, the largest hotel group in Africa. Held at the African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa, the Protea Hospitality Group’s General Managers’ Conference highlights individual and group accomplishments from the 2012 year. Engaging the audience, Robert challenged attendees to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals through determination, passion and commitment.
Reconnecting—also at the Protea Hotels lecture was Seton Bailey, a founder of the Footsteps of Scott and the Voyage for Cleaner Energy. Seaton accompanied Robert on the Voyage of ‘Southern Quest’ to the Antarctic in 1984/1985 as a valued crew member and filmmaker. Seaton is the force behind the ‘Overland Voyage of Yacht ‘2041’ to the 2002 2nd World Summit in Johannesburg.
Seton and Robert: Cape Town, South Africa
December 12th, 2012
Robert Visits HCT Madinat Zayed Colleges
It is no doubt that climate change poses one of the most serious threats to the global environment. Recently, in the UAE, Robert Swan had the opportunity to engage with students at the Higher Colleges of Technology in Madinat Zayed about such issues. While at HCT, Robert asked for students to get involved and join the annual expedition to Antarctica. The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the female student body was apparent.
During the lecture, Robert highlighted the importance of taking action, as the biggest threat is waiting for someone else: “We need to act now, before it is too late. The ice is melting fast and seventy percent of the world’s fresh water is frozen in it. The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
Click the photo to read the full HTC News article
December 4th, 2012
Change in China
It’s evident that collaboration plays a key role in sustainability. Corporations like Alstom recognize the importance of setting long term environmental goals. For instance, nearly 25% of the world’s power production capacity depends on Alstom technology and services; hence, why Alstom is continuously supporting renewable energy application (Alstom, 2012).
On Thursday, 29th November, 2012 Robert Swan presented for Alstom’s GM Briefing dinner event in Tianjin, Binhai at the Crowne Plaza. Upon arrival, Robert received a site tour of Alstom Hydro China: a hydro instillation base focused on hydro turbines and generators. Following Alstom’s events, Robert made his way to the International School of Tianjin where students, grades 3-12, faculty, and staff were able to enjoy a presentation by Robert. While at IST, Robert challenged students to develop ‘green classrooms’—an outlet for teaching green and living green.
Beijing, China—Robert met with YVI members, co-organizers of the Peking University lecture. Also working towards environmental protection, YVI, Youth Voice International, is an organization that strives to connect activism in young people’s lives. Through the use of technology, YVI collaborates regularly with individuals all over the globe. Their organization functions as a platform for developing partnerships between scholars, corporate companies, media outlets youth, and more.
1st, December 2012, Peking University: Robert had the opportunity to meet and present for students at Peking University in Beijing. As Peking University places an emphasis in applied sciences, social sciences, sciences of medicine, management, and education, University students were able to apply their academia and global experiences to Robert’s presentation and Antarctic experiences. Also at Peking University, Robert was reunited with fellow IAE Alumni. Here, he learned more about their current professional roles and how their skills will continuously support efforts for creating a sustainable world.
Chen Jiliang (2010 IAE), Wang Yueyue(2009 IAE), Yi Ru (2009, IAE), Rui Luo (2008, IAE)
Jiliang works for Antarctica Ocean Alliance, China coordinator, Yueyue works for MARS, Sustainability and fair trade products, Ru is rogram officer of Executive Education Program in School of Management, Peking University, Rui works for ICF International, on energy and low carbon strategy consulting
Also at the university, Robert collaborated with the student association, CDM. CDM—known as Clean Development Mechanism or Creative Decision Making—focuses on climate change and low-carbon energy, as well as any relativity in China. CDM Club also co-organized the Peking University lecture and similarly shares a goal of creating a more sustainable world. Additionally, CDM CLUB, 6E Plus strives to help develop a new breed of global green leaders by combining the academic resources and aptitude at Peking University.
Overall, China was an excellent collaborative link between business, academia, alumni, and the communities. Special thanks to Bruno Godin of Alstom and Rui Lou of ICF International for all your organizational efforts and consistent support.
Rob at Peking University in Beijing
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