R20 Regions of Climate Action and Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Partner to Accelerate Climate Change Solutions

Supports Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's call to increase investment in climate projects

 

 

GENEVA and LOS ANGELES - 26 May, 2016 - Following the April signing of the Paris Agreement, R20 Regions of Climate Action "R20" and Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation "LDF" announced the formation of a new partnership to rapidly identify and fund projects that address the urgency of climate change.

 

Financially supported by LDF under a new $650,000 grant, this partnership allows R20 to rapidly identify renewable energy, energy efficiency and waste management initiatives that have the potential to bring positive environmental and social benefits to communities across the globe, and ultimately reduce carbon emissions. Under this framework, R20 will develop and construct these projects, as well as measure and report on their impact.

 

Together, R20 and LDF are following the mission of the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance"CCFLA," which was launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2014 to encourage investment in low-emission, climate resilient infrastructure in cities, and to close the investment gap in climate friendly projects in urban areas over 15 years.

 

"I commend LDF and R20 for supporting the goals of the CCFLA. Partnerships like this one strengthen the effort to unlock billions of dollars of private investment in projects that will urgently address climate change," said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. "I thank them for their commitment to our environment, and to the future of humanity."

 

"The Paris Agreement was an important first step for reducing global carbon emissions, but there is more that must be done to accomplish this important goal. Our partnership with R20 is a signal that it is also the responsibility of private organizations to take up the charge of accelerating the adoption of climate-saving technologies, worldwide," said Leonardo DiCaprio, Chairman of Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. "We call on others to follow our lead because our planet is quickly running out of time."

 

R20 was founded to support governments and communities in the identification, preparation and financing of green projects to lower greenhouse gas emissions and help the world transition to a green economy.

 

"R20 and LDF share an unwavering commitment to taking bold action on climate change by supporting proven solutions that will impact real change for our planet," said Christophe Nuttall, Executive Director of R20. "With the support of our partners at LDF, we will help set a model for CCFLA members, governments and organizations to take action to develop their own climate solutions in all parts of the globe."

 

 

R20 was named the Secretariat for the CCFLA in partnership with World Fund for Cities (FMDV), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in January 2016.

 

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About R20 Regions of Climate Action

 

R20 Regions of Climate Action is a non-profit organization founded in 2010 by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other global leaders in cooperation with the United Nations.

 

R20 is a coalition of partners led by regional governments that work to promote and implement projects that are designed to produce local economic and environmental benefits in the form of reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; strong local economies; improved public health; and new green jobs. These local actions can help the world achieve our shared global environmental and economic goals.

 

For more information visit www.regions20.org 

 

About Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

 

Since 1998, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation ("LDF") has been on a mission to protect the Earth's last wild places, implementing solutions that restore balance to threatened ecosystems, and ensure the long-term health and wellbeing of all its inhabitants.

 

Through grant making, public campaigns and media initiatives, LDF brings attention and needed funding to three areas: protecting biodiversity, ocean & forest conservation, and climate change. The Foundation works in close collaboration with a broad network of environmental leaders and experts, effective organizations, and committed philanthropists to identify and support innovative, results-driven projects in the world's most wild and threatened ecosystems. Currently LDF supports over 70 high-impact projects in more than 40 countries around the world. 

For more information visit: www.leonardodicaprio.org.  

 

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation is a component fund of the California Community Foundation.

@Paige_donner

COP21: Gov. Schwarzenegger Addresses The Negotiators

re-posted from Press Release

December 7, 2015 COP21: Schwarzenegger addresses the UN climate deal negotiators   Monday December 7, 2015. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed the negotiators today at the UNFCCC Paris Climate Conference during a session on cities and regional climate action. Schwarzenegger, an ardent advocate for the empowerment of subnational governments in tackling climate change, emphasized the crucial role that cities and regions play in advancing the low-carbon economy.   "No matter what you (negotiators) do, do not forget the power of subnational governments. 70 percent of emissions can be controlled with state and local policies. Cities and states hold tremendous power and we must never forget it," said Mr. Schwarzenegger.   Recognizing subnational action in the climate deal will ensure that local governments are given the support they need to implement their climate change mitigation plans, and that national emissions targets are met. According to Scaling Up: Local to Global Climate Action, a new report released at COP21: "Rajasthan's installed solar capacity is the largest among all the states in India, accounting for more than one-quarter of the country's total. If Rajasthan's rate of solar energy expansion were scaled to the national level, India's carbon dioxide emissions would decrease by approximately 19 percent of the nation's total carbon dioxide emissions in 2012." Egis and R20 sign a partnership agreement for sustainable waste management Saturday 5 December, 2015. Paris. R20 has signed an agreement with the international consulting and engineering firm, Egis, a branch of the Caisse des Depots, to create a Pre-Investment Fund (PIF) for waste management projects. The Fund will support the different actors of sustainable waste management (national and local governments, industry and investors) in their decision-making processes necessary to implementing infrastructure projects.  The signing took place in the presence of Christophe Nuttall, Executive Director of R20; Terry Tammimen, Strategic Advisor to the R20; Pierre-René Lemas, CEO of Caisse des Dépôts; Nicolas Jachiet, CEO of Egis; and Craig Cogut, CEO of Pegasus Capital Advisors (a US-based private equity firm). In parallel with the COP 21 agreement, this partnership focuses on developing "Waste to Energy" projects in emerging countries. The pre-investment funds will enable Egis and R20 to bring to maturity the waste management market in emerging and developing countries. Read more.  Schwarzenegger talks climate communications at Sciences Po   Monday December 7, 2015. In a bold address to the faculty and students of Sciences Po, France's leading political science institute, Gov. Schwarzenegger called on climate communicators to shift awareness raising efforts away from spelling future doomsday scenarios, to present-day dangers that are affecting humanity now.   "We are wired through thousands of years of evolution to focus on the here and now on survival. Our over-use of fossil fuels impacts us right now. The fumes from dirty energy are killing us. We cannot accept 7 million premature deaths every year with a clear conscience.   We want to be cutting edge. We know that a green economy is a growing and smart economy. That's the story we have to tell," stated Mr Schwarzenegger. R20 holds General Assembly meeting  Monday December 7, 2015. R20 held its Governing Board and General Assembly meetings at its new R20 Paris office in Champs Elysees.  The meetings, presided by R20 President Michele Sabban, gathered over 30 R20 members and partners coming from regions around the world.  The Governing Board and General Assembly members unanimously re-elected Michele Sabban as President of R20. R20 Executive Director Christophe Nuttall used these examples to demonstrate R20's successful business model over the past 3 years of bringing together decision makers, technical expertise, financial partners and investors, thereby enabling the deployment of projects on the ground.  In particular, Dr. Nuttall highlighted R20's ability to leverage millions of dollars for investments in projects, first by using seed funding to build Pre-Investment Facilities, which in turn provide funding for project development, and then by attracting the appropriate investments to implement the projects. Over the next 5 years, R20 will harness its resources to scale up the projects through its Green Investment Accelerator Fund, that will deploy billions of US dollars in investments. Read more. R20 signs agreement with Feilo for 1 billion LEDs A new agreement was signed between Ms.Sabban and Ms. Linyu Wang, President of Hawaii LED LLC, representing Feilo Acoustics Ltd, to establish a R20 Pre-Investment Facility for the installation of one billion LED streetlights in hundreds of cities across the world. STAY CONNECTED

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COP21: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals 2 Global Reports

reprint of press release

posted by Paige Donner

COP21: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will reveal two global reports Nine Global Actions That Dramatically Cut Carbon Emissions Climate Finance Action Plan That Shows How to Replicate These Successes Around the World Paris, 5 December 2015 - R20 Founder and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Yale University, and the Stanley Foundation, in collaboration with the R20 and USC Schwarzenegger Institute, released "Scaling Up: From Local to Global Climate Action." This report confirms that sub-national action on climate change is in many ways surpassing national efforts in scope and ambition. The report uses case studies from nine regions around the world to highlight initiatives that, if adopted nationally, would contribute significantly to, or even surpass, country-level mitigation goals.  The highlighted initiatives have the potential to raise national ambition; spur additional mitigation, adaptation, and climate financing; and inject an emphasis on solutions-directed efforts into the public dialogue on climate change. From California to Rajasthan, India, these case studies reveal a range of local partnerships that exhibit strong climate leadership. "I have always said that our states, provinces, and cities are where the action is. We proved it in California and many of our policies have been adopted by our federal government. This report proves the value of sub-national governments all over the world taking action and not waiting for their national leaders or international institutions to help us solve the world's most pressing challenge - - climate change," declares Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In concert with this report, the R20 and the USC Schwarzenegger institute also released "Climate Finance: A Status Report and Action Plan" which gives tangible, concrete examples of how to expedite the transition to a low-carbon economy based on proven technologies and projects all over the world, such as those described in "Scaling Up". Drafted at the request of French President Francois Hollande, who identified climate finance as critical to the negotiations at COP21, the report offers a comprehensive road map to effectively tackle climate finance challenges. The report gives examples of supportive governments in various regions around the world (at the sub-national and national level); mature low-carbon technologies; and substantial amounts of capital, but also points out that intermediaries are needed to align interests and develop projects.The Report concludes by proposing concrete solutions moving forward and will also serve as the basis for implementation of climate finance solutions post COP21. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Founding Chair of the R20 and Chairman of the USC Schwarzenegger Institute, will participate in a number of COP21 events to draw attention to these two papers and continue his longstanding commitment in addressing climate change and protecting the environment. Schwarzenegger will highlight the important role that sub-national leadership is providing in reducing carbon emissions and will stress the need to accelerate the action being created at the local level.   On Saturday December 5th, Schwarzenegger will give a key note speech to the Inter-Parliamentary Union where he will formally announce the reports and will present copies to French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.  Two days later, on December 7th, Schwarzenegger will speak to the students and faculty of Sciences Po University about the long-term nature of the climate change challenge and the important role future generations of leaders will play in addressing it.   On December 8th Schwarzenegger will deliver remarks to the official UN negotiating body that is working to formally integrate subnational actions into the UNFCCC negotiations for the first time in history. He will highlight how much progress sub-nationals have made to support the reasoning for this new officially sanctioned approach. ### About R20 R20 Regions of Climate Action is a non-profit organization founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger and other global leaders in cooperation with the United Nations. Our mission is to help sub-national governments around the world to develop and communicate low-carbon and climate resilient economic development projects. We do so by working in three primary aspects of development: policy, technology, and finance. www.regions20.org About the USC Schwarzenegger Institute The USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy is committed to advancing post-partisanship, where leaders put people over political parties and work together to find the best ideas and solutions to benefit the people they serve. The Institute seeks to influence public policy and public debate in finding solutions to the serious challenges we face.While the Institute engages on a variety of critical policy areas, a primary focus is climate change, which reflects Governor Schwarzenegger's leadership on the issue and it being one of the defining challenges of our generation. www.schwarzeneggerinstitute.com About the Stanley Foundation The Stanley Foundation advances multilateral action to create fair, just, and lasting solutions to critical issues of peace and security. The foundation's work is built on a belief that greater international cooperation will improve global governance and enhance global citizenship. The organization values its Midwestern roots and family heritage as well as its role as a nonpartisan, private operating foundation. The Stanley Foundation does not make grants. www.stanleyfoundation.org. About Yale University Since its founding in 1701, Yale has been dedicated to expanding and sharing knowledge, inspiring innovation, and preserving cultural and scientific information for future generations. Yale's reach is both local and international. It partners with its hometown of New Haven, Connecticut to strengthen the city's community and economy. And it engages with people and institutions across the globe in the quest to promote cultural understanding, improve the human condition, delve more deeply into the secrets of the universe, and train the next generation of world leaders. www.yale.edu

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Purifying Charcoal Mask With Marine Algae from Derma-e

Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask With Marine Algae from Derma-e

WATCH Video HERE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lsvo66jTynU

Activated Charcoal, known for absorbing 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities, purges pores of deeply rooted toxins.

Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask deeply detoxifies skin of harmful micropollutants (exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, heavy metals) in two ways:

(1) Natural clays infused with Kimarine® Wakame, Bladerwrack and Activated Charcoal lift out dirt, oil and bacteria to decongest pores as the mask dries;

(2) Apricot Seed Powder exfoliates away dead skin cells and captured debris upon removal. Kaolin and Bentonite Clays absorb excess oils and impurities, relieving skin congestion. Kimarine® Wakame is a potassium-rich, magnesium-rich seaweed that is clinically proven to protect skin against environmental pollutants. Bladderwrack is an antioxidant-rich, mineral-rich seaweed known for its water-binding properties, supporting healthy skin hydration and nourishment.

Activated Charcoal, known for absorbing 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities, purges pores of deeply rooted toxins, then Apricot Seed Powder gently exfoliates away micropollutants. Ideal for oily, active or urban skin types, even safe for reactive skin (minimal ingredients and allergy-tested),

Use this formula once or twice a week for skin that looks dramatically fresher, healthier and purely glowing. 

INGREDIENTS: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Seed Powder, Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida (Wakame, Kimarine®) Extract, Charcoal Powder, Epilobium Angustifolium (Canadian Willowherb™) Extract, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract* (.1%), Menthyl Lactate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

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Celebrate World Water Week With Us!

5 Water Purification Designs for Third World Countries

(Infographic courtesy of http://ufonline.ufl.edu/infographics/five-water-purification-designs/)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 748 million people lack access to uncontaminated drinking water sources. Moreover, WHO estimates that 1.8 billion people use a fecally contaminated drinking water source, 2.5 billion lack access to improved sanitation facilities and more than 840,000 people die from water related diseases annually. 

Contaminated water is the number one cause of death in developing countries, causing diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, typhoid fever, malaria, ascariasis, dengue fever and many other deadly illnesses. In fact, contaminated water is the number one public health concern globally based on its impact to society, according to the WHO. Fortunately, the WHO estimates that 10% of the global disease burden could be prevented with improved water supply and sanitation. In light of this, a number of innovations and technologies are providing growing solutions to this problem.

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Major League Kale - Baseball Stadiums' Rooftop Gardens

Mashup posted by Paige Donner

At the beginning of the 2015 season, Fenway opened a 5,000-square foot rooftop farm along a previously unused stretch of roof behind Gate A, dubbing the area "Fenway Farms." The impetus for the farm came from Linda Pizzuti Henry, wife of Red Sox co-owner John Henry. Linda had long been interested in figuring out a way to bring a focus on sustainability and healthy eating to the ballpark, and in the summer of 2014, Linda serendipitously crossed paths with Green City Growers, a Boston-based company that had been awarded a Social Impact Prize from Henry's foundation for its work in creating urban garden and farms.

Read More HERE on ThinkProgress.org

The overlap of more sustainable food options and the evolution of consumer interest is a tremendous business opportunity for the sports industry.

"The reaction is incredibly positive," Jessie Banhazl, founder Green City Growers, told ThinkProgress. "People are really excited to see this particular area of the park that was not being used for anything all of the sudden being a thriving farm."

And from the NY Times...

"This is great because although a lot of people love to come to Fenway and eat a hot dog, some people don't want to eat a hot dog, they want to eat something else — maybe a salad or a wrap with vegetables in it," Bunker said.

Growers use intensive methods, including drip irrigation and planting fresh crops right after others are harvested. That has enabled the garden to yield more than 2,000 pounds of tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, rosemary, basil, dill, parsley, tarragon and kale in the first three months, Banhazl said.

"So we're growing a little bit of everything," she said. "It's our first year doing the farm, and so we thought we'd try out a bunch of different varieties to see what the kitchens were using and also to just kind of experiment with what people liked."

Read MORE...

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The Race for Water Odyssey in Guam For New Scientific Analyses

 

                   

To read it in French, click here

 

Press Release for immediate distribution

 

July 13th, 2015 - Guam (USA)

The scientific teams of the Race for Water Odyssey in Guam for new analyses on plastic pollution in oceans

Leaving Honolulu on June 30, the Race for Water Odyssey has since travelled with the purpose of going to Guam (Mariana Islands) for a new scientific stopover. The simultaneous presence of two typhoons in the area has forced the crew to change its itinerary.  Despite the absence of the navigation team in Guam, the planned stopover in this archipelago can still be conducted under good conditions. The R4WO scientific team arrived on the island yesterday and will deploy the protocol as initially planned. 

The R4WO crew was forced to go off-route over these last few days because of the formation of tropical cyclones Chan-Hom and Nangka in the North-Western Pacific. This is more specifically the Nangka typhoon (ranked category 5 on a scale of 1 to 5) which has forced the crew of the R4WO to bypass the Mariana Archipelago. However, these necessary safety measures did not undermine the continuation of the expedition. 

Tomorrow the shore crew will carry out beach samplings on three selected beaches on the Guam Island. On site up to July 18, the teams will also meet local stakeholders from the scientific and associative communities during a round table discussion on plastic pollution organised at Guam University.

Next stops: Tokyo and Shanghai

During this stopover in the Mariana Islands, the MOD70 Race for Water trimaran will continue its route towards the next stops of the expedition: Tokyo first of all, then Shanghai. In the two Asian megacities, the aim of the R4WO will be to exchange and raise awareness among local actors on the problem of plastic pollution in oceans.   

Click here to follow the expedition live! 

Click here for more information about the program in Guam!

 

About the Race for Water Odyssey (R4WO) 

Initiated by the Race for Water foundation, the "Race for Water Odyssey" is a unique expedition that aims to draw up the first global assessment of plastic pollution in the ocean by visiting island beaches situated in the 5 trash vortexes. In less than 300 days, over 40,000 nautical miles will be traveled, punctuated by 11 scientific stopovers and 9 outreach stopovers, involving a total of 13 countries. The Race for Water Odyssey benefits from the support of ISAF, Duke University, Oregon State University, senseFly, Swisscom and Swissnex. 

About the Race for Water Foundation 

Founded in Lausanne in 2010, the "Race for Water" Foundation's mission is to preserve our planet's most valuable resource: water. The foundation is an officially recognized non-profit organization seeking to implement concrete and sustainable actions, focusing on two main themes: protecting oceans and freshwater. "Race for Water" initiates projects aimed at raising awareness and taking concrete action on the ground. These actions are directed at four target audiences: economic players, political bodies, the scientific community, and the general public—with particular emphasis on future generations. "Race for Water" collaborates with organizations such as UNESCO, UNEP, IUCN, WWF, and WBCSD. 

 

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