BACKGROUND

GOING GREEN is one of the hottest topics across America right now. What’s happened is this. Only a few years ago, the environmental movement seemed to be focusing on endangered species and wilderness protection, issues that mainly appealed to the heart. Those concerns remain, but now the green movement has morphed into pocket book issues such as energy costs and political vulnerabilities. In short, there’s now the will on all sides to come together. No one can ignore the chorus of voices acknowledging that we ALL need to make some changes and do “something” to help. It is these topics that John Paling addresses in his presentations.

TITLE: The Good Earthkeeping Seal™ – Positive Environmentalism in Practice

For two decades now, most environmental groups have advanced their agenda by taking the stick approach to businesses (as opposed to using “carrots”.) In the past, that has been very effective but now there is a different attitude in society and more people in all walks of life are aware of the need and are trying to take steps to adopt more eco-friendly practices.

As a result, John Paling believes that the time has come for a new and different approach - a project that works on building partnerships within communities and offering awards to encourage simple green initiatives by local businesses. This is the essence of Positive Environmentalism- encouraging positive outcomes by using carrots and not sticks.

The Good Earthkeeping Project works with local youth leaders to establish a simple environmental education component for groups such as scouts, 4H etc. Then, the young people are invited to meet with local businesses to discuss basic conservation issues and to invite them to apply for The Good Earthkeeping Seal™ award. This mark of distinction is available in return for the business committing to take baby steps to help pass on a healthy planet for the next generation.

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TITLE: If I wasn’t such a Greenie, I’d buy a Lamborghini! - Making wise environmental choices

A keynote suitable for all types of environmental meetings.

John Paling’s experiences as a wildlife photographer and biology professor make him keenly aware that all life on earth sooner or later has to confront the laws of Nature.
In particular, for long term success, every species succeeds by
1. Being interdependent with others,
2. Maintaining a balance with the other important elements in its environment, and
3. Being part of systems that work in cycles. What goes around, comes around – literally.

As someone who has also run an environmental group, John brings an air of candor and reality to the topic of going green.
He knows first hand that many appealing enviro-friendly choices can turn out not to be as effective as they first appeared. Nevertheless, despite the uncertainties and imperfections of some of our green alternatives, there’s no getting away from the reality that our communities have to make changes and support each other along the way. It is encouraging to know that there are millions of other people across the world who are also confronting the challenges and are trying out all sorts of exciting and enterprising alternatives.


This is a program to support organizations that are starting to go green as well as to further encourage those that have already established a positive environmental culture.

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if you want other presentations more focused on using Dr Paling’s experiences as a a National Geographic Photographer, try our Lessons from Nature series.

If you want more info about Putting Life into Perspective and Building Resilience, try our risk communication topics.