I recently represented Greenpeace Africa at a Save the Arctic photoshoot at the Waldorf School campus in Stellenbosch.
We could not have asked for a better day as the weather played along perfectly. I was amazed to see that the learner, all from Sisonke Circus group, took great interest in the future of the Arctic environment.
Listening to some of the intriguing questions from the learners I couldn't help but be reminded of the following quote: "We can't match Shell's enormous financial muscle, but we have creativity and millions of people behind us. This is the defining environmental battle of our time and we have only just begun."
-Kumi Naidoo, Greenpeace International Executive Director
Not only does the Arctic work to regulate the global climate, it's also home to a rich ecosystem and indigenous people who depend on that ecosystem. Polar bears, seals, walruses and whales are just some of the species that call the Arctic home. And it's all in danger.
Oil companies are eager to profit from the melting sea ice by drilling in the Arctic. While the entire oil industry is looking to move into the Arctic, Shell is leading the way. Yet they have proven several times that there are in no way Arctic ready with various mishaps including a rig on the loose and a fire aboard their drill ship The Noble Discoverer.
Nevermind that Shell's plans to drill for oil contribute to the vicious cycle of global warming. The climate in the Arctic can be severe and unpredictable making an oil spill likely-and catastrophic.
The concepts that I had to bring across to the participants on the day was to be conscious of where the products that we use come from and the damage that was done to get it to us.
It was a great way to end off a working week by spreading environmental awareness in the Boland.
We could not have asked for a better day as the weather played along perfectly. I was amazed to see that the learner, all from Sisonke Circus group, took great interest in the future of the Arctic environment.
Listening to some of the intriguing questions from the learners I couldn't help but be reminded of the following quote: "We can't match Shell's enormous financial muscle, but we have creativity and millions of people behind us. This is the defining environmental battle of our time and we have only just begun."
-Kumi Naidoo, Greenpeace International Executive Director
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| Sisonke Circus group at Waldorf School that is situated on the Spier wine estate |
Not only does the Arctic work to regulate the global climate, it's also home to a rich ecosystem and indigenous people who depend on that ecosystem. Polar bears, seals, walruses and whales are just some of the species that call the Arctic home. And it's all in danger.
Oil companies are eager to profit from the melting sea ice by drilling in the Arctic. While the entire oil industry is looking to move into the Arctic, Shell is leading the way. Yet they have proven several times that there are in no way Arctic ready with various mishaps including a rig on the loose and a fire aboard their drill ship The Noble Discoverer.
Nevermind that Shell's plans to drill for oil contribute to the vicious cycle of global warming. The climate in the Arctic can be severe and unpredictable making an oil spill likely-and catastrophic.
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| Some learners found it more fascinating to take pictures with me while I was presenting. |
It was a great way to end off a working week by spreading environmental awareness in the Boland.
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