It was with fascination and awe that I sat back and enjoyed James Balog’s discussion about climate change at the Herbst Theatre on Jan. 26th in San Francisco. He was part of the City Arts and Lecture series and one of a few select activists that have documented, on film, the severe ice melt due to climate changes occurring over the last ten years. His story is compelling and his work inspiring. Awareness then action…I encourage you to check out his website and his unique work. Visit Extreme Ice Survey now!

To draw attention to climate change, Brazilian Artist Nele Azevedo was contracted by the World Wildlife Federation to set up 1,000 ice sculptures on the Berlin Concert Hall Steps.  Image via Getty

Good morning. I want to thank the Secretary-General for organizing this summit, and all the leaders who are participating. That so many of us are here today is a recognition that the threat from climate change is serious, it is urgent, and it is growing. Our generation’s response to this challenge will be judged by history, for if we fail to meet it – boldly, swiftly, and together – we risk consigning future generations to an irreversible catastrophe.

No nation, however large or small, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten every coastline. More powerful storms and floods threaten every continent. More frequent drought and crop failures breed hunger and conflict in places where hunger and conflict already thrive. On shrinking islands, families are already being forced to flee their homes as climate refugees. The security and stability of each nation and all peoples – our prosperity, our health, our safety – are in jeopardy. And the time we have to reverse this tide is running out.

And yet, we can reverse it. John F. Kennedy once observed that “Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man.” It is true that for too many years, mankind has been slow to respond to or even recognize the magnitude of the climate threat. It is true of my own country as well. We recognize that. But this is a new day. It is a new era. And I am proud to say that the United States has done more to promote clean energy and reduce carbon pollution in the last eight months than at any other time in our history.

We’re making our government’s largest ever investment in renewable energy – an investment aimed at doubling the generating capacity from wind and other renewable resources in three years. Across America, entrepreneurs are constructing wind turbines and solar panels and batteries for hybrid cars with the help of loan guarantees and tax credits – projects that are creating new jobs and new industries. We’re investing billions to cut energy waste in our homes, buildings, and appliances – helping American families save money on energy bills in the process. We’ve proposed the very first national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks – a standard that will also save consumers money and our nation oil. We’re moving forward with our nation’s first offshore wind energy projects. We’re investing billions to capture carbon pollution so that we can clean up our coal plants. Just this week, we announced that for the first time ever, we’ll begin tracking how much greenhouse gas pollution is being emitted throughout the country. Later this week, I will work with my colleagues at the G20 to phase out fossil fuel subsidies so that we can better address our climate challenge. And already, we know that the recent drop in overall U.S. emissions is due in part to steps that promote greater efficiency and greater use of renewable energy.

Most importantly, the House of Representatives passed an energy and climate bill in June that would finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy for American businesses and dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One committee has already acted on this bill in the Senate and I look forward to engaging with others as we move forward.

Because no one nation can meet this challenge alone, the United States has also engaged more allies and partners in finding a solution than ever before. In April, we convened the first of what have now been six meetings of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate here in the United States. In Trinidad, I proposed an Energy and Climate Partnership for the Americas. We’ve worked through the World Bank to promote renewable energy projects and technologies in the developing world. And we have put climate at the top of our diplomatic agenda when it comes to our relationships with countries from China to Brazil; India to Mexico; Africa to Europe.

Taken together, these steps represent an historic recognition on behalf of the American people and their government. We understand the gravity of the climate threat. We are determined to act. And we will meet our responsibility to future generations.

But though many of our nations have taken bold actions and share in this determination, we did not come here today to celebrate progress. We came because there is so much more progress to be made. We came because there is so much more work to be done.

It is work that will not be easy. As we head towards Copenhagen, there should be no illusions that the hardest part of our journey is in front of us. We seek sweeping but necessary change in the midst of a global recession, where every nation’s most immediate priority is reviving their economy and putting their people back to work. And so all of us will face doubts and difficulties in our own capitals as we try to reach a lasting solution to the climate challenge.

But difficulty is no excuse for complacency. Unease is no excuse for inaction. And we must not allow the perfect to become the enemy of progress. Each of us must do what we can when we can to grow our economies without endangering our planet – and we must all do it together. We must seize the opportunity to make Copenhagen a significant step forward in the global fight against climate change.

We also cannot allow the old divisions that have characterized the climate debate for so many years to block our progress. Yes, the developed nations that caused much of the damage to our climate over the last century still have a responsibility to lead. And we will continue to do so – by investing in renewable energy, promoting greater efficiency, and slashing our emissions to reach the targets we set for 2020 and our long-term goal for 2050.

But those rapidly-growing developing nations that will produce nearly all the growth in global carbon emissions in the decades ahead must do their part as well. Some of these nations have already made great strides with the development and deployment of clean energy. Still, they will need to commit to strong measures at home and agree to stand behind those commitments just as the developed nations must stand behind their own. We cannot meet this challenge unless all the largest emitters of greenhouse gas pollution act together. There is no other way.

We must also energize our efforts to put other developing nations – especially the poorest and most vulnerable – on a path to sustainable growth. These nations do not have the same resources to combat climate change as countries like the United States or China do, but they have the most immediate stake in a solution. For these are the nations that are already living with the unfolding effects of a warming planet – famine and drought; disappearing coastal villages and the conflict that arises from scarce resources. Their future is no longer a choice between a growing economy and a cleaner planet, because their survival depends on both. It will do little good to alleviate poverty if you can no longer harvest your crops or find drinkable water.

That is why we have a responsibility to provide the financial and technical assistance needed to help these nations adapt to the impacts of climate change and pursue low-carbon development.

What we are seeking, after all, is not simply an agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions. We seek an agreement that will allow all nations to grow and raise living standards without endangering the planet. By developing and disseminating clean technology and sharing our know-how, we can help developing nations leap-frog dirty energy technologies and reduce dangerous emissions.

As we meet here today, the good news is that after too many years of inaction and denial, there is finally widespread recognition of the urgency of the challenge before us. We know what needs to be done. We know that our planet’s future depends on a global commitment to permanently reduce greenhouse gas pollution. We know that if we put the right rules and incentives in place, we will unleash the creative power of our best scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to build a better world. And so many nations have already taken the first steps on the journey towards that goal.

But the journey is long. The journey is hard. And we don’t have much time left to make it. It is a journey that will require each of us to persevere through setback, and fight for every inch of progress, even when it comes in fits and starts. So let us begin. For if we are flexible and pragmatic; if we can resolve to work tirelessly in common effort, then we will achieve our common purpose: a world that is safer, cleaner, and healthier than the one we found; and a future that is worthy of our children. Thank you.

I used to think you had to be older to be able to make a difference. The world is so big, I could not imagine how one girl could some how help protect and save our planet. I used to say “When I grow up I want to write laws to put an end to polluting cars. I want to give every country in the world recycling and composting centers and bins. I want to protect the lands and habitats of animals that are now endangered and becoming extinct.” This is what I would say when I heard about global warming and was scared about the future. I told myself I would help, but for now I just had to wait because what could I really do all by myself?

Then one day in fourth grade I was in the line to recycle my sheet of paper when I heard a girl say, “I’m helping protect the planet,” and as she released her fingers, and her piece of paper fell into the blue bin. My head snapped up, and I thought about what she had said; this girl was no grown up, but she was making a decision that was protecting the environment. That decision just saved one piece of paper from being sent to a landfill where it would take up to a month to decompose. As I stepped forward in line I realized that I didn’t have to wait to help the planet; I could start right now! There was nothing holding me back besides my own assumptions. When it was my turn to recycle my sheet I dropped it in, and for the first time realized what an impact I really could have on the planet.

Hi, my name is Skylar, I am 14 years old, and I am a summer intern at Hope to Action. This summer I have been helping to create an area in our website that is for kids and kids only. This brand new kids section has everything you could need to start taking small steps in your own life to protect the planet. It has materials to teach you about global warming, ways to be green, and fun activities and crafts. It also has a blog area where you can share something green you did today, or what being “green” means to you. This new section can help all of us to become green kids ready to take on the world.

As I realized in fourth grade you don’t have to be a grown up to make a difference and to help solve the problems of the world. My recycling that sheet of paper on that day taught me, that any action, no matter how small, can make a big difference in the world. After that, I was constantly asking my mom what could I recycle, and how else I could “be green”? Slowly I began to realize that what I was doing, and the actions I was taking were both big and exciting. Every time I recycled, went with my family and bought groceries at the local farmers market, or told a friend about a new green tip I felt powerful. I felt like I was a part of this huge movement, the movement to protect the world. As I grew up, and learned more and more of what I could do, the opportunities began to spread out in front of me. Every day I learned more ways I could help and did my best to educate those around me. In addition, I learned that, while there are both big and small achievements, any action is a ‘big’ action and every action makes a difference. So on behalf of Hope to Action I welcome you to come and check out Kids for a Greener Planet and get started taking action today!

Actress and activist Jessica Alba tells us what she’s doing in her own life to live a greener life.  Simple things at home and while we shop make a huge difference if all of us are doing them together.  Follow Jessica and some of her tips, then take her actions below.

Video after the jump!

Elettra Wiedemann, top fashion model and environmental activist, joins Hope to Action from New York as a Woman of Influence. A young lady of stunning beauty, intelligence, and grace all coupled with a commitment to giving back, Elettra represents the face of Lancome and has found some extraordinary ways to combine her worlds of fashion and environmental philanthropy.

Please listen to her podcast below to find out more about Elettra, her work with Just One Frickin Day, and how one day truly can make a difference.

Listen to Elettra’s Podcast Here

In our world of eco-consciousness and environmental friendliness it might be confusing as to what really is a “green toy.” And just when we learn wooden toys are better than plastic, companies start making toys from 100% recycled plastic with no BPAs, phthalates or lead paint.  How is a parent to choose?

All of these “eco-friendly” products are a great way to make a greener choice when buying a toy but what about using everyday natural and recycled materials to encourage moments of fun and playfulness? The process of finding these toys becomes a fun game of imaginary play while also teaching your child the importance of re-using and recycling materials.
For example, organize a scavenger hunt in your own home, backyard or community. Next time you head to the outdoors remember a bag and encourage your child to collect treasures like pine cones, acorn tops, shells, special rocks, and more. In my family we love collecting special items when hiking in the woods or walking along the beach; the natural materials excite curiosity and play.
There are so many materials to reuse for play but my all-time favorite is still the basic box. From the garage to your closet you’re bound to find an unused box. Use a small box to create a great bed for a child’s doll or stuffed animal or a large box becomes a car or house.
Depending on the age of your child the options for additional materials to accompany a box are endless. Younger children might only need their imagination but an older child might like to embellish the box with markers, crayons, sequins, paint or colored paper. Attach a clean plastic container to make a mailbox, add a few more for a window box for flowers.  Boxes are wonderful tools of imaginary play.
Even author Antoinette Portis goes outside the box offering creative ideas in her book aptly title, “Not a Box.” I have created a basic list of found materials but I encourage everyone to search your home.  I’m sure you’ll find many more treasures to use.  Happy Hunting!

Read her List of Household items here.

The Reverend Canon Sally G. Bingham has brought widespread attention to the link between religious faith and the environment through her work on The Regeneration Project and the Interfaith Power and Light campaign. As one of the first faith leaders to fully recognize global warming as a core moral issue, she has mobilized thousands of religious people to put their faith into action through energy stewardship.

Please listen to her podcast below to find out more about Reverend Bingham, her work, and how every woman of every faith can practice environmental stewardship.

Listen to Reverend Bingham’s Podcast here

I was born into a political family - daughter of former CA Treasurer Kathleen Brown, niece of Attorney General Jerry Brown, and granddaughter of former California Governor Pat Brown.

Brown is my political bloodline, yet I never aspired to political office.  I chose a different path for myself, starting a preschool and raising three kids.  It wasn’t until I saw Al Gore’s film that I decided that I needed to transform my legacy from Brown to Green leadership.

My first true green moment happened after I saw “An Inconvenient Truth.”  After the movie, I had a whole new awareness about the implications of global warming. Leading a very busy and full life, it had been easy to be complacent.  After I saw the film, I knew that I had to change the way I lived but quickly realized how difficult it is to do so over night. I said to my husband, “I need to have a big safe 7-seater (aka gas guzzling SUV) because I often drive 6 kids around,” to which he replied, “That is why they call it an inconvenient truth.” Fortunately the auto industry finally came out with a 7-seater hybrid, so I made the switch.

I wanted to do more, but I wasn’t sure where to start.  Most people that I know would be happy to make changes in their lives to help make the world a better place.  The missing link for me was simple steps that we could all take to make a greener planet.

I am so grateful to be a part of Hope to Action.  After my first EcoSalon at founder, Jennifer Caldwell’s, house I learned that there are so many simple ways to go green.  From the big moves like the solar panels we ordered for our home to green Christmas gifts for my family - solar powered chargers.  Every day I dig through our trash to make sure we are recycling everything that we can.  I remind my kids to recycle, to save water and to turn off the lights when they aren’t using them.  We have eliminated plastic bottles in our house.  These are simple steps, yet I know that every bit makes a difference.

“An Inconvenient Truth” propelled me to action.  I love it that a documentary film changed my life. I hope to inspire people with my own documentary film, “California State of Mind - The Legacy of Pat Brown.”  My grandfather lived the American Dream. Times have drastically changed since Pat Brown was Governor over 50 years ago.  Right now is the perfect time to look back, so we can move forward in a positive way.   The film will show that California can lead the way, turning the current economic, energy, and environmental crisis into an opportunity for innovation, intelligent design, and sustainability.

Once the film is complete we will launch “My California,” a companion educational curriculum that aims to inspire young people to make a difference in their communities so that we can all be part of the solution.  I believe education is the key to positive change.