Expolanka spreads awareness on global warming to 10,000 youth
Saturday, 19 July 2014 01:30
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Expolanka Holdings stepped out to reach 10,000 youth to spread awareness on global warming, climate change and personal contribution to environmental sustainability to celebrate World Environment Day. In collaboration with Advent Global, Expolanka Environment Champions delivered training sessions to 10,000 Sri Lankan youth. In addition, a tree planting activity was also conducted along with the awareness program.
Global warming is on the increase of the earth’s average surface temperature due to effect of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels or from deforestation, which trap heat that would otherwise escape from the earth. According to US Environment Protection Agency, the earth’s average temperature has risen by 1.4°F over the past century, and is projected to rise another 2 to 11.5°F over the next hundred years. Small changes in the average temperature of the planet can translate to large and potentially dangerous shifts in climate and weather. Many places have seen changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, droughts, or intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves. The planet’s oceans and glaciers have also experienced some big changes – oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising. As these and other changes become more pronounced in the coming decades, they will likely present challenges to our society and our environment.
Commenting on the project Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and CSR Paddy Weerasekera said, “We are all aware that most of the rising environmental changes can be directly or indirectly linked to human activities. Therefore, the responsibility falls on to us to practice and encourage environmentally sustainable activities and reduce individual carbon footprints. As a responsible corporate, we hope to convey this message to Sri Lanka’s youth.”
In order to reach a wide range of youth in the country, the campaign plans to join hands with youth movements such as Sri Lanka youth, JCI, AIESEC, Rotract club and Interact clubs. Duration of each environmental awareness session will be limited to a maximum of 45 minutes and the content will be particularly geared to attract more youth participation. Each participant will answer a questionnaire at the beginning and the end of the session to evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign.
Solangi Christina – Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Earth 2013 said, “I am excited to be part of this timely endeavour. It was inspiring to see so many young people gathered to learn about such a critical issue and their enthusiasm was heartwarming.”
The project objective was to reach over 10, 000 Sri Lankan youth covering a large demographical area in the country. The program was carried in 32 youth centres covering all seven provinces of the country. Each session will see an average of 300 youth coming together to create awareness and address the issues that await them. This will enable the message of global warming and climate change to reach far and wide.
