It\’s Getting Hot In Here

(Reposted from Treehugger)

Some people do their part fighting climate change at home in front of a computer. Others prefer a bit more sweat, blood, and tears. Well, hopefully just the former: Once again, Brita Climate Ride is throwing a bunch of environmentalists on bikes, this time in California, September 21-25. Those up for the challenge (a maximum of 150 riders) will pedal 320 miles over five days, soaking up spectacular vistas in the Redwood Forest, Wine Country, and more. Then, when you cross the finish line, toast your success with a large frothy beer at the Tour de Fat bike and beer festival in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

So how much will riders pedal a day? Day 2 is the big one, clocking in at 75 miles. On day 3, riders can choose to go either 71 miles or 100 miles — a shuttle bus is available for the difference. Day 5 is a mere 30 miles.

A pilot for the first ‘sustainable” certified multi-day sporting event, Brita Climate Ride is the largest environmental charity bike ride and “climate conference on wheels” in the U.S., the press release tells us. Participants will include ocean activist Roz Savage, who rowed solo across the Pacific.

Continue reading ‘Climate Awareness Bike Trip Climate Ride Includes Beer and Redwood Forest’

Cross-Posted from the Huffington Post:

As the Hopenhagen Ambassador, I’m supposed to be spreading and collecting messages of hope. But to be honest, it isn’t easy being hopeful right now.

According to a recent post by Andy Revkin of the New York Times, the pledges that countries are making right now likely corresponds to almost four degrees Celsius of warming by the end of the century. The IPCC says that four degrees of warming would reduce crop yields around the world and result in the extinction of perhaps more than forty percent of all plants and animals. Sea level would likely rise by more than three feet, forcing hundreds of millions of people to abandon their homes. Almost all countries agree that we should keep warming under 2 degrees, yet the current pledges don’t line up with this goal.

Nobel Peace Prize winning Archbishop Desmond Tutu spoke at a rally on Sunday during “Hopenhagen Live.” I attended the rally, where Desmond talked about the injustice of climate change. To give you a sense of the event, below is the first 28 seconds of the speech where Desmond greets the audience.

During the press conference that afternoon, reporters asked Desmond questions such as “What would you say to Obama in an elevator?” or “Do you think everyone in the rally yesterday was on your side?” I asked Desmond, “What gives you hope that we can solve climate change?” Watch below to see where Desmond puts his faith.

Tomorrow I’ll interview some of the leaders of the movement Desmond describes.

This year’s 2nd annual Brita Climate Ride and “climate conference on wheels” will see 200 cyclists pedal 300 miles from New York City to the US Capitol in Washington DC to raise money and awareness to fight climate change. The ride takes place from September 26 to 30, 2009, and benefits critical projects at three climate and bike-related organizations: Rails-To-Trails Conservancy, Focus the Nation, and Clean Air – Cool Planet. The ride is an unforgettable experience and a unique opportunity to be part of the movement. The picture below shows Climate Riders biking into Washington DC during last September’s Brita Climate Ride.

Continue reading ‘Brita Climate Ride – Sept 26 to 30′

Check it out: Last September, over a hundred cyclists joined the Brita Climate Ride and biked 300 miles from New York City to Washington D.C. to fight climate change. We’re riding again this September 26-30 and doubling the size of the event. We hope you can join us.

Here’s a description of the route, and a sweet slide show.

The Brita Climate Ride is a fundraiser for Focus the Nation, Clean Air – Cool Planet, and Rails to Trails Conservancy. Each rider raises $2,400, and the proceeds are split between these groups.

But this five-day ride is much more than a fundraiser. It’s an opportunity to be a part of a climate conference on wheels.

Brita Climate Ride staff and volunteers carry your gear from one campsite to the next. At night, you can relax, meet fellow Climate Riders, and hear expert speakers. While the ride is open to all age groups, over half of last year’s riders were in their twenties.

The ride ends at the steps of the Capitol building. Last year, when we arrived, Congressmen Lloyd Doggett and Earl Blumenauer met and addressed the riders. The following day, riders walked into the congressional offices and lobbied their representatives.

On the Climate Ride Blog, you can read what last year’s riders said about the event.

So sign up and join us. Fellowships are available.