CAIRO: Wadi Environmental Studies Center (WESC) started the celebrations early this year by bringing everyone up to speed on the most relevant environmental issues. They held the Fate of our Earth Series, which were organized to take place on the last Friday/ Saturday of each month and began in January with the last screening happening less than a week before World Environment Day. The series was a collaboration between WESC and Prince Alwaleed American Studies Centre – AUC. Topics discussed in the screened films covered topics such as solar energy, the water crisis in the world & Egypt and other topics of the hour. Additionally, this year, the celebrations went a step further by being offset completely and thus WED2010 in Egypt will be a Carbon Zero event. Yes, World Environment Day 2010 was officially crowned as the first Carbon Zero event in Egypt. Carbon Zero events have occurred in many parts of the world. Very soon the 2010 FIFA World Cup will start and it will also be a Carbon Zero event like many other events and initiatives by organizations and companies. Offsetting works by the entity wishing to neutralize its event/project etc. purchasing carbon credits to fund projects that combat climate change by reducing the emission of green house gases. Offsetting projects are mostly implemented in the third world countries, and WED2010 is no exception. The organizers are offsetting WED2010 in Egypt by introducing energy efficient stoves in Kenyan villages. The total emissions of WED2010 are kept to a minimum (27 tons of CO2) by having the event in an out door venue during the day light, so most emissions stem from the transportation of the 3000 or more people expected to attend. By offsetting, WESC will help reduce the overall emissions made by the inefficient stoves in the Kenyan villages, raise the standard of living by reducing the labor required to gather the fuel and improve air quality in the homes. WED2010 offsetting is listed with the Gold Standard Foundation, one of the leading certifiers of projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to sustainable development. Want to travel with the least emissions? Join the Cairo Cycler's Club this Saturday on their Environment Day Bike Rally. Stay updated with WED in Egypt by visiting the facebook fan page here. Live far and want to lower your emissions? Car pool with friends or family, or make new car pooling buddies through the safe and user friendly website of the EgyptCarPoolers. BM/Eco Options Egypt
