Climate Change is a Reality

When I watched this video of climate activist Solomon Mondlane speaking in Soweto, South Africa, it gave me chills. 24 Hours of Reality Presenter Jeunesse Park sent it to me after hearing Solomon at a tree planting event for her organization, Food & Trees for Africa.

A survivor of Mozambique’s civil war, Solomon now lives in South Africa and volunteers for local environmental organizations including Food & Trees for Africa. 24 Hours of Reality resonated deeply with Solomon and he has made it his personal mission to bring Reality to the communities around him.

By Al Gore (Former US Vice President)
http://climaterealityproject.org/2011/10/21/24-hours-of-reality-in-soweto/

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Absa’s Make a Difference (MAD) campaign ran until 5 November. The focus this year was simple but significant as the bank partners with schools countrywide to plant trees. Environmental issues have moved from the sidelines to take centre stage in the business world. As such, Absa is engaging communities on environmental sustainability through this year’s “Make A Difference” (MAD) initiative.

Absa’s 2011 MAD campaign included tree planting at 37 selected schools countrywide, school ground clean ups and the expansion of existing food garden projects in partnership with Food & Trees For Africa.

With the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP17) Summit in Kwa-Zulu Natal next month, Absa’s focus on environmental sustainability is even more relevant. The Group will be consolidating and expanding initiatives which were started years ago.

“Absa believes that planting trees is one of the most practical ways of preserving South Africa's natural heritage and therefore, it is critical that we optimise environmental awareness in all our communities, especially among children,” says Mihloti Mathye, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) General Manager at Absa.