Bangkok, 24 October 2009: An international day of action to raise awareness on climate change took place on 24 October 2009. The drive behind the events is 350.org. 350.org is an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science and justice demand 350. The name 350 refers to the desired level of Co2 (Carbon Dioxide) in the atmosphere that will limit climate change, currently the level is 387 parts per million. There were over 5200 actions planned for this day in over 181 countries.
Bed supper club regularly runs ‘green envy’ nights at it unique venue, incorporating a menu with all ingredients sourced locally. Part of the entrance fee is donated to PATT to fund this tree planting. PATT is also working with Bed to make implement further environmental initiatives.
For the 350 event PATT Foundation, Bed supper club staff and 350.org representatives were up to their waists in mud and water to plant mangrove saplings at a site that has previously been degraded. Mangroves form an important component to the intertidal ecosystem in this region and not only provide vital habitat for numerous marine fauna but also prevent erosion and lessen the effect of extreme events like tsunamis.
PATT was pleased to report all 350 trees got planted and the trees are now under the watchful eye of the Royal Thai Army, who manage and maintain this habitat restoration site. PATT’s country manger Dr Dan Rollinson said ‘although on the global scale of things 350 trees may not at first seem a massive addition to global deforestation’ but when you consider how many other actions were taking place today the combined global effort is significant and many small actions do have a large effect, the challenge now is to maintain momentum and make tackling climate change a daily activity and not just one for specific days of action like today’.
PATT is currently looking to expand its operations both within Thailand and further afield by forging new partnerships with like mined companies or organizations that are keen to implement forest based environmental initiatives.
About Plant A Tree Today Foundation: Plant a Tree Today (PATT) Foundation works to raise awareness of global environmental issues, campaign for better environmental practices and take action against deforestation and climate change by planting trees.
Plant a Tree Today (PATT) Foundation was founded in 2005 and is a UK Registered Charity and Thailand Foundation. PATT has operational offices in Bangkok, Thailand and Indonesia with representatives in Malaysia, India & South Africa.
PATT was recently recognized in a prestigious UN award (the Seed award) for their innovative project concept that aims to tackle environmental and social problems in the developing world.
For more information
Dr Dan Rollinson, Thailand Country Manager
Tel: +66 2 2559 6255
Email: dan.rollinson@plant-a-tree-today.org