On Sunday 10/10/10, the Environmental Committee held its first fundraising event for the Rhodes University Green Fund - a Green Fund Run. The event drew a good turnout, some intent on a winning place, and others contented to walk at a gentle pace.
The fun run/walk started on time, at 08h30. The first team to cross the finishing line was Formula 21, followed by the Upstart Team and Team Crazy not far behind. The colourful baton carried by the Jameson House team – symbolising Gaia, with earthlings, fauna and flora – was adjudged the best of the bunch. The Margaret Smith team – in eye-catching outfits – was declared to have the best costume. Honourable mention was also made of a number of other innovative batons (the plant known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Galela Amanzi’s tap, George Euvrard’s pole, and a wheelbarrow) and outfits (the Law Dept T-shirt with the SA Constitution environmental clause, and all those dressed in green) – symbolising in various ways the action needed to promote environmental sustainability.
Danelle Wessels and Dora Mwangola with their team’s winning baton and spekboom (Photograph: Anthea Ribbink)
There was a festive atmosphere as staff, students, friends and family, members of the community and even the odd dog joined together for a closing photograph: a 350 image. Why 350? This is the concentration (in parts per million) of atmospheric carbon dioxide that scientists say we must stay below in order to avoid a climate crisis. The figure currently stands at 388 ppm. It’s not the number that’s important, 350 is a symbol of the challenge we face in promoting more sustainable practices in the face of climate change - regardless of whether the causes are primarily anthropogenic or natural.
The Green Fund Run had another serious aim: to raise funds for Rhodes University's Green Fund - to support initiatives that reduce the University's carbon footprint. The Vice Chancellor raised the stakes by sponsoring all faculties and institutes that participated in the event. He is also seeking donors to in order to raise the value of the Green Fund – which will be launched in 2011.
The Green Fund Run was registered as a 10/10/10 GLOBAL WORK PARTY. More than 7,000 events were organised across the planet! The aim of the event: to get people around the world to work to start changing our communities, and get to work to make our leaders realise that they need to lead. 350.org is an independent, international grassroots campaign (non-profit) that aims to mobilize a global climate movement united by a common call to action. By spreading an understanding of the science and a shared vision for a fair policy, the intention is to create bold and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Why 350? It is the concentration (in parts per million) of atmospheric carbon dioxide that scientists say we must stay below in order to avoid a climate crisis. The figure currently stands at 388 ppm. It’s not the number that’s important, 350 is a symbol of the challenge we face in promoting more sustainable practices in the face of climate change - regardless of whether the causes are primarily anthropogenic or natural.
Rhodes University – where leaders learn – aims to embrace this symbol and do whatever it can to limit emissions, foster awareness and adopt environmentally sound practices and operations to promote sustainability.
Go to the Rhodes University ENVIRONMENT front page. Suggestions/Questions? Contact environment(at)ru.ac.za