Global Environmental Society
It's Time to Act!
Welcome everybody!
GET INVOLVED! What better use for the Web 2.0 revolution could there be? Why are people networking all over the world if not because they want more from life! Tell your friends: GES is the social network for people who care about the environment. Everybody can be informed, can contribute. Don't just sit around expecting others to do something. We need more than law changes and finger pointing. We need you.As GES Member you have a number of priviledges within and outside of the society:
GES Interactive
An Introduction to the Global Environmental Society
|
|
Forum
We want to know what you think! This is the portal where you can put your oar in. Express yourself. Here. Now.
The Carbon Cap is Better than the Bulb Ban
scrapping premium (Germany's "Abwrackprämie")
see older postings
Recent postings:
Advisors & Ambassadors
Advisors and Ambassadors
|
Lord St. John of BletsoPresident of the Friends of Television Trust for the Environment, Chairman of OCRAConsultant to Merrill Lynch and Trustee of TUSK Trust |
|
Dr. Bertrand PiccardPsychiatrist and Scientist AdventurerCaptain of the Breitling Orbiter 3 United Nations Goodwill Ambassador President and Pilot of the "Solar Impulse" Project to fly around the world in a solar-powered airplane for the promotion of the use of renewable energies |
|
Dr. Marcelo de AndradePresident of Earth Alliance Council (EAC)Founder of Pro Natura International |
|
Peter E. MerianMember of the Advisory Board of Bank Sarasin and the Swiss National Assurance CompanyFounding Member of the Global Environmental Society |
News Feed
3 July, 2009The waste deposits in our oceans are growing and growing. In the Pacific Ocean a whirl of thrash has formed itself four times the size of Germany.
2 July, 2009G8 countries have so far failed to take sufficient action to protect the world against climate change.
30 June, 2009People are more likely to enroll in conservation programs if their neighbors do - a tendency that should be exploited when it comes to protecting the environment, according to a pioneering study from Michigan State University.
29 June, 2009Last weekend the US House of Representatives paved the way for changes in the country's climate politics. For Pres. Obama this is his first biggest political success.
26 June, 2009After 5 years of engineering, simulations and construction, the prototype solar aircraft HB-SIA will be unveiled to the media on Friday, 26th of June at Dübendorf airfield next to Zurich.
Advertise with Us
Member Login
A Word from the Team
Dübendorf Airfield (ZH), Switzerland - 26 June 2009. Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg last Friday unveiled, at Dübendorf airfield close to Zürich, the Solar Impulse HB-SIA, the first aircraft designed to fly both day and night without fossil fuel or pollution.
The presentation of the prototype took place in front of more than 800 persons, including 200 representatives of the international media, and many high-ranking guests among them H.S.H. Albert II of Monaco, the Swiss Minister of Energy and Environment, the CEOs of Solvay, Omega and Deutsche Bank and the CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
"First it was just a dream, now it is reality and it will alter our future," were Bertrand Piccard's first words at the unveiling of his Solar Impulse prototype.
We talked with people who are accompanying Bertrand and his team on their journey from a vision to the future.
Bertrand is not only a member of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, he is also a personal friend of
Born into a dynasty of explorers and scientists who conquered the heights and the depths of our planet, Bertrand Piccard attained fame as the "scientist-adventurer" after completing the first ever non-stop balloon flight around the world.
In 2003 he launched the Solar Impulse project and is now proud to present the prototype in Zürich, Switzerland.
comes to environmental friendly solutions concerning the industry, politics and consumers. You developed a light-weight plane, driven by alternative energy and with a payload of 160 kg, including the seat, oxygen, food and the pilot. How do you think can we get the general public to think not only about alternative energy but to apply the "cradle to grave" way of thinking?
Bertrand: All the technology exists to save at least 30 % of the energy we are using nowadays; we have to produce at least 30% through renewable resources. What we need now is to stop hesitating; we need action, we need the politics to put a vision into place, to force the application of the technologies and to refuse that old technologies are still implemented in products found on the market. It is not reasonable that cars still need so much gasoline when technology today can allow a similar car with the same comfort, speed and size to use one-third of the energy.
GES: Up to now, politicians have passed a lot of wrong decisions like planting Jathropha in Brazil on "food" land instead of cultivating it in Ethiopia, where it would be a socially responsible and environmentally useful location considering that Jatropha helps against erosion while serving as a source of alternative energy. How do we get such short-sighted ideas out of their heads?
Bertrand: I believe that all people of goodwill will have to give the same message. I think there are some very clear visions and everyone who believes in them has to find their own way to make them known. For Solar Impulse, the way is to create a solar-powered airplane; for Al Gore or Yann Arthus-Bertrand, the goal is to make movies; there are singers who promote the same message. Each one has to do it and then with the public opinion, we will be informed enough. Politicians follow the public opinion, so in the end it is the public that pushes the politicians to do something.
GES: Mr. Christian Jourquin, your firm has a long history in collaborating with the Piccard family: you were already connected to Bertrand's grandfather and you became the first partner of the Solar Impulse project. What moved you to do so?
Jourquin: Our aim is to bring in big parts of the here-used technology into other fields. It was the basis of our collaboration as mentioned by Bertrand or André Borschberg. We have a number of our products that we have either adapted or specially developed for this application and already today, if you pay a visit to the stand, you will see some of the applications.
There are two aspects: we are developing polymers and with them you see immediately new applications and markets. When it comes to renewable energy, it will probably take much longer until we really see a commercial application. But is our duty to work on these topics. That is the reason why we decided to become the first partner when we were asked by Bertrand and we were very excited about it.
GES: The Deutsche Bank is among the first sponsors of this ambitious project. What motivated you to take this step?
Ackermann: We simply think that sustainability is not only important for the world and for humanity; it is surely also beneficial to business and most of all this enables us to attract the best talents. Young people are interested to find out what role a company plays in the area of climate change and sustainability.
GES: Do you think this project will help to motivate young people to get more active for the environment and start changing their way of thinking?
Ackermann: Yes, I do think so because it simply so fascinating and one notices that it has caught the attention of people all over the world. I have been in many different countries in last few weeks and everywhere people are talking about it. The project will become even more known and people simply marvel the courage, the performance and the technology behind the whole thing. I am convinced that a lot of people will be stimulated to rethink through this project.
GES: A cosmetic firm is not the typical kind of partner that one expects for a project like this. What do you think about the project?
Clarins: I think it is absolutely fantastic, it is like a dream! We started off with plans and we loved them. When you simply look at the presentation, it is applied evidence of science heavily researched on in universities and the more we realize that we need to do something to promote this technology. Honestly, I love to fly and I do feel guilty sometimes. So I thought it might be a good idea to participate in a venture with engaged people who have the same view. We have to be clever enough to not repeat the same mistakes, to avoid making new ones and to find solutions to problems. I think Bertrand Piccard and I have the same genes.
I would love to fly this plane but this is another dream; they haven't asked me yet but I certainly would say yes immediately!
GES: Mr. Schloter, you were named one of the greenest executives in Switzerland by the Bilanz and Swisscom is increasingly engaging itself in sustainability matters. Swisscom just became the newest partner of Solar Impulse and provides this project with its communication technology. Do you perceive your engagement here as an investment in the future?
Schloter: Solar Impulse is an extremely exciting project. Bertrand Piccard advocates a new approach towards the use of fossil energy. We believe that this project has a very high symbolical value which will move many people to notice that things can be done differently.
In response to demands from many enthusiasts, Solar Impulse announced today a program specially served for people wanting to participate in the adventure and to express their support of the project's philosophy. Supporters can enroll on www.solarimpulse.com to receive news in real time, to adopt a solar cell on the wing, reserve a VIP visit at the Solar Impulse base, or place their names on the aircraft's fuselage. GES is already a supporter and has adopted its own panels. We hope you join us!
The presentation of the prototype took place in front of more than 800 persons, including 200 representatives of the international media, and many high-ranking guests among them H.S.H. Albert II of Monaco, the Swiss Minister of Energy and Environment, the CEOs of Solvay, Omega and Deutsche Bank and the CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
"First it was just a dream, now it is reality and it will alter our future," were Bertrand Piccard's first words at the unveiling of his Solar Impulse prototype.
We talked with people who are accompanying Bertrand and his team on their journey from a vision to the future.
Bertrand is not only a member of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, he is also a personal friend of
 Prince Albert of Monaco |
His Royal Highness. Prince Albert of Monaco: "Ever since Bertrand told me about this project three of four years ago, I thought it was an unbelievable idea and I didn't think I would see the day when we would have the first version of the plane. It is an incredible day; I think it is a day of great hope for sustainability and for the future." |
In 2003 he launched the Solar Impulse project and is now proud to present the prototype in Zürich, Switzerland.
|
GES: Your project is a wonderful example not only for what we can do with renewable energy but also for systems thinking - one of the most important subjects when it |
Bertrand: All the technology exists to save at least 30 % of the energy we are using nowadays; we have to produce at least 30% through renewable resources. What we need now is to stop hesitating; we need action, we need the politics to put a vision into place, to force the application of the technologies and to refuse that old technologies are still implemented in products found on the market. It is not reasonable that cars still need so much gasoline when technology today can allow a similar car with the same comfort, speed and size to use one-third of the energy.
GES: Up to now, politicians have passed a lot of wrong decisions like planting Jathropha in Brazil on "food" land instead of cultivating it in Ethiopia, where it would be a socially responsible and environmentally useful location considering that Jatropha helps against erosion while serving as a source of alternative energy. How do we get such short-sighted ideas out of their heads?
Bertrand: I believe that all people of goodwill will have to give the same message. I think there are some very clear visions and everyone who believes in them has to find their own way to make them known. For Solar Impulse, the way is to create a solar-powered airplane; for Al Gore or Yann Arthus-Bertrand, the goal is to make movies; there are singers who promote the same message. Each one has to do it and then with the public opinion, we will be informed enough. Politicians follow the public opinion, so in the end it is the public that pushes the politicians to do something.
|
Christian Jourquin CEO Solvay |
Jourquin: Our aim is to bring in big parts of the here-used technology into other fields. It was the basis of our collaboration as mentioned by Bertrand or André Borschberg. We have a number of our products that we have either adapted or specially developed for this application and already today, if you pay a visit to the stand, you will see some of the applications.
There are two aspects: we are developing polymers and with them you see immediately new applications and markets. When it comes to renewable energy, it will probably take much longer until we really see a commercial application. But is our duty to work on these topics. That is the reason why we decided to become the first partner when we were asked by Bertrand and we were very excited about it.
|
Dr. Josef Ackermann CEO Deutsche Bank |
Ackermann: We simply think that sustainability is not only important for the world and for humanity; it is surely also beneficial to business and most of all this enables us to attract the best talents. Young people are interested to find out what role a company plays in the area of climate change and sustainability.
GES: Do you think this project will help to motivate young people to get more active for the environment and start changing their way of thinking?
Ackermann: Yes, I do think so because it simply so fascinating and one notices that it has caught the attention of people all over the world. I have been in many different countries in last few weeks and everywhere people are talking about it. The project will become even more known and people simply marvel the courage, the performance and the technology behind the whole thing. I am convinced that a lot of people will be stimulated to rethink through this project.
|
Christian Courtin Clarins CEO Clarins |
Clarins: I think it is absolutely fantastic, it is like a dream! We started off with plans and we loved them. When you simply look at the presentation, it is applied evidence of science heavily researched on in universities and the more we realize that we need to do something to promote this technology. Honestly, I love to fly and I do feel guilty sometimes. So I thought it might be a good idea to participate in a venture with engaged people who have the same view. We have to be clever enough to not repeat the same mistakes, to avoid making new ones and to find solutions to problems. I think Bertrand Piccard and I have the same genes.
I would love to fly this plane but this is another dream; they haven't asked me yet but I certainly would say yes immediately!
|
Carsten Schloter CEO Swisscom |
Schloter: Solar Impulse is an extremely exciting project. Bertrand Piccard advocates a new approach towards the use of fossil energy. We believe that this project has a very high symbolical value which will move many people to notice that things can be done differently.
In response to demands from many enthusiasts, Solar Impulse announced today a program specially served for people wanting to participate in the adventure and to express their support of the project's philosophy. Supporters can enroll on www.solarimpulse.com to receive news in real time, to adopt a solar cell on the wing, reserve a VIP visit at the Solar Impulse base, or place their names on the aircraft's fuselage. GES is already a supporter and has adopted its own panels. We hope you join us!
Subscribe
Would you like to be updated about upcoming events and the latest happenings in the field? Then subscribe now for the free GES newsletter to stay informed.
Subscribe here
Subscribe here
 |
Copyright © 2009 Global Environmental Society.