Page 10 - Green Builder Media Sustainability Symposium 2018

DRAWDOWN

Is based on meticulous research that analyzes how

and when we can reverse global warming.

BY PAUL HAWKEN Reversing global warming requires a change in human
perception and behavior. Perception depends on presenting a
CIENTISTS HAVE DONE AN extraordinary job credible case that reversing climate change is possible. Behav-
calculating the math on what will happen if we do ior is contingent upon a clear understanding of what to do. To
not act to mitigate climate change. However, the date, humanity has been more adept at imagining the end of
math has not been done on a comprehensive array civilization than its transformation, and more inclined either
of the most effective solutions that are currently to throw up our hands in despair or to dream of silver-bullet
Sbeing implemented. Such an inventory has not technologies, however unlikely.
been created despite three decades of committed international Global warming is a genre of crisis never before encoun-
research on the topic. We are doing it because the success of tered and requires an entirely different approach. It impacts all
the global climate movement depends on having a rigorous, segments of society, across all countries and regions through-
detailed, and compelling path forward. out the world. Its causes are deeply embedded in the global
We are filling this void by doing the math on the atmospheric economy and the way of life for billions of people. To make the
and financial impacts of state-of-the-shelf solutions if deployed necessary changes required to address this crisis, all levels
globally and at scale over the next thirty years. State-of-the- of society must act together applying meaningful climate ac-
shelf refers to techniques that are widely practiced, commonly tions grounded in facts that are vetted, accessible, credible, and
available, economically viable and scientifically valid. Our find- actionable. The most substantive solutions to global warming
ings will be communicated through an internationally pub- are directly applicable and beneficial to society whether or not
lished book, an open-source database, and a growing global the climate crisis existed. The climate solutions modeled in
network of partner organizations. Drawdown are financially viable, protect and restore natural
10†SUSTAINABILITY SYMPOSIUM 2018 www.greenbuildermedia.com/champions-of-change-2018