By Andrea Malmberg
In May, I represented the Savory Institute at the 28th Climate Leadership Corps training hosted by The Climate Reality Project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Climate Leadership Corp was founded by Al Gore and is intended to build leadership in preparation for December’s climate talks in Paris. The training provides Climate Reality Leaders with the knowledge and tools to build public awareness of the climate crisis and to drive action for solutions within their communities. The Climate Reality Project has trained over 7,000 people from 125 countries and it was truly inspiring to see so many stepping up to the plate to hone their skills in order to create a more livable planet.
Addressing over 500 people, I spoke about the critical role that properly managed livestock play in creating healthy grasslands and how restoration of these vast areas of the world can be a key solution to the climate crisis. While I was thinking I’d be entering into a hornets nest talking about livestock to climate activists, the concepts I presented were overwhelming accepted leading to fruitful conversations and great relationships. Moreover, I was surprised to find that further training emphasized the importance of a covered soil surface and the great potential we have in storing carbon in soils. Mr. Gore even mentioned to me that he now runs cattle on his ranch in Tennessee!
It is encouraging to see that the conversations around climate are shifting from simply limiting emissions to tangible and more holistic solutions that we can all influence. It seems we may be entering a time where we don’t only look at our carbon footprint but our handprint – focusing on what we can do for a positive impact.
To read more about the hope that properly managed livestock and restored grasslands provide read CLIMATE CHANGE, HEALTHY SOILS, AND HOLISTIC PLANNED GRAZING A RESTORATION STORY
