It is no great secret that global warming is a major issue that faces us all. What is less obvious, however, is where practical and meaningful solutions to this issue come into play. Many of you may be thinking 'how can we as individuals, corporations and communities take action against this growing problem and find ways to resolve global warming and maintain the well being of our planet?' One local organization has some ideas to help us all tackle this -– Clean Air-Cool Planet (CA-CP).

For those who are not sure of what global warming is, CA-CP has developed a short and simple definition: An urgent global problem with social, economic and environmental consequences, resulting from excessive reliance on fossil fuels like coal and oil. Speaking with deputy director Bob Sheppard and communications manager Bill Burtis of Clean Air-Cool Planet was such an eye-opening experience. Here is an organization with a central mission of “finding and promoting solutions to global warming.” And while so much of the rhetoric on this hot button is about choosing sides and making business the enemy, Clean Air-Cool Planet actually partners with organizations looking to do their part by lessening their energy consumption.

CA-CP was formed eight years ago by a group of forward-thinking individuals who had been looking at environmental issues for decades. Today, experienced CA-CP professionals engage a wide variety of organizations (corporations, campuses, communities, museums and science centers) to introduce them to a vast array of implementable energy saving solutions that make a difference.

Perhaps the most encouraging news Sheppard and Burtis shared during our conversation was that people have become much more aware of the issue of global warming and are looking for ways to do their part. They’ve seen this shift clearly defined in the education their organization does. “In 2002, the nature of education was 40 percent on solutions and 60 percent on what global warming was. Today, our education is now 80 percent focused on solutions,” says Burtis. “People are getting the message about global warming thanks to Al Gore (and An Inconvenient Truth), Hurricane Katrina and $3 gasoline.” For example, consumers have begun to incorporate global warming into their buying decisions. This in turn has forced businesses of all types to respond. This is where CA-CP can help.

CA-CP is ready to work with organizations looking to be part of the solution beginning with discussions about how to reduce their energy consumption, Sheppard said.

“Sitting across the table from a CEO, a city manager or college trustee and presenting a portfolio of 10 solutions they can implement immediately to save money by reducing energy consumption demonstrates this issue and transcends politics.” Sheppard further explained, “It’s more about economics and sending a clear message to stakeholders. Institutions are looking for sustainable business practices and CA-CP has the tools to help companies adopt new practices.”

Visit Clean Air-Cool Planet at www.cleanair-coolplanet.org to learn more.