Vital Planet Launches on the Web
5 February 2009 at 2:06 pm
January sees the launch of a new Not for Profit called Vital Planet, which aims to inspire and challenge people to work towards a more sustainable future.
According to its founder Cathie Agg, Vital Planet provides a platform for outstanding people who demonstrate leadership and/or offer solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future for humanity and the natural world.
An independent Not for Profit organisation, Vital Planet showcases prominent role models and unsung heroes, who are examples for others to follow.
Agg says the website provides interviews with outstanding people who are contributing to sustainability – the shining lights, role models whose message and inspiration is so often clouded by agendas from industry and politicians.
Agg says there is too much at stake in terms of climate change, species destruction and resource depletion.
She says Vital Planet also invites the interviewees to nominate a dream/vision for the future and practical action steps whereby people can get involved to bring about positive change.
The interviews will be available at no charge from the website. To date we have recorded a wide range of interviews – with highly credible people who are leaders in their field: Jeff Kennett (Beyond Blue), Prof Ian Lowe (President, Aust Conservation Foundation), Dr Simon Longstaff (St James Ethics Centre), Arron Wood (‘Kids teaching kids’, 2007 Prime Minister’s Sustainability Award winner), Zara Swindells-Grosse (Humour in the Workplace), Prof David Karoly (climate scientist – with a plea for Aust to take urgent action now), and gardening guru Jamie Durie.
The interviews showcase their accomplishments and solutions to issues that they feel most strongly about.
Vital Planet’s guests are selected based on their contribution in one of the following critical areas:
– ENVIRONMENT and SCIENCE – Australia’s energy and water future, climate change, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture.
– WELLBEING and FULFILMENT – Personal sustainability, values and ethics, fulfilment and contentment in a modern world, health, community.
– SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS – Fast-changing consumer climate, sustainable business models, climate change risk reduction and adaptation.
Cathie Agg says it is her conviction that if enough voices are raised and enough collaboration mobilised, the resulting creativity will become a tangible force for change, hence her motto: ‘One world, many voices’.
Prior to their interview, Vital Planet guests are invited to nominate a dream for the future – a practical goal and action steps that include opportunities for the public and organisations to collaborate.
Agg says the aim is for a monetary prize to be awarded each year to the most actionable and inspiring dream, as judged by Vital Planet and the general public. These funds will be made available for use by the winner to assist with their dream becoming a reality, and they are given the title of ‘Planetary Ambassador’.
Check out the website at www.vitalplanet.com.au
