|
|
|
GVN Carbon Offset and Reduction Program
It is now accepted that if we don't drastically reduce carbon emissions the impact to the global climate will become more and more significant. The effects are being seen today for example changes to the wind and rainfall patterns are thought to be leading to droughts and flooding. Global climate change will also speed up the melting of polar caps and glaciers worldwide, again there is evidence that this is occurring right now. Furthermore famines, diseases and less fresh water are also predicted for the near future. The touching documentary "An inconvenient truth" dealing with the topic of Global Warming gives you a significant idea about where we actually come from, where we are at present and where we are heading if we don't cut our carbon emissions right now.
.: The Program
Now the world has finally accepted that climate change is happening right now, what do we do? Most importantly we need to drastically cut our reliance and use of fossil fuels and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we emit. This won't happen overnight, and people need reeducating on how to affect change in their everyday lives and minimize their impact on the global climate. In reality it will not be possible to lead a complexly carbon free lifestyle, we are always going to leave an unavoidable carbon footprint. Today there are many innovative ways people and companies offset the carbon generated from their activities.
At GVN we have initiated a carbon reduction and offset project. Our interim website is at http://www.volunteer.org.nz/carbon/; a more comprehensive site is under construction. The aims of the project are to promote a reduced carbon lifestyle, educate people on how to go about this; and provide a means for people to offset the carbon they generate.
If you have a desire to work on this globally important environmental project we now have opportunities at our Wellington based headquarters. Volunteers will work primarily on the carbon offset and reduction project. You will be instrumental in developing this new project. Activities will include developing the network of individuals and businesses that carbon offset. This may include devising carbon auditing procedure for businesses and individuals. Our volunteers will also assist in forging new collaborations with overseas carbon offset projects and partners. In addition to the offset side of the project we also aim to educate and raise awareness of climate change issues and promote ways people can affect change to reduce their carbon footprint. As a volunteer you will research climate change issues and produce articles to be included on our carbon offset and reduction website. Please note that the activities you undertake during your volunteer period are not limited to those mentioned here. Once you arrive in NZ we will discuss your specific interests and to certain degree we can be tailor your volunteer time around these. The program will also include opportunities to assist with GVN's other campaigns. You will have the opportunity to take part in conservation work being undertaken by GVN volunteers participating on our NZ nature program at http://www.volunteer.org.nz/newzealand/.
.: Program Location
You will arrive in Wellington, New Zealand and will be picked up from the airport and taken to your accommodation in Lower Hutt, about 20 minutes away. Volunteers will live together in accommodation near to the GVN office.
.: Program Requirements
Volunteers for the Carbon reduction and offset project must:
- be at least 16 years of age
- be in good health
- be enthusiastic and creative
- be from NZ, Australia, North or South America, UK, Europe, Japan, China, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, or South Africa. (Please note: if you're not from one of those countries, please only submit an application form after you've confirmed you can obtain a NZ entry visa independently and mention this on the application form)
- have a strong interest in environmental issues and a desire/interest to work on a climate change awareness project
.: Program Schedule
This program runs year round. Placements start on either the 1st or 15th of a month. The placement duration is from 2 weeks to 2 months (subject to availability). Currently we have the following availability for 2007;
- May 15th- 31st (2 weeks)
- August 1-15th (2 weeks)
- September 1-30th (4 weeks)
- October 1-31st (4 weeks)
- December 1-15th (2 weeks)
.: Program Cost
The cost of the program is as follows:
Global Volunteer Network - Application Fee: US $350.00. The application fee covers administration, marketing, program information, and communication. (This fee is paid to us before you leave for New Zealand).
Carbon offset and reduction program Fee:
- Cost for 2 weeks will be US $600.00
- Cost for 1 month will be US $1200.00
- Cost for 6 weeks will be US $1800.00
- Cost for 2 months will be US $2400.00
The program fee covers placement arrangement, accommodation, meals, project costs, supervision, and airport pickup. (This fee is due 8 weeks before you commence the program).
The other costs you will need to meet are return travel to the airport in Wellington, New Zealand, travel insurance and all applicable departure taxes (US$15.00), and visa (if required).
To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend that you look here.
.: Application Process
All, applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.
1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form via the link below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program.
2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance. This is a provisional acceptance.
3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will refund your application fee if you decide not to go.
4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. Our volunteer partner may also request that you send them a copy of your CV, passport and degrees. This is to help them find an appropriate placement for you. We will also send you the link to our program guide, which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, and fundraising ideas. You will then take part in an e-mail interview before final acceptance.
5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.
Click here to apply for the GVN Carbon Offset and Reduction program.
|
|