Tim Conners, EPAM Rotarian

Rotary International's Seventh Focus: Protecting the Environment

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 On Tuesday, March 30th, EPAM Rotarian Tim Conners spoke about our club and the Rotary International's Seventh Focus: Protecting the Environment.  Rotary International announced the 7th focus: Protecting the Environment in October 2020.  Tim started by bringing attention to the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group Rotary (ESRAG) which assists clubs, districts, and Rotary International in planning and implementing service projects, building awareness, building global and local networks, inspiring action for sustainable solutions, and supporting Rotary International in environmental initiatives.  Tim highlighted a quote from ESRAG's position paper on adding Protecting the Environment as a new focus area: "The environment sustains all life on Earth, and Rotary cannot effectively serve humanity, if Rotary does not focus on supporting the wellbeing of Planet Earth."  Tim also spoke about Rotary’s connection and similarities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  Rotary’s six areas of focus align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and six UN Sustainable Development Goals will align with the Protecting the Environment focus:  affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, and life on land.  Some highlights of the new focus, Protecting the Environment, are: 

  • Protecting and restoring land, coastal, marine, and freshwater resources, 
  • Enhancing the capacity of communities to support natural resource management and conservation
  • Supporting sustainable agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture practices
  • Addressing the cause of climate change by reducing Greenhouse gas emission,
  • Strengthening ecosystems and communities affected by climate change
  • Supporting education initiatives that promote behavior that protects the environment
  • Advocating for sustainable consumption to build an economy that resources more efficiently
  • Addressing environmental justice issues and public health concerns
Tim ended with encouraging Rotarians to take action by: 
  • Joining ESRAG at ESRAG.org
  • Connecting with a project task force
  • Calculating reducing and offsetting your carbon footprint at home, clubs, and businesses
  • Joining the environmental team in EPAM
  • Supporting the Environmental Committee in our District 5950
  • Leveraging ESRAG’s resources to open environmental opportunities in our club
 

Announcements

  • Irene announced that on April 15th there will be a joint meeting with the EP Noon Rotary.  The speaker will be Dr. Michael Osterholm, and he will speak about the COVID response and Eden Prairie’s standing. 

    • Remember to register for the joint EP Rotary meeting on April 15, Noon (login in beginning at 11:45)   http://bit.ly/EPNROsterholm. Select the GUEST option!

  • Irene also announced a new fundraiser with Fat Pants and the Noon Club.  There will be live bands and food.  Irene is looking for a leader for the fundraiser.

  • Holly Link announced that our club has decided not to do hybrid until June to prioritize the safety and health of all members.

  • Mark Weber invited member to join a walk in the park: the Flying Cloud Field Clean-Up Day, 8-11 Saturday, April 24. Register on the EPAM Rotary website.

Happy Fives

  • Holly Link was happy to wish everyone a happy spring, and for those who celebrate: Happy Easter and Passover.

  • Carol Bomben was happy to spend time with her daughter and grandson in Houston, after both her and her daughter were fully vaccinated.  She also welcomed our guest Rod Fisher.