Changing your lifestyle is just one step in tackling climate change. We also have to think systemically. What steps should be taken at a governmental level and who is the best person to take them? Who will develop the design solutions that will enable the planet to maintain the rise in living standards, whilst taking into account the environmental impact?

Not an easy situation to be in. 2041 is calling for the brightest and best minds to engage with these issues and create solutions for a better planet.

In April 2008 Robert Swan and the 2041 team will embark on ‘The Voyage for Cleaner Energy’. This is a five-year commitment by Robert Swan to create an International Alumni.

In 2007, Al Gore highlighted the issues of climate change with his successful ‘Live Earth’ event. Having spent over 20 years facing challenges and meeting extraordinary goals, Swan believes he can take Al Gore’s ‘Inconvenient Truth’ one step further to develop Convenient Solutions with the support of the alumni.

Our call to action will be to inspire and connect young upcoming leaders from universities together with established leaders from corporations and industry, through a lecture series that will begin on the west coast of America in 2008 and finish in Asia at the 2012 World Summit for Sustainable Development.

Students to Antarctica: Competition

As part of the ‘Voyage for Cleaner Energy’, 2041 is offering university and high school students the opportunity to join us on our 2009 Antarctica Expedition. Robert will select highly motivated individuals who will spend two weeks in Antarctica in March 2009. During this expedition they will learn unique leadership skill from Robert and industry leaders. They will spend time at the E-Base where they will increase their knowledge on climate change and renewable energy.

Further details will be made available on this site.

Take action

Step 1 - sort out your own lifestyle

‘Recycle, Reduce, Reuse’ may be a well-worn mantra, but it’s one that is the responsibility of every single person to take on in their personal and professional lives.

Scores of websites list ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint. The problem is that it’s a bit like going to the gym or going on a diet. Good intentions fall away in the face of old habits.

Get a CO2 workout from Global Cool and make this year the year that you kicked the habits that harm the planet.

Step 2 - influence government policy

Use your vote wisely.

All eyes seem to be on the USA at the moment, but do you know which candidates have the greenest policies? The environmental site Grist has compiled a chart to help you make your decision.

Make sure you research your candidates’ policies on climate change, whatever election you’re voting in.

Step 3 - innovate for tomorrow

Universities globally are hotspots of innovation and talent. The planet needs you to come up with solutions to the issues that affect climate change: from energy to transport and from fashion to housing.

Get involved

2041 wants to make a difference, and we can only do that with your help.

You can help us by:

Checking the website

Learn more about climate change and renewable energy from the E-Base team as they broadcast daily. See latest post

Being in touch

Send any comments, questions or messages that you may have to Robert and the E-Base tem. Add a comment to an individual post, or add to our message wall.

Spreading the word

2041 has hosted the video and images from the E-Base Goes Live project on a number of social networking and media sharing sites to make it easier for you to share with your friends. Or, of course, you can tell them when you see them!