March 18, 2014
Goldman Prize winners Jonathan Deal (2013) and Ikal Angelei (2012) recently attended the Climate Reality Project training program in Johannesburg, South Africa as guest speakers.
The three-day intensive training program, held March 12-14, was designed to “equip individuals from Africa and around the globe with the communications skills, knowledge, tools and drive to educate and activate diverse communities on the costs of carbon pollution and what they can do to help solve the climate crisis.”
Other guest speakers at the event included Wanjira Maathai, daughter of 1991 Goldman Prize winner Wangari Maathai; Kumi Naidoo, Executive Director of Greenpeace International; Johan van den Berg, CEO of South Africa Wind Energy Association; and Evans Wadongo, Executive Director and Chairman of Sustainable Development for All – Kenya.
The Climate Reality Project is one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to mobilizing action around climate change and was founded by Former Vice President Al Gore. Last summer, Goldman Prize winners Kimberly Wasserman (2013) and Ignace Schops (2008) also worked with the Climate Reality Project, when the were selected to serve as Climate Leadership Corps members.
Jonathan Deal, who was awarded the Goldman Prize for his work to stop fracking in South Africa, talked about the need to turn away from fossil fuels as a first step in combating climate change:
“Mr. Al Gore has established a great platform to bring about global action against anthropogenic climate change. At the forefront of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels – and that industry is pushing shale mining with everything that they have. To make a big difference we need to attack the poisoned trees of fossil fuels at their roots. A global coordination of efforts against shale gas will be the catalyst that brings this into reality.” You can read more from Deal on his blog: www.jonathandealblog.com
2013 Goldman Prize winner Jonathan Deal leading a protest against fracking in South Africa.
