Pearl Jam Offsets their Climate Footprint

"We selected Conservation International for our Portfolio with an eye towards supporting local, regional, national and international strategies that positively affect climate, environment and local communities,” said Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard.

“We believe in businesses that proactively take the lead on the issues of environment and clean energy, rather than waiting for our government to identify solutions for us. By identifying and supporting a diverse group of organizations and strategies, we hope to create new models for businesses like ours who are looking to invest in the future health of our planet and its delicate ecosphere."

To offset emissions associated with the band's tour, Conservation International, in collaboration with two Ecuadorian organizations, is working to restore up to 30 hectares of degraded tropical forests in northwestern Ecuador. As this regenerated forest grows, it will absorb more than 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the next 30 years, provide habitat protection for endangered plant and animal species and direct support for local communities.

It is a known fact that the burning and clearing of forests and other ecosystems account for more than 20 percent of humanity's annual CO2 emissions. Preventing forest loss and restoring native forests is an effective way to help stabilize the concentration of greenhouse gases.

Pearl Jam also is asking fans to get involved by helping to reduce their own carbon footprint. Fans can calculate how much carbon their daily activities generate using a carbon calculator found on CI's Web site (www.conservation.org). Once fans have calculated their carbon footprint they will be presented with options to offset that impact.

Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth's richest regions of plant and animal diversity and demonstrate that human societies can live harmoniously with nature.

Come on, rockers like Super Nova, who else believes in rebelling against the status quo of environmental damage...and will step up and make a statement with actions...and songs?