A New Generation Speaks Up About Environmental Issues

Since 2009, Staples Foundation has supported Tread Lightly, a climate change education program designed to inspire teachers and youth to reduce their ecological footprints and take action on climate change.

Now, in a series of environmental forums organized by Tread Lightly- an environmental education and engagement initiative from TakingITGlobal and Staples Foundation- Youth, educators and NGOs from across Europe have been meeting in Oslo, London, Milan, Paris and Amsterdam throughout Oct 2011, to form recommendations for the 2012 Rio+20 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Many of the youth participating in these meetings were not yet born in 1992, when world leaders gathered for the original Earth Summit, a landmark in global environmental policy. But in 2012, when politicians and change-makers reconvene in Rio de Janeiro, their voices will be heard.

"Young people today have important perspective to share on the state of the environment, as they are the ones inheriting it," says Jennifer Corriero, Executive Director of TakingITGlobal. "Through the Youth Environment and Education Forums, they will have a chance to contribute and connect with their peers." Tread Lightly's youth environment and education forums allow individuals and organizations to contribute toward the UN Rio+20 Earth Summit while connecting with others who are passionate about sustainable development. The results of each forum will be compiled and contributed to the recommendations submitted to the UN by Peace Child International, TakingITGlobal and other civil society organizations.

"Listening to our youth is one of the best ways to gain new insights and create unique solutions to some of our most pressing sustainability challenges, and we look forward to seeing the resulting recommendations," said Katy Dobbs, director of corporate social responsibility for Staples International. "Through these forums, Tread Lightly and Staples are also reinforcing the power of collaboration in problem solving among young people worldwide."

For more information on Tread Lightly and TakingITGlobal visit: www.treadlightly.me and www.tigweb.org