EarthShare

Natural disasters affect us all, from the direct victims and their friends and families to those who were unaffected but still hope to make a difference in the lives of those who survived. Once the dust settles and the water subsides, we come together to rebuild what has been lost. EarthShare member organizations are leading the charge on the ground to resurrect areas damaged by natural disasters, bring hope and renewal to areas that have been devastated, and lay the groundwork for a future less susceptible to an unpredictable planet. One gift to EarthShare helps these organizations continue and build upon their successes, and helps to ensure a safer, more sustainable world for us all.

EarthShare members are working in communities around the world to help respond to natural disasters, rejuvenate the communities affected, and restore the natural systems that have been damaged. In the aftermath of China’s devastating 2008 earthquake in Sichuan Provence, The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was on the ground with relief and assistance. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, WWF, a member of EarthShare, worked with other first responders to provide food, water, fuel-efficient stoves, satellite phones and other immediate needs to the victims. Since then, they have been working with local community members and government officials to survey and rebuild the Sichuan panda preserves, one of the few places where these magnificent bears can still survive in the wild. The hallmark of WWF’s approach is to teach local Chinese environmentally-friendly construction techniques, which they can then use when reconstructing their own homes. In order to prevent illegal poaching and timber-cutting, which destroy panda habitat, WWF has begun teaching earthquake victim alternate livelihoods, such as tea cultivation, beekeeping, and pepper farming. These new skills help lift the Sichuan people out of poverty while giving pandas a safer place to roam. Through their innovation and care, this EarthShare member has helped turn a tragedy into an opportunity for a better future for Sichuan’s people and pandas alike.

When the devastating flood waters of Hurricane Katrina receded from New Orleans, EarthShare members were there to help the city re-build. Groups such as American Forests began mobilizing volunteers, planting trees, and restoring wetlands. In the words of American Forests’ executive director Debora Gangloff, “Trees grow healthier communities—and they add life to the community.” Through their restoration efforts, EarthShare members helped bring life back to New Orleans and the rest of the gulf coast, turning wreckage and devastation into neighborhood parks and tree-lined streets. Furthermore, by restoring and protecting the Gulf Coast wetlands, EarthShare members are helping to prevent future damage to this area. Wetlands act as a giant sponge, holding in storm waters and releasing them slowly later. When they are drained or paved, as many around New Orleans were prior to Hurricane Katrina, this water has nowhere to go, and massive flooding results. EarthShare members know the benefits an intact environment can bring, and are working with volunteers, legislators, and other community members to restore the Gulf Coast wetlands, in the hope that a tragedy on the scale of Katrina will not happen again.

Unpredictable though they may be, the one thing that we know about natural disasters is that another one will strike—sometime, somewhere. EarthShare members will be there to help, restoring natural areas, providing relief to victims, and helping to rebuild communities and the environments they depend upon. One gift to EarthShare helps the efforts of all our members—efforts that go a long way towards making our planet a safer, cleaner, greener place for all of humanity.

Charity code is 3000
Website: http://www.earthshare.org