We are proud to announce that 51Sim has been accepted as a semifinalist for the 2010 Echoing Green Fellowship competition!

Each year, Echoing Green awards 12-15 two-year fellowships to social entrepreneurs. Fellows receive up to $90,000 in seed funding and technical support to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable social change organizations.

This year, Echoing Green received nearly 1,100 ideas for social change from nearly 70 countries around the world.  The Echoing Green staff and experienced evaluators chose 51Sim from this competitive application pool.

We are excited to be recognized and provided this presitgious opportunity.

While at COP15, Hiu Ng and Daniel Foa Co - founders and directors of 51 SIM.org discussed environmental solutions, from empowering the youth of China to actively engage in reducing carbon to making micro-loans to farmers installing methane digesters and solar panels. A clip of this segment has been posted online; see the clip here at 38:44.

For the past two weeks, people all around the world have bonded over a shared hope for COP15 and concern for the future of the world. The negotiations were complex, demonstrating that the leaders cannot fight global warming alone. They have political and economic pressures that prevent them from progressing in the manner the environment needs and the people of the world want to see. While the leaders have demonstrated their limits, these two weeks have also illustrated the devotion and passion the global community can bring to the fight against global warming. Individuals, organizations, and companies are getting ready to lead the way to an environmentally respectful future and the response to COP15 has demonstrated that.

What happened?

Heading into the conference, there were hopes for commitment from developed countries to meet mid-term and long-term targets that would result in global emissions peaking prior to 2020, and falling to half of 1990 levels by 2050.

Developed vs. Developing Countries

As the conference progress there were several binaries, the loudest distinction between the developing and developed countries. The developing world demanded economic and technological support from developed countries to reduce emissions. The support requested would grow to several hundred billions of dollars by 2020. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi recognized the different needs of developed and developing countries, saying,

“Developing and developed countries are very different in their historical emissions responsibilities and current emissions levels, and in their basic national characteristics and development stages, therefore, they should shoulder different responsibilities and obligations in fighting climate change.”

U.S. Vs China

The negotiations also faced opposition between the United States and China. The U.S not only requested that developing countries such as China, India and Brazil needed to make commitments to reduce the emissions-intensity, but required monitoring China could not consent to. The tensions between the U.S. and China was extremely important for U.S. domestic concerns. If America’s progressive climate change legislation has any hope of passing, Americans must be confident that the Chinese are also taking on commitments.

• China has committed to reducing greenhouse gas output by 40 to 45 %
• The U.S. committed to reduce emissions by 17% (the target in a bill that already passed the House of Representatives, and would go no further, thereby not offering any true change.)

Th U.S. was not in a position to negotiate and this set the tone for the conference. With controversial legislation pending in the Senate, the administration could not act at COP15.
With the U.S. unwilling to compromise there were no ambitious proposals. The state of U.S., the disagreements between developing and developed countries, and the economic concerns COP15 was at a stand still for 10 days. No progress was made as each representative clung to their country’s agenda.

The Agreement

A draft agreement had leaders committed to a path that would reduce global emissions to half of 1990 levels by 2050, with an 80-per-cent reduction from the developed world.

The developing countries like China and Brazil were uncomfortable with this commitment and its suggestion they would have to compensate for any shortfall on the part of developed countries.
Following this draft, The Copenhagen Accord was developed during a 31 hour meeting between President Barack Obama, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, and the leaders of India, Brazil and South Africa. What emerged was neither an international treaty nor a binding agreement, but an agreement in principle among the developed world and leading developing countries, countries that make up 85% or emissions.

The main components of the accord are:

• To decrease greenhouse-gas emissions, butdoes not require the world’s major polluters to make deeper cuts in their greenhouse gas emissions. (In a U.S. concession to China, the accord did not set a goal of reducing global emissions by 50 percent by 2050.)
• To work toward keeping global temperatures below two degrees Celsius.
• To provide financial support for climate mitigation for poor nations, specifically that richer nations will finance a $10 billion-a-year, three-year program to fund poorer nations’ projects to deal with drought and other impacts of climate change, and to develop clean energy.

The UN conference did not approve the agreement, but recognized it as a platform for a formal agreement in 2010.

The objections were strong as countries recognized the high temperature goal would condemn millions to die in Africa and the goals in general were neither concrete nor ambitious. They did not reach a binding agreement that determines the future of environmental progress or set goals that offer hope for the global future, making this a disappointing conclusion, but it does demonstrate progress. As Yang said,

“The Copenhagen conference is not a destination but a new beginning,”

The negotiations may not immediately drive change, but they have established a consensus on long-term global emissions reduction targets as well as responsibility for economic and technological support to developing countries. It is the first time, leading developing countries, including China, have agreed to reduce emissions in accordance with an international treaty. A year ago, the major developing countries not only failed to recognize their responsibility to decrease emissions, but resisted the movement, perceiving it as an economic threat, so their support of even a less ambitious bill than we had hoped for is progress. Furthermore, the conference has raised the global population’s concern and awareness about global warming. People are not only more informed, but now recognize their own responsibility as the leaders cannot act alone.

On Friday December 11th, Daniel Foa and Hiu Ng, after speaking at COP15 on their concern for youth involvement in environmental efforts, entertained questions on the subject of “Youth and Sustainability.”

Below are the questions they were asked and a summary of their responses.

What spaces do young people have in China for contributing in the promotion of sustainable development?

Hiu and Dan emphasized China’s growing opportunities for youth through volunteer programs and student groups. They reflected on the situation in China, recognizing that before the Olympics, environmental awareness did not exist in China, but with the “Green Olympics” young Chinese adults were introduced to environmental politics. This education, while a positive start, was incomplete and without the necessary support to empower the youth. According to a Sohu survey of 22,000 people in China between the ages of 16 and 35, 75% did not feel they know the necessary actions to respond to climate change and 64% did not understand the factors that contribute to climate change. These opportunities are growing, but there is still need for even more opportunities, which 51Sim is dedicated to providing. 51Sim offers Chinese youth opportunities to get involved, gain a new perspective, and redesign their lives in an environmentally conscious way through programs like SISC, 51Tree, and Kaiche.

Why do you think innovation and sustainability are important in China?

Hiu and Dan emphasized the need for sustainability by stressing that China’s development, which has worked to benefit 1.3 billion people, has desolated China’s natural resources and damaged its environment. Innovative sustainable development offers China the opportunity to continue economic growth as the population continues to grow without bringing further damage to the environment and depleting the Earth’s natural resources. They supported COP15 and its emphasis that financial opportunities are available through carbon solutions with the creation of new markets and new jobs.

What is the role of youth in innovation and sustainability?

Hiu and Dan recognized today’s youth as tomorrow’s leaders. Hiu,Dan, and their organization, 51Sim, are dedicated to transforming creative youths into innovative leaders, transforming the digital world into the real world, and transforming environmental challenges into opportunities. 51Sim’s projects, like SISC, 51Tree, and Kaiche. function as online platforms that embrace the imagination and voices of the youth, unite them as more than an online community, but citizens of the world with responsibilities to each other, and abet their ability to impact the environment in a positive manner. Whether it’s focusing on car emissions, trees, or global warming, youth can come together to develop their environmental ideas, gain information about their personal effect on the environment, and contribute to the environment in positive ways as they play online.

What do you think is the single-most important action youth can take in their daily lives to promote change?

Hiu and Dan expressed the belief that the single most important action youth can take to promote change is a change in their perspective. Transforming attitudes and remodeling lifestyles accordingly is the most effective sustainable solution to climate change.

How is COP15 perceived in China?

They were both eager to speak about China’s enthusiastic approach to COP15. No matter what the outcome of the negotiations, COP15 raised awareness and inspired youth all over China. 51Sim was able to further the awareness of COP15 in China with a press conference attended by more than 100 young people, who were given the opportunity to ask Maurice Strong questions. Hiu and Dan with 51Sim were also excited to give the winners of SISC the opportunity to attend COP15, engage in a global community dedicated to making environmental changes, and witness the historic event. By empowering and involving the youth they believe COP15 can be the start of a new future, with not only policy changes, but a new role for the youth. Through events like the SISC prize and the conference51Sim hosted, Hiu and Dan were confident in the energy and attitude of Chinese youth in regard to COP15.

What do you think China’s role has to be while dealing with climate change?

Hiu and Dan commented that China, as the world’s largest carbon emitter has a lot of responsibility in regards to climate change. It has economic pressures, environmental pressures, and responsibility to developing nations to mitigate. They also suggested that while COP15 and the media have emphasized the negotiations between China and America, regardless of the American position, China must pursue its own efforts and make its own decisions about the twelfth and thirteenth five-year plans. Hiu and Dan both expressed great support for Carbon targets, which send clear signals for policy adjustments and help build a carbon market.

What is China’s position in the Climate Change negotiation at COP15?

Hiu and Dan said that China’s core negotiating principles were, “one target, two main channels, three principles, four consensus.”

The target is a global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius, or atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration of less than 450ppm.

The two main channels are The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

The 3 main principals are:

• “common but differentiated responsibilities”
• “fair”
• “sustainable development.” The “sustainable development” principle addresses the developing countries’ concerns that efforts to address climate change will not interfere with their economic development and poverty eradication efforts.

The four consensus is:

• Developed countries must commit to quantified mid-term emission reduction obligations because of their historical emissions and current high per capita emissions.
• Developing countries should undertake efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change in as aggressive manner as their national conditions and funding and technology transfers from developed countries permit.
• Developed countries should provide financial support to developing countries;
• Effective institutional arrangements should be devised to promote technology transfers to developing countries to enhance their capacity to address climate change issues.

What are China’s actions on mitigation?

Hiu and Dan mentioned three sources of mitigation actions in particular:

1. Hu Jintao recently unveiled a target commitment on reducing carbon dioxide per unit of GDP at the UN General Assembly in New York.
2. The country has set in place its targets under the eleventh five-year plan (2005-2010) to cut energy usage per unit of GDP by 20% on 2005 levels by 2010.
3. Further efforts on energy saving and emissions reduction will be included in the twelfth and thirteenth five-year plans.

On Friday December 11th, Hiu Ng and Daniel Foa Co - founders and directors of 51Sim (Sustainable Innovation Movement) and 51Give discussed environmental solutions at COP15 to an audience of over a hundred activists and leaders in the international environmental field. Daniel spoke live at the Bella Center, the heart of COP15, Hiu Ng spoke live from Beijing via live video feed, and 51Sim ambassador, Former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations, Maurice Strong delivered a recorded address to the audience.

Hiu Ng and Daniel Foa recognized the challenges inherent in facing climate change for the world and China in particular. They emphasized that while it is important political leaders create the infrastructure for making environmental changes, individuals must also take responsibility. COP15 demonstrates the complexity of the situation for leaders all around the world. They alone cannot solve climate change, but the awareness COP15 has brought to the public may provide the solution. Hiu and Dan stressed that it is not only the public, but the youth we must support as we search for innovative solutions. Hiu eloquently expressed this encouragement saying,

“China’s young students are tomorrow’s leaders! I would like to congratulate them all from the bottom of my heart and encourage them to continue nurturing innovative ideas and to keep on protecting the environment.”

Hiu and Dan’s hope and support for the next generation and their role in making environmental changes is expressed not only in their words, but through 51Sim’s Sustainable Innovation Student Competition (SISC). 51Sim, designed, organized, and hosted SISC, a competitive program designed to encourage students all over the world to develop innovative proposals for sustainable solutions to alleviate climate change. Teams from universities all over China pitched their business plans to a panel of expert judges in 3 categories, Green Transport, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy, in order to receive funding for their projects and travel to COP15, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2009. The vision, spirit, and commitment the students demonstrated throughout the competition was inspiring. The students exemplified the youth’s ability to combat climate change and their dedication to this battle, as it is their future. The competition demonstrated Hiu, Dan, and 51Sim’s confidence that supporting these remarkable individuals and their innovative projects is the first step toward a sustainable future.

Hiu and Dan’s presentation introduced the voices of China and the Chinese youth to the halls of the Bella Center and the minds and hearts of the negotiators and activists flooding Copenhagen.

Hiu and Dan’s presentation was followed by a pre-recorded message from 51Sim ambassador, Maurice Strong. Maurice Strong, on behalf of 51Sim emphasized his concern about pressing environmental challenges, commitment to finding solutions, and belief the youth are essential to the world’s environmental future. Maurice, who is interrupted throughout the film by the hopeful voices of the 51Sim SISC winners, expresses the utmost confidence in them and firm belief it is the older generation’s responsibility to support them. Watch it!

Together Daniel Foa, Hiu Ng, and Maruice Strong on behalf of 51Sim emphasized that COP15 is about more than leaders, it is about individuals taking action and empowering the youth.

This Sunday, December 13th, Daniel Foa, Co-Founder and Director of 51Sim had the pleasure of traveling by boat from Copenhagen Newport Pier to the Middelgrunden Wind Farm outside Copenhagen, in the company of 51Sim ’s celebrity ambassador, Li Bingbing and the students who recently won 51Sim ’s SISC competition.

"This is indeed a very memorable experience," said Li Bingbing.

The 51Sim team, with ambassador Li Bingbing, attended a three hour tour to Middelgrunden Wind Farm, one of 11 off-shore wind farms scattered along the Danish coastline. Middelgrunden was built in 2001 and is one of the world’s major off-shore plants, providing 3% of Copenhagen’s electricity. The tour boat circled Middelgrunden’s 20 turbines and made visible 100 Swedish turbines spinning in the distance.

The turbines they saw were 100 meters tall and 76 meters wide and produce 2 MWh per hour,  enough energy for about 35,000 households.

Wind power is becoming an important aspect of COP15 and the future of renewable energy. More than 350 wind industry leaders are participating in COP15 and helping bring wind power to the forefront of negotiations. GWEC Secretary General, Steve Sawyer, recently said, “Wind power will play a key role in combating climate change.” With the potential to save as much as 10bn tons of CO2 by 2020, wind power is a promising step, the 51Sim team and ambassador, Li Bingbing, were excited to learn about and eager to support.

The wind power industry in Denmark is particularly exciting as it is a paradigm of how renewable energy can provide for the environment and the economy. It has decreased CO2, while increasing jobs. The wind power industry in Denmark started after the first oil crisis in the 1970s. Denmark needed domestic solutions to foreign fossil fuel dependence as well as an economic boost and they turned to wind power. Now, Denmark is the first country where wind power is 20% of the electricity and in 10 years could be 50%. Denmark has 5,100 wind turbines total —- 78% of which are onshore, 22% offshore -— contributing to 20% of Danish electricity production. More than 90% of all offshore wind turbines worldwide come from Danish companies, causing wind turbine production to be a staple to the Danish economy.

The Danish wind power industry offers hope as the backdrop of the COP15 conference and countries around the world are starting to follow their example. Wind power is present in more than 70 countries. There are wind projects with the potential of 33,000 MW together under construction, 22,000 of which are in China. By 2020, China plans to install wind-power equipment capable of generating nearly five times the power of the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest producer. Not only is China fostering so many wind projects, but China is using the most efficient transmission lines, progress that has not been utilized in many developed countries like the U.S.

The efficacy of wind power was demonstrated in 1990, when California’s wind power plants offset the emission of more than 2.5 billion pounds of C02, and 15 million pounds of other pollutants. The impact of China’s wind power investment is exciting, if California could accomplish so much, so quickly.

51Sim is excited to help as China moves forward with its wind power plans, stimulating environmental and economic change. Daniel Foa, Li Bingbing, and the students were inspired by the success of this renewable energy industry, had a wonderful time on the boat, and along with 51Sim are eager to pursue wind power as a renewable energy source.

SIDE EVENT
“Innovations from China: I Want Sustainable Innovation Movement”
Hiu Ng and Daniel Foa – Co-founders of 51Sim & 51Give – Beijing, China
Friday, December11th from 17:00-19:00
Bella Center Hall, Delegation Hall 7, Bellona Room

Hiu Ng and Daniel Foa Co - founders and directors of 51Sim (Sustainable Innovation Movement) and 51Give will discuss environmental solutions. From empowering the youth of China to actively engage in reducing carbon, to making micro-loans to farmers, installing methane digesters and solar panels, 51Sim is dedicated to inspiring and empowering adults and youth alike in order to develop innovative solutions. 51Sim’s projects embrace the imagination and voices of the youth, unite them as citizens of the world, and foster creative solutions to reduce carbon emissions and global warming. 51Sim’s ambition is to connect and empower the global community, by developing green bridges and supporting the pursuit of sustainable solutions to social and ecological challenges.

Co-founder Hiu Ng will be talking live from Beijing via live video feed. Former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations, Maurice Strong will be delivering a recorded address to the audience.

More information about 51Sim and 51Give at www.51sim.org and www.51give.com

Follow 51Sim at COP15 at http://cop15.51sim.org

In this video, Maurice Strong emphasizes his concern about pressing environmental challenges, commitment to finding solutions, and hope COP15 will commence a global agreement on environmental policy. He is responding to the next generation and recognizing the important role they play in environmental politics, while surrounded by the voices, concerns, and hope of young Chinese leaders. Watch it!

51Sim’s co-founder Daniel Foa has arrived at Copenhagen and has already introduced 51Sim’s youth programs and activities at the “Global Leadership from Civil Society NOW”. Dan introduced the positive steps the Chinese government has taken concerning environmental protection and bending carbon emissions and the positive impact China’s youth - tomorrow’s leaders - has shown in raising raising awareness on environmental concerns.Through numerous projects that are implemented throughout China, through innovative ideas that are being turned into business models, through volunteer activities that are aimed at protecting China’s precious environment - Chinese youth have shown how a big country like China can engage wholeheartedly in this cause. Have a look at Dan speaking at COP15 here: http://cphvoice.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cop15-civil-societys-role

Daniel was also talking on a panel at an event organised by the Good Planet Foundation, the panel was moderated by film director and producer Gabriel London (CEO of Found Object Films) as well as by Olivia Zaleski of CNN’s “Business of Green”. Panelists included Nobel Prize winner Dr. Stephen Schneider, Professor for Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies at Stanford University, Member IPCC\ and John Anthony, Communication Director, Climate and Energy, UN Foundation amongst others.The session also included a screening of 51Give’s short movie on sustainable microfinance in China - filmed by Gabriel London and the See You in Copenhagen team.

Film director & producer Gabriel London, 51Sim

http://www.goodplanet.org/blog/carbone/2009/1578/D

More videos of Daniel at COP15 here:

http://video.tiscali.it/canali/truveo/173958151.html

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2742363

Daniel also reported back to Beijing on China International Radio, “Today,” Dec. 9th, (Hour 2:42:25- 2:47:43). Listen to it here: http://cribeyondbeijing.com/

Check out regularly the blog for more updates on COP15.

December 7, 2009. The “Give Me Green Confidence—Take Action to Support the Copenhagen Conference and Rescue Our Earth” press conference was held at the News Building in Beijing. The event was attended by Chinese youth leaders and students from various universities around China, they initiated a dialogue on climate change issues and experts answered Chinese youth questions regarding the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. 51Sim’s co-founders, Hiu Ng & Daniel Foa; the former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Maurice Strong; Mr Yuan Jinhong Deputy Director of the Climate Change Office at China’s State Forestry Administration; Representatives of the Global Youth Summit on Climate Change and of China Youth Climate Action Network (CYCAN); the Deputy Editor of China Securities Daily, Mr. Dong Shaopeng; Ms. Cathy Sheng Climate Change Programme Manager at the Cultural and Education Section of the British Embassy gave speeches.

51Sim’s team of international project managers for the United States; the European Union; Latin America; Africa and finally Asia-Pacific – came on stage and introduced to the audience of 51Sim’s specific programs taking action in the area of environmental protection. They shared with China’s youth their experiences in leading low-carbon lifestyles, their passion for work, as well as their excitement at engaging with them to solve climate change problems.

The world’s attention is now focused on, “United Nations Climate Change Conference,” the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Copenhagen Climate Conference is called by some “humanity’s last chance to save the planet.” In Copenhagen 51sim co-founder Daniel Foa will screen the video of Chinese students showing their commitment to rescue the environment. This film will be broadcasted in cinemas, conference halls, concert stadiums and will give the world a taste Chinese youth’s involvement in reverting climate crisis and 51Sim’s determination to maintain our planet’s harmony. Daniel Foa will not only represent 51Sim at the conference but will also represent the organisation in a number of activities. Daniel, 3 SISC winning students, British Counsel representatives and media will go on a boat tour with award-winning Chinese actress Li Bingbing to visit Danish Wind Turbines. Daniel will discuss climate change solutions such as energy-saving materials and emission reduction programs from China and he is speaking in different events to talk about state of commitment to environmental restoration in China. Hiu Ng is managing the COP15 programs from China and will deliver to Chinese media a dialogue about the themes of the Copenhagen Climate Conference gathered by Daniel. Meanwhile, 51Sim’s information on its participation at COP15 will be available on Sohu, Ifeng.com, Securities Daily, BTV and other media. 51sim’s blog (cop15.51give.org) will be regularly updated.

51Sim is a non-profit organization ( “51″ = “I want”; “Sim” = “Sustainable Innovation Movement”). It uses innovation with Chinese characteristics, interactive media and collaboration with a number of not-for-profit organizations, harmonious grass-roots organisations, businesses, and governmental bodies to promote the importance of environmental restoration. To date, 51Sim’s initiatives and programs have been heralded as responsible, high-impact, and harmonious by communities and governments in China and around the world. During 2008, 51Sim’s “Sustainable Innovation Student Competition” was recognized as a Key Commitment to Action by former US President Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative Asia. With Copenhagen Climate Change Conference 51Sim also co-hosted together with the Ministry of Culture the closing ceremony of the China International Youth Arts Week, a major Olympic activiity. Together with Camco and Clearworld – two leading businesses based in London and Beijing dealing with carbon trading – 51Sim offsetted to Uganda 1280 tons of carbon produced by air travel during 12 days of the Youth Arts week. This was China’s first certified carbon-offset government co-organised event to support Green Olympics. 51SIM also financed Youth leaders from Peking University to visit disaster hit villages in Szechuan to volunteer. Their time was divided between teaching in make shift summer schools, playing team building games with children, delivering supplies that were needed and helping with village rebuilding. In 2009 51sim co-organised with the British Council, China’s first Sustainable Innovation Student Competition. The 120 winning students took part at the British Council Young Ambassador Climate Camp, 36 students presented their projects at SISC award ceremony and 12 of them were sent to attend COP15 as well as receiving 100, 000 RMB seed financing to start their sustainable start ups.

During the “Give me green confidence” press conference, former United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Maurice Strong at the press event said: I take China’s environmental future to heart and I encourage Chinese youth to take part in the country’s environmental protection efforts. Through cooperating with 51SIM, I have understood that Chinese youth have an enormous potential. They are tomorrow’s leaders, and the future of China is in good hands.” Referring to this event, 51Sim co-founder Ms Hiu Ng said: “COP15 will be a window through which China can show the world how it contributes to reducing the impact of climate change on the environment. I hope that not only Chinese media, but also foreign media will show interest in reporting China’s youth efforts to prevent climate change. I encourage our media friends to do what they can to support the restoration of the earth by making these voices heard. They are little voices but we are great in number. We at 51Sim put all our efforts towards providing young people a sustainable innovation platform to help them fight climate change with practical solutions. The road to a greener future is bumpy, but if we act together and cooperate with our international friends we can be successful! Go Chinese youth!”