Barry Rassin, Trustee Chair of Rotary International, has issued a passionate plea for environmental action, highlighting the urgent need to address the growing threats facing the Bahamas and the world. In a heartfelt message, Rassin emphasized the critical importance of protecting the environment, citing the devastating impact of climate change on his homeland.
Rassin, who grew up sailing on the waters of the Bahamas, expressed deep concern over the environmental challenges facing his country, including the deterioration of coral reefs, intensifying hurricanes, and rising sea levels. Drawing from his experience representing Rotary at COP28, the United Nations climate change convention, Rassin stressed the need for accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate change.
“Rotary can be part of the solution,” Rassin asserted, highlighting Rotary’s commitment to environmental conservation as one of its key focus areas. He encouraged Rotary clubs worldwide to engage in impactful environmental projects, leveraging The Rotary Foundation to maximize their contributions and make a tangible difference.
Rassin envisioned collaborative efforts among Rotary districts and clubs from around the world, proposing initiatives such as wetland protection in Australia, sustainable agriculture training in India, and environmental restoration in the Bahamas. He emphasized that while the challenges may seem daunting, Rotary’s collective action can drive meaningful change, as demonstrated by the organization’s success in eradicating polio.
As Rotary continues its mission to create positive change, Rassin’s call to action resonates as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals and communities can achieve through environmental stewardship and collaboration.
Here is Trustee Chair’s message:
For many, the Bahamas is a place to escape colder climes, relax on white-sand beaches, and snorkel in clear, turquoise waters. For me, it’s home. I grew up sailing on these waters and to this day, anytime I can, I am out on the water with family and friends. It’s where my heart is.
The environmental threats my country is facing are real. Our coral reefs, vital for biodiversity, are in danger due to warming seas and pollution. Hurricanes and tropical storms seem to get more intense with each passing year. Rising sea levels pose an existential threat to the Bahamas, eroding our beautiful coastlines as saltwater intrudes on our precious and limited freshwater resources.
Late last year, I was fortunate to represent Rotary at COP28, the United Nations climate change convention in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The consensus coming out of the meeting was that progress on addressing climate change has been too slow. Participants said the world needs to pick up the pace to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help communities become more resilient to climate change, and better support countries that are most vulnerable to it.
Rotary can be part of the solution.
As you know, protecting the environment is one of Rotary’s areas of focus. Many clubs are active in their communities with projects such as beach and roadside cleanups. With The Rotary Foundation, you can increase your impact by pooling resources with clubs and districts around the world. Foundation grants let you put the generous contributions of your fellow Rotary members to work to make the world better.
Imagine the possibilities. Perhaps Rotary districts in Canada and Australia could protect wetlands in New South Wales in Australia. Rotary leaders from Brazil, India, and Taiwan could lead grant projects to train farmers in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in sustainable agriculture. Rotary and Rotaract clubs from the Bahamas, South Africa, and New York could work with their districts to help my country restore its natural resources, one reef or mangrove at a time.
The problems our environment faces seem overwhelming until you realize that many are fixable. There are so many ways to help through Rotary. Even if we don’t lead a grant or volunteer on the project, we can all help protect the environment through our giving to the Foundation.
Rotary can’t save the planet all by itself. But as our progress in ending polio proves, Rotary’s impact is great when we put our vision for a better world in motion, and just get started.
Barry Rassin
Trustee Chair 2023-24
