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| Fossil fuel
burning, in combination with the destruction of the world's forests,
has caused atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to increase sharply
in past years. The United States alone accounts for approximately
22% of the carbon dioxide emitted worldwide. This large increase
has been connected to climate change, especially global warming
and extreme weather. However, there is a small glimmer of hope on
the horizon. Connecticut College has joined the effort against carbon
emissions and is teaming up with a local non-profit group called
Reforest the Tropics, Inc. to compensate for at least part of our
carbon emissions on campus. |
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| Reforest
the Tropics, Inc, or RTT, has developed a program that balances
out carbon emissions due to the burning of fossil fuels. The idea
came from Dr. Herster Barres,
the director of RTT. Based in Mystic, Connecticut, RTT
works with farmers in Costa Rica to plant trees on land formally
used for pasture, most of this occurring in the Atlantic Zone of
Costa Rica. These trees need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and
by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide through their leaves, oxygen
is released as a by-product with carbon being stored in the form
of wood. |
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Klinki tree, (Araucaria hunsteinii), is to be the primary
species of tree planted according to the RTT program. The Klinki,
planted with local species of trees from Costa Rica, will grow very
quickly. It can reach a height of 300 feet. This makes it the perfect
candidate for the project. By planting a population of Klinki in
Costa Rica, a favorable climate for the species, the tree grows
quickly, sequestering a substantial amount of carbon over that growth
period. |
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| Connecticut
College is the first university or college in the United States
to participate in the Klinki Project and establish a carbon-offset
program. As Dr. Herster Barres points out, "The College can
become a leader in the field of environmental studies and help provide
leadership to other schools that wish to participate in the program."
The program will allow the college to start being accountable for
some of its carbon dioxide emissions and take the next step forward
in creating a more sustainable campus |
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Photo: Dr. Herster Barres,
Director of RTT (L), the late Dr. William Niering (C), and Carlos
Rojas, President of Hacienda Las Delicias (R) at the contract signing between the College, RTT, and Hacienda
Las Delicias. The signing took place at the farm in Costa Rica during
the middle of August 1999. |
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| The late
Dr. William A. Niering, seen in many of the photos, was instrumental
in developing the Klinki Program for the Crozier-Williams College
Center. To the great sadness of many who knew him, Dr. Niering passed
away in 1999. In memory of his life and many contributions, especially
his work with the Klinki Forestry Project, the new forest has been
named for William Niering. |
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Photo: RTT
forester Rolando Camacho kneels in front of the new sign dedicating
the new Connecticut College Klinki Plantation to the memory of Dr.
William A. Niering. |
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If you would
like additional information regarding the Klinki Forestry Project,
please feel free to contact
Reforest the Tropics
, Inc at the following:
RTT
Box 601
5 Holmes Street Phone:
(860) 572.8199
Mystic, Connecticut FAX:
(860) 536.7739
06255 Email:
hbarres@aol.com |
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