Robert Zipplies Successfully Completes Climate Challenge 2009
Dec
14
Written by:
12/14/2009 2:58 PM
Robert Zipplies Successfully Completes Climate Challenge 2009
Embodying the spirit of “cut carbon, dare to change”, renowned climate change expert and editor of the book “Bending the Curve” Robert Zipplies, in partnership with Project 90 by 2030 took a month out of his life to complete an epic journey from Cape Town to Durban on an electric bicycle.
Robert left the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on 6 November and arrived a day ahead of schedule at the Protea Hotel Edward on Durban’s famous Golden Mile on 4 December. Robert made 14 presentations on Climate Change in towns along the route, meeting with South Africans from all walks of life - young and old citizens of small and large towns, town and city 
mayors and even the Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, who nominated him as an Indalo Yethu Eco-ambassador.
Many of those Robert met signed the Climate Challenge Pledge which urges the commitment to make the lifestyle changes required by science, and the original pledge book will be handed to the presidency early next year. Anyone who still wishes to sign the pledge is welcome to do so on the Project 90 by 2030 website www.90x2030.org.za
Robert undertook the Climate Challenge to raise awareness about the need to cut carbon and to challenge all South Africans to make changes to their lifestyles that can help create a sustainable future for all. In addition to the 14 talks national radio stations on 6 occasions interviewed him and the Challenge was covered in numerous print and online news media, thus reaching millions of listeners and readers.
Robert and the Challenge team were frequently inspired by individuals and organisations that were profoundly committed to helping create a sustainable society. These included indivuals reducing their own impacts, or organisations working with schools and teachers to enhance environmental knowledge and action, and city councils that were starting to address climate change. However, at the same time the team were frequently daunted by the levels of ignorance and apathy of many South Africans towards climate change. Massive and unprecedented levels of education and mobilisation will be required at all levels of society.
Robert’s well-used eZee electric bicycle operated smoothly throughout the trip of 2902 km, and only sustained punctures on one day (and remember he steered clear of smoothly tarred national roads). The bike consumed about 24 kWh of electricity which translates to about 24kg of CO2 or R19,20 at the rate of 80c/kWh. The same trip, solo in a in a petrol-driven car consuming 7.5 L/hundred km, would have produced emissions of around 550 kg of CO2 with a fuel bill of about R1,600. The support vehicle was run on biodiesel made from old cooking oil to minimise the carbon footprint of the Challenge.
Project 90 by 2030 and Robert Zipplies wish to acknowledge the outstanding support of the principal sponsor Santam, as well as invaluable support provided by Protea Hotels, McCarthy Limited and Budget Rent a Car, eZee Electric Bicycles, Indalo Yethu, Miss Earth SA, Pick n Pay, First Ascent, City Cycles, Thule Car Rack Systems, Slowsun and Tracks 4 Africa.
Robert Zipplies is the editor of the book Bending the Curve – Your guide to tackling climate change in South Africa. He works as a corporate sustainability consultant and assists corporations in deepening their environmental and social commitment. Robert is also a board member of Project 90 by 2030. More information about Robert and Bending the Curve available at: www.bendingthecurve.co.za
Project 90 by 2030’s mission is to mobilise South Africans to reduce their impact on the environment. They work extensively with schools to help them identify simple ways to reduce their carbon footprints and produce a monthly newsletter with ideas for lifestyle change and opportunities to lobby for policy change. For more information on the Challenge and the blog please visit www.90x2030.org.za.
Contacts:
• Project 90 by 2030 office: 021 674 5095/4
• Robert Zipplies - zipplies@pobox.com
• Project Coordinator: Mathew van Lierop - mathew@90x2030.org.za