The Most Powerful Local Environmental Initiative Group You’ve Probably Never Heard of

Out of the frying pan and into the fryer.  ICLEI, the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.  Imagine a large international organization that influences and implements environmental policies locally in over 1,200 cities worldwide.  Well, say hello to ICLEI.  Today, I took a flight from Rio to the city of Belo Horizonte to attend the 2012 World Congress that is put on by these sustainability doom and gloomers.

It is truly shocking when you learn just how many internationally, well-funded, groups exist out there whose expressed purpose is to implement environmental rules and regulations about the environment.  The scariest part is that ICLEI is not just some little organization who tries to influence a handful of people with crazy ideas.  ICLEI is an organization that is actually shaping laws, rules, and regulations for a “green and sustainable” economy.  Disgusting is the fact that they have already been millions upon millions of dollars on the backs of taxpayers worldwide.

Over this weekend, Executive Director Craig Rucker and I will be there in the trenches sitting in on meetings and workshops about the strategy and focus that ICLEI plans to create or shape legislation with.  My goal is to learn as much as possible and keep all of you informed on what is or may be coming your way.  This way you can be prepared to stop the economy stifling, job killing measures in your local communities.  Wish me luck and patience, especially the latter.

-A.K.

Collegiate Program Coordinator