Right Said Ed

That is a good question, and one that we are addressing. We aim to be carbon-neutral by 2008, which will include offsetting the CO2 emissions incurred by volunteer air travel to research sites. It is probably impossible to numerically calculate the value of the contributions of these 4,000 people to science versus their carbon footprint, but I do believe that their contributions are extremely valuable, both in terms of the data they gather and the transformative experience.

So glad you asked! Earthwatch-supported scientists and volunteers have helped save thousands of sea turtle hatchlings in the Caribbean, identified more than 50 new species of plants in Cameroon, discovered that changing livestock watering times increases Grevy's zebra survival rates in northern Kenya, gathered data to support the designation of two of Africa's Great Rift Valley lakes -- Naivasha and Elmenteita -- as wetlands of international importance under the U.N. Convention of Wetlands ... I could go on, but I hope you'll visit the results section on our website to see just some of the many things we have accomplished.

This is, in fact, exactly what we do -- we don't just talk about the issues, we give people real, concrete ways to be involved. Many of our volunteers report that their experiences in the field continue to inspire them at home, where they take action by starting local environmental projects and by giving talks or presentations that, in turn, inspire others to action as well.

Yes, it is critical that people get involved in their local communities. We are working on increasing our support for projects that volunteers start when they come home. Volunteers tell us that the experience of working on expeditions in other places helps bring their local issues into focus, and acts as a catalyst for action and behavioral changes, which are the keys to a sustainable future.

You don't need any special experience to go on an Earthwatch expedition. Volunteers come from all walks of life, and you might find yourself on a team with a bank manager, a concert pianist, a teacher, and an FAA crash-site inspector -- you never know. Most people contribute from $800 to $1,800, though there are some expeditions with lower contributions and some with higher contributions. We choose projects to support based on many criteria, including high-quality science, community involvement and local partnership, and the volunteer experience in terms of health, safety, meaningful contribution, and, of course, fun.

We have a superlative record in terms of keeping our volunteers healthy and safe, but even so, when you are in the business of tracking black rhinos, there is the odd occasion where you might have to run for a tree ... and that keeps things exciting.

In almost all cases, the local communities at the project site get involved with the project, and in many cases, make the project the amazing experience that it is. For example, on Madagascar's lemurs, the volunteers spend most of their time in the company of Malagasy scouts, students, and scientists, and it is that cultural exchange, as well as the shared scientific mission, that really makes the experience so special for the volunteers.

Sure. By traveling to developing countries and seeing how others live, you soon begin to understand the extravagance and excess that we take for granted -- and what we lose by having all of these material possessions. If you can't travel abroad, go camping for a weekend, and see how much you can really live without and not miss.

Ouch. Now I feel guilty. But, since it is New England, I might be better off trying to ski to work. I'll let you know how that goes.

Yes, we sometimes get each other's mail, especially when I was in Cambridge. In 2005, Earthwatch honored Dr. Wilson for his tremendous contributions to biodiversity awareness at our annual conference, so I had the rather odd experience of being Ed Wilson introducing Ed Wilson.