Learn How a Tree Planted in Largo Might Help Reduce Super Bowl Impact on Local Environment

Climate Change Expert Talks about Super Bowl and Other Programs Designed to Lessen Impact on Local Community through Carbon Exchange

What do Super Bowl XLIII in Hillsborough County and trees recently planted in Pinellas County have in common? The two share a lot, when the subject is greenhouse gas reduction. The National Football League (NFL) is sponsoring the planting of trees in places like Egmont Key, Plant City, Safety Harbor and Largo to offset increased greenhouse gas created by Super Bowl-related activities. The NFL calls it the Urban and Community Forestry Initiative. Experts on climate change such as Mark van Soestbergen call it calculating carbon footprints.

Van Soestbergen, founder of the International Carbon Bank & Exchange, will give three free presentations about how national sports teams, universities and conference sponsors are partnering with governments and businesses to offer carbon neutral events. You can learn how these groups and individuals are using carbon offsets and trading to positively impact climate change. You can also get a better understanding of common discussion terms like carbon offsets and carbon trading.

The Carbon Neutral: Teaming Up to Make a Difference for Our Climate programs are planned at the following locations and times:

Friday, Jan. 30, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, located at 1800 Weedon Drive N.E. in St. Petersburg. To learn more and to register, call (727) 453-6500.

Saturday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. to noon at Pinellas County Extension located at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo. No registration is required. For more information, call (727) 582-2456.

Saturday, Jan. 31, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Brooker Creek Preserve Education Center located at 3940 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs. To learn more and to register, call (727) 453-6800.

Part of the program focuses on what citizens can do to help reduce their own carbon footprint on the world. “The individual is truly the secret agent in this whole process,” said van Soestbergen. At the programs, tips will be shared about day-to-day actions everyone can take concerning travel, heating/cooling usage, electricity consumption, domestic waste and recycling. “Without taking personal ownership, nothing happens,” he added.

Get expert information about how to live a more sustainable lifestyle at these information-packed programs just in time for Super Bowl kick off Sunday, Feb. 1.