Two 8 foot tall, blinking, walking, talking and dancing Polar Bears set off yesterday January 20th from Dublin Zoo to encourage the people of Ireland to reduce their carbon emissions by 10% in 2010. The bears were waved goodbye by Dublin Zoo Director, Leo Oosterweghel and 10:10’s campaign’s manager, John Hesnan.

Charles Stanley-Smith, An Taisce, Ciara Aucoin, VOICE and Tony Lowes Friends of the Irish Environment

The NGO organisers are seeking to get as many people, organisations, businesses, and educational institutes to sign up to reduce their own emissions by 10% over the year 2010 as possible. ‘Polar Bears are an iconic image of global warming,’ John explained. ‘We are delighted to have them on our side in this campaign and know they will receive a warm welcome wherever they go.’ Dublin Zoo Director Leo Oosterweghel was very supportive and excited about the prospects of the campaign. Dublin Zoo is committed to reducing its carbon footprint this year and fully supports the 10:10 initiative.

Dublin Zoo director Leo Oosterweghel and 10:10 campaign manager John Hesnan

What's 10:10 all about?

It’s all explained on the 10:10 website http://www.1010.ie/. You can calculate your carbon footprint, download tips and advice, and read the answers to the Awkward Questions. Cutting emissions can actually be easy, save energy, save money - and save polar bears. The Bears want to lead Ireland towards becoming a low carbon society as a matter of self-interest. Cuting emissions by 10% by the end of 2010 is an ambitious goal but for most of us it’s an achievable one. It’s precisely the sort of deep, quick cut scientists say is needed. The Polar Bears have been invited so far to visit Galway, Maynooth, Kilkenny, Nenagh, and Dublin.

10:10 is supported by 11 Irish environmental NGOs including VOICE. To contact the Polar Bears, call John at 086 8054492.

See the Irish Times article at http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0120/breaking66.html