Nations that have led way in cutting carbon emissions  have seen strong economic growth, RFK Jr. reveals at Forging a Sustainable Future Conference

By Miriam Raftery

March 8, 2012 (San Diego) – “I flew over the Cumberland Plateau.  They are literally cutting down the Appalachian Mountains,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told attendees at the Forging a Sustainable Future conference sponsored by UnitedGREEN at San Diego State University last Saturday. 

He painted a grim picture of the devastating costs of coal on the environment and human lives—then offered hope for an alternative that would not only be cleaner, but also revitalize the U.S. economy.

Part II of the Forging a Sustainable Future Conference will be held March 3 and 4 at San Diego State University.  For tickets and details click here. If you missed Part I of this important event, ECM is publishing a series of articles highlighting presentations by key speakers last November, starting with these colorful opening statements.

February 9, 2012 (San Diego) – Councilwoman Marti Emerald, a former TV consumer affairs journalist called on San Diegans to join with her in calling for sustainable practices here in our community, and around the world during Part I of United Green's Forging a Sustainable Future conference in November 2011 . “This is survival, folks,” she said. 

She brought a surprise guest: Cassis, a green-winged macaw who joined her onstage during opening remarks to drive homeher message. "You won't find these in the wild," Emerald said. "Their habitat has been destroyed." 

 Part 2 on March 3-4 to feature Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

November 3, 2011 (San Diego) – UnitedGREEN, a division of the nonprofit Heartland Coalition and sister organization of East County Magazine, will present Forging a Sustainable Future, a two-part conference that aspires to foster alliances between businesses, government and grassroots organizations to build a green future not only for San Diego, but our nation and the world.

California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom will keynote the event.