Voices of Sustainability: In his new book, The Bridge at the Edge of the World: Capitalism, the Environment, and Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability, Dean Gus Speth asserts that today's environmental reality is linked powerfully with growing social inequality and the neglect and erosion of democratic governance and popular control.

UBC Professor William Rees argues that climate change is the largest collective threat humankind has ever faced as we are now a global culture. Individual choices to reduce their eco-footprint will not have a huge effect. Sustainability is not about acting alone, but is a collective enterprise so we must make our cities so it is possible for our citizens to live a sustainable life. We are all on the Titanic together.

Rafael was videotaped by Barry Heidt of sustainabletv with editing support by Tom Hopkins of Sustainable Today at The International Ecotourism Society's (TIES) 2010 ESTC event in Portland, Oregon, September 8-10, 2010. 

Title: Environmental Sustainability and Saving Resources by Rafael Gallo

Rafael Gallo has pursued his passion for whitewater paddling from learning to paddle in the Great Smoky Mountains of the United States during college to founding and growing one of the best rafting companies in the world in his native Central America, based in Costa Rica. He has introduced thousands to the sport of paddling, led the fight to save the world-renowned Pacuare River from the first dam threat in the 1990s, purchased and protects 2000 acres of rainforest along the Pacuare and Rios’ eco-lodge. has planted almost 14,000 native tree species as part of the United Nations Environmental Program “Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign.”  More information on community development visit this Website.

Richard Edwards, Director of the foundation, Planeterra emphasizes the critical nature of converting mainstream tourism to a more sustainable model. Planeterra demonstrates the value of the ecotourism model that has high consumer demand. Moreover, there is a strong business case that continued environmental degradation and the effects of climate change will severely limit the availability of pristine and beautiful destinations that the industry relies upon.

Second-generation conservationist, Hunter McIntosh, VP of the Alaskan-based The Boat Company talks about being raised in the environmental community. He took over the Boat Company, having worked on Capitol Hill for years, and joined the family business. He has become increasingly involved in bringing forward the next generation of ecotourism.  The Boat Company has been in business thirty years and through partnerships has grown along with the industry and through collaboration he emphasizes the importance of having a "one voice" and be political.

Hunter was videotaped by Barry Heidt of sustainabletv with editing support by Tom Hopkins of Sustainable Today at The International Ecotourism Society's (TIES) 2010 ESTC event in Portland, Oregon, September 8-10, 2010. 

We have to recognize we are at a juncture of history where we have not choice but to move fast to a very different way of life. The younger generation has got to stand up and be counted. Ashok Khosla is Chairman of Development Alternatives in New Delhi, India. Previously, Khosla established and headed the Office of Environmental Planning and Coordination in India's national government. Khosla subsequently was Director of INFOTERRA, the global information system of the UN Environment Programme, was a Special Advisor to the Brundtland Commission, and served as an advisor to the United Nations, World Bank and Global Environmental Facility.