Earthwatch Institute

History

Earthwatch has been bringing together members of the general public to work as volunteers on scientific field research projects for the past 35 years. This approach both provides essential funding for long-term research and supplies a dedicated 'hands on' workforce of volunteers to support Earthwatch scientists. Through a network of over 2,000 scientists, Earthwatch helps to gather objective information focusing on climate change and the sustainable management of resources, oceans and communities, in order to better understand critical environmental issues and inform and influence global and local agendas.

Earthwatch believes that people must be involved in order to make global issues relevant and understandable, and to effect change in communities, schools and workplaces. Over 4,000 people a year, from all over the world, take part in expeditions, creating a community of 'Earthwatchers' who not only support scientific research but also stimulate and inspire change back at home. Earthwatch is committed to working in partnership to achieve a more sustainable future for our planet. From involving local communities and non-governmental organisations to helping partner-businesses improve their environmental performance, Earthwatch believes that collaboration is vital to achieve positive, long-term and constructive solutions.

To find out more about Earthwatch or take part in a project, click here.

Earthwatch and the HSBC Climate Partnership

HSBC has already worked with Earthwatch on the successful, five-year Investing in Nature programme. Within the HSBC Climate Partnership, Earthwatch will deliver community engagement, field research and education globally and contribute information on how we can limit, and adapt to, the impacts of climate change in ways that benefit communities, societies and the environment worldwide.

Earthwatch's engagement programmes produce a significant ripple effect. As well as directly engaging HSBC's 312,000 employees, the programmes will connect a diverse group of people all over the world to impact a greater community.

Project Outlines

• Develop a programme of climate change education and research based around five field centres in the UK, USA, Brazil, China and India, which will also provide opportunities to involve community members in environmental field seminars addressing local sustainability issues.
• Engage up to 312,000 HSBC employees in climate change issues and knowledge through online learning and activities, encouraging behaviour change at home and in the workplace.
• Involve 25,000 HSBC employees in local volunteering activities related to climate change.
• Send 2,400 HSBC employees on two-week research projects related to climate change at the field centres.
• Focus field research on climate change, freshwater and biodiversity projects assessing impacts on ecosystem services, habitats and species, and looking for solutions to these problems.