Deforestation accounts for about 20 percent of global warming that leads to climate change and India has suggested that developing countries be paid more to reduce deforestation.
Seventy million acres of rainforests are going to be burnt down while over 10,000 delegates from 187 countries attend the UN Conference on Climate Change here Dec 3-14.
In a paper submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India has proposed the concept of "compensated conservation" to compensate countries that reduce deforestation, stabilise forest cover and even conserve and increase it.
Since trees hold carbon dioxide, conserving and increasing the forest cover is a direct way to combat climate change which is caused mainly by the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Though most of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is by industrialised countries, they have been harping on the deforestation issue in an attempt to deflect attention. India has responded by saying developing countries will fight deforestation, but need monetary help to do so.
The paper prepared by India is now being considered at the climate change summit.
India says: "Nations with continued deforestation and now committing to reduce deforestation rates, and those having already taken up strong conservation measures and thereby stabilising and increasing forest cover against a pre-determined baseline, present a fit case to be rewarded under REDD (reducing emission from deforestation and degradation), as these efforts reduce the emission of carbon into the atmosphere and capture atmospheric carbon in the process."
Developed countries have agreed that developing countries have to be paid to reduce deforestation and to increase forest cover, but have suggested that this money come out of the clean development mechanism (CDM) prepared under the Kyoto Protocol to address climate change.
Aware that the CDM is meant mainly for technology projects and the money available under it is very small, India has proposed that REDD financing be kept out of the CDM fund.
"Developed country parties must deploy additional financial resources for the purpose," the paper from India says. "UNFCCC may create different financial instruments or apportion funds under the same instrument for different range of actions to be implemented by the countries according to their national circumstances such as reducing deforestation fund, stabilisation fund and forest carbon conservation fund."
India has said the creation of an "enabling fund to support capacity building and conducting pilot activities related to REDD activities for developing and least developed countries can also be considered."
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Deforestation In India And Its Overwhelming Progress
India’s rising population expansion has positioned the country in great environmental strains. The swiftly developing populace, along with the move in the direction of urbanization and industrialization, has sited a considerable demand on India’s infrastructure and its biological reserves.
Deforestation in India, together with all its other environmental effects, continues to go downhill and is encumbering trade and industry development in all of India. However, its booming and exploding metropolises are the ones causing their presently detrimental problems.
It is a good thing to know that a single country can be able to stop deforestation even in a gradual progress. However, the other tribulations that India is now facing should also be dealt with in a similar manner. They may have erased their deforestation problems, but other troubles concerning the environment came to take its place. With due hope, all the world is watching over India and its capabilities to fully eliminate their problems that cause disturbance of the balance in nature.
A Quick Look Into The History Of Indian Forest Depletion
The turn of the 19th century marked the start of deforestation in India. In the year 1823, the elect governor of India named Thomas Munro believed that the industrialization process could take heights in the world economy. Having assumed in such matter, he opened forestry programs which then truly created a world of promising economy. However, this was also the start of nature’s fall in India. The long logging problems of over 4 years covered the entire nation; and its forests, like other jungles in the world, was buffeted by a sudden impact of stress.
It was only through the Act of 1878 that the Indian forests began to be protected by the government. For 50 years, the Indian forested lands truly suffered and at the same time prospered from an economy that is not theirs.
Today, vast environmental projects have been and are being practiced in India. The systems include tree planting, preservation of the non-damaged part of their nature, and penalties for the ones going above the prohibitions set. Incentives were also given to the minorities who learned how to adhere to the government’s policies regarding nature safeguarding. Truly, India has one of the most remarkable ways of saving the world from extermination.
Why Deforestation In India Took Place
Unknown to many, the Indian nation accounts for the biggest number of the underprivileged in the entire world, many of whom rely completely or implicitly on green areas for a living. Poverty, as well as the huge and escalating human population, places indefatigable pressure on the forested parts of India. The end result is serious dilapidation of the country’s woodland resources.
The administration has made an effort to slow down losses to its jungles and enlarge tree shelter through a sequence of plans with backing from the World Bank. It has the largest participating funds that direct to the solutions of their deforestation problems.
The effective implementation of India’s rules and regulations for the forests brought about a good change in their previously dilapidated jungles. Through the help of the Worldwide Bank and the sectors of environmentalists protecting the Earth, the Indian nation gave way to the possibilities that deforestation problems could really be fixed.
The deforestation in India shows the rest of the world that a switch to ecological friendly decisions can help alleviate the world’s present condition. If only the rest of the countries allow such kind of help from the experts, then our deforestation problems could possibly be offset in no time.
Determination and eagerness to participate are two of the most crucial values the world must possess in order to preserve the remaining capabilities of our nature.
Deforestation in India, together with all its other environmental effects, continues to go downhill and is encumbering trade and industry development in all of India. However, its booming and exploding metropolises are the ones causing their presently detrimental problems.
It is a good thing to know that a single country can be able to stop deforestation even in a gradual progress. However, the other tribulations that India is now facing should also be dealt with in a similar manner. They may have erased their deforestation problems, but other troubles concerning the environment came to take its place. With due hope, all the world is watching over India and its capabilities to fully eliminate their problems that cause disturbance of the balance in nature.
A Quick Look Into The History Of Indian Forest Depletion
The turn of the 19th century marked the start of deforestation in India. In the year 1823, the elect governor of India named Thomas Munro believed that the industrialization process could take heights in the world economy. Having assumed in such matter, he opened forestry programs which then truly created a world of promising economy. However, this was also the start of nature’s fall in India. The long logging problems of over 4 years covered the entire nation; and its forests, like other jungles in the world, was buffeted by a sudden impact of stress.
It was only through the Act of 1878 that the Indian forests began to be protected by the government. For 50 years, the Indian forested lands truly suffered and at the same time prospered from an economy that is not theirs.
Today, vast environmental projects have been and are being practiced in India. The systems include tree planting, preservation of the non-damaged part of their nature, and penalties for the ones going above the prohibitions set. Incentives were also given to the minorities who learned how to adhere to the government’s policies regarding nature safeguarding. Truly, India has one of the most remarkable ways of saving the world from extermination.
Why Deforestation In India Took Place
Unknown to many, the Indian nation accounts for the biggest number of the underprivileged in the entire world, many of whom rely completely or implicitly on green areas for a living. Poverty, as well as the huge and escalating human population, places indefatigable pressure on the forested parts of India. The end result is serious dilapidation of the country’s woodland resources.
The administration has made an effort to slow down losses to its jungles and enlarge tree shelter through a sequence of plans with backing from the World Bank. It has the largest participating funds that direct to the solutions of their deforestation problems.
The effective implementation of India’s rules and regulations for the forests brought about a good change in their previously dilapidated jungles. Through the help of the Worldwide Bank and the sectors of environmentalists protecting the Earth, the Indian nation gave way to the possibilities that deforestation problems could really be fixed.
The deforestation in India shows the rest of the world that a switch to ecological friendly decisions can help alleviate the world’s present condition. If only the rest of the countries allow such kind of help from the experts, then our deforestation problems could possibly be offset in no time.
Determination and eagerness to participate are two of the most crucial values the world must possess in order to preserve the remaining capabilities of our nature.
BIRDS IN INDIA SUFFERING FROM HEAT, DEFORESTATION
A recuperating Kite is fed multi-vitamins at the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital in Mumbai.
According to the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), this year there has been a 25 to 30 percent rise in the incidence of birds suffering from heat-related exhaustion as temperatures across several Indian cities soared in excess of 40 degrees celcius (104 degrees farhenheit). BSPCA officials say birds are forced to fly longer distances before resting due to dwindling tree cover in urban areas, as increased tree felling makes way for Mumbai's rapidly developing infrastructure.
According to the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), this year there has been a 25 to 30 percent rise in the incidence of birds suffering from heat-related exhaustion as temperatures across several Indian cities soared in excess of 40 degrees celcius (104 degrees farhenheit). BSPCA officials say birds are forced to fly longer distances before resting due to dwindling tree cover in urban areas, as increased tree felling makes way for Mumbai's rapidly developing infrastructure.
Govt negotiating emission targets and not UN’s Framework Convention: Jairam Ramesh
Clearing the misconception about (GHG) emissions, Ramesh said that India is the third largest country in GHG emission volume after the US and China but the climate change is a result of the cumulative impact of GHG in the planetary atmosphere.
India is not negotiating or re-negotiating United Nation’s Framework of Convention, but is negotiating emission targets. Briefing the media about India’s approach to Climate Change, Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh said India has no role in building Green House Gases (GHGs). Clearing the misconception about (GHG) emissions, Ramesh said that India is the third largest country in GHG emission volume after the US and China but the climate change is a result of the cumulative impact of GHG in the planetary atmosphere.
This accumulated GHG is mainly the result of carbon-based industrial activity in developed countries over the past two centuries. UNFCCC does not require developing countries to take on any commitments on reducing their GHG emissions, despite this India will not allow its per capita GHG emission to exceed the average per capita emissions of the developed countries.
The Minister explained, this effectively puts a cap on our emission, which will be lower if our developed country partners choose to be more ambitious in reducing their own emissions.
Making this more clear the Minister said India can not be described as a so called “major emitter”. India’s per capital CO2 emission are currently only 1.1 tons, when compared to over 20 tons for the US and in excess of 10 tons for most OECD countries. The Minister added that the US and China account for over 16% each of the total global emissions, while India trails with just 4%, despite its very large population and rapid growing economy. Thus, India is way down in international ranking.
Talking about major climatic variability which India faces today, Ramesh pointed out that we have already observed warming of 0.40 C from 1901-2000 and receding glaciers in Himalayas at accelerating pace. This also can be due to natural processes, he added. Other expected changes are increase in rainfall by 15-40 %,more warming over land, maximum in North India, relatively greater warming in winter and post monsoon seasons and increase in mean temperature by 30C to 60C.
Ramesh emphatically said that we must stop looking at climate change issue as an international issue, we must look at it as a domestic and local issue .It is related to land productivity, food security and energy conservation. He said we might have political differences with our neighbors including Pakistan but on climate change we, all SAARC countries, are together and speak with the same concern.
Highlighting India’s position on Climate Change, the Minister affirmed quoting Prime Minister’s statement that India’s per capita emission levels will never exceed that of the per capita emission level of developed countries. India cannot and will not take emission reduction targets because poverty eradication and social and economic development are first and over-riding priorities. He further said that each human being has equal right to global atmospheric resources. Common but differentiated responsibility is the basis for all climate change actions, he added. Throwing light on India’s primary focus, Environment Minister said that India’s primary focus is on “adaptation” and not “mitigation”. He made it clear that mitigation can be accepted in few areas. Only those nationally Appropriate Mitigation actions (NAMs) can be subject to international monitoring, reporting and verification that are enabled and supported by international finance and technology transfer. He also explained that India wants a comprehensive approach to Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) and advocates REDD that includes conservation, afforestation and sustainable management of forests. Ramesh announced with pride that 227 scientists and 98 institutions, Univercities, IITs, CSIRs etc are involved in National Programme on Climate Change. He informed that India advocates collaborative research in future low-carbon technology and access to intellectual property rights (IPRs) as global public goods.
Referring to some issues of concern, Ramesh said differentiation amongst developing countries sought to be introduced by alternative multilateral forums and parallel bilateral negotiations. Ambiguity in responsibility for finance and technology transfer, sectoral approaches to mitigation actions outside Bali, move to limit scope of Clean development Mechanism (CDM),impose trade penalties on countries that do not accept limits on global warming pollution are other issues of concern. Referring to this trade penalty Bill passed by US House of Representatives before the US Senate proposes to impose trade penalties , Jairam said India will not accept any legally binding emission Reduction target as it will jeopardize our energy conservation, agricultural and food security, transport etc.
Giving India’s contribution to Climate Change negotiations, Ramesh said we are actively involved with G77 and China to evolve common position on negotiations. We have made 9 submissions to UNFCCC on finance, technology, forestry and other areas. We have worked with China, Brazil, South Africa and 33 other countries to present a joint proposal for emission reduction targets by Annex1 countries in second commitment period.
Talking about efforts of 8 National Missions, the Minister said that they are in different phases of operation. Besides this, other 24 critical initiatives are in the anvil for which detailed plans and an institutional framework is being prepared
India is not negotiating or re-negotiating United Nation’s Framework of Convention, but is negotiating emission targets. Briefing the media about India’s approach to Climate Change, Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh said India has no role in building Green House Gases (GHGs). Clearing the misconception about (GHG) emissions, Ramesh said that India is the third largest country in GHG emission volume after the US and China but the climate change is a result of the cumulative impact of GHG in the planetary atmosphere.
This accumulated GHG is mainly the result of carbon-based industrial activity in developed countries over the past two centuries. UNFCCC does not require developing countries to take on any commitments on reducing their GHG emissions, despite this India will not allow its per capita GHG emission to exceed the average per capita emissions of the developed countries.
The Minister explained, this effectively puts a cap on our emission, which will be lower if our developed country partners choose to be more ambitious in reducing their own emissions.
Making this more clear the Minister said India can not be described as a so called “major emitter”. India’s per capital CO2 emission are currently only 1.1 tons, when compared to over 20 tons for the US and in excess of 10 tons for most OECD countries. The Minister added that the US and China account for over 16% each of the total global emissions, while India trails with just 4%, despite its very large population and rapid growing economy. Thus, India is way down in international ranking.
Talking about major climatic variability which India faces today, Ramesh pointed out that we have already observed warming of 0.40 C from 1901-2000 and receding glaciers in Himalayas at accelerating pace. This also can be due to natural processes, he added. Other expected changes are increase in rainfall by 15-40 %,more warming over land, maximum in North India, relatively greater warming in winter and post monsoon seasons and increase in mean temperature by 30C to 60C.
Ramesh emphatically said that we must stop looking at climate change issue as an international issue, we must look at it as a domestic and local issue .It is related to land productivity, food security and energy conservation. He said we might have political differences with our neighbors including Pakistan but on climate change we, all SAARC countries, are together and speak with the same concern.
Highlighting India’s position on Climate Change, the Minister affirmed quoting Prime Minister’s statement that India’s per capita emission levels will never exceed that of the per capita emission level of developed countries. India cannot and will not take emission reduction targets because poverty eradication and social and economic development are first and over-riding priorities. He further said that each human being has equal right to global atmospheric resources. Common but differentiated responsibility is the basis for all climate change actions, he added. Throwing light on India’s primary focus, Environment Minister said that India’s primary focus is on “adaptation” and not “mitigation”. He made it clear that mitigation can be accepted in few areas. Only those nationally Appropriate Mitigation actions (NAMs) can be subject to international monitoring, reporting and verification that are enabled and supported by international finance and technology transfer. He also explained that India wants a comprehensive approach to Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) and advocates REDD that includes conservation, afforestation and sustainable management of forests. Ramesh announced with pride that 227 scientists and 98 institutions, Univercities, IITs, CSIRs etc are involved in National Programme on Climate Change. He informed that India advocates collaborative research in future low-carbon technology and access to intellectual property rights (IPRs) as global public goods.
Referring to some issues of concern, Ramesh said differentiation amongst developing countries sought to be introduced by alternative multilateral forums and parallel bilateral negotiations. Ambiguity in responsibility for finance and technology transfer, sectoral approaches to mitigation actions outside Bali, move to limit scope of Clean development Mechanism (CDM),impose trade penalties on countries that do not accept limits on global warming pollution are other issues of concern. Referring to this trade penalty Bill passed by US House of Representatives before the US Senate proposes to impose trade penalties , Jairam said India will not accept any legally binding emission Reduction target as it will jeopardize our energy conservation, agricultural and food security, transport etc.
Giving India’s contribution to Climate Change negotiations, Ramesh said we are actively involved with G77 and China to evolve common position on negotiations. We have made 9 submissions to UNFCCC on finance, technology, forestry and other areas. We have worked with China, Brazil, South Africa and 33 other countries to present a joint proposal for emission reduction targets by Annex1 countries in second commitment period.
Talking about efforts of 8 National Missions, the Minister said that they are in different phases of operation. Besides this, other 24 critical initiatives are in the anvil for which detailed plans and an institutional framework is being prepared
Environment ministers to meet in Greenland
Around 30 environment ministers and delegates from the world's biggest polluters are set to meet in the Danish territory of Greenland on Tuesday ahead of the larger UN climate summit in Copenhagen at the end of 2009.
The informal meeting is taking place in Ilulissat on Greenland's west coast and Danish Climate Minster Connie Hedegaard said it will aim to "change points of view and go further in its conclusions than those in other forums."
The United States, Germany, Britain, France, Russia, Japan, India and Brasil, are all attending the four-day "Greenland dialogue", an annual meeting on a climate change first held by Denmark four years ago in the same town.
Only China has not confirmed if it will send a delegation so far and Danish media have speculated that Beijing is still upset about a visit by the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to Copenhagen last May.
A spokeswoman for the Chinese Embassy in Denmark told AFP they were still deciding whether to attend.
A number of African countries will also be at the meeting including Sudan, Tanzania and Mali.
The previous meeting was held in Argentina last year, with Sweden hosting the talks in 2007.
According to an American study published last summer, the Ilulissat glacier, a UNESCO-listed site, lost 94 square kilometres (60 square miles) of surface area between 2001 and 2005 due to global warming.
The informal meeting is taking place in Ilulissat on Greenland's west coast and Danish Climate Minster Connie Hedegaard said it will aim to "change points of view and go further in its conclusions than those in other forums."
The United States, Germany, Britain, France, Russia, Japan, India and Brasil, are all attending the four-day "Greenland dialogue", an annual meeting on a climate change first held by Denmark four years ago in the same town.
Only China has not confirmed if it will send a delegation so far and Danish media have speculated that Beijing is still upset about a visit by the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to Copenhagen last May.
A spokeswoman for the Chinese Embassy in Denmark told AFP they were still deciding whether to attend.
A number of African countries will also be at the meeting including Sudan, Tanzania and Mali.
The previous meeting was held in Argentina last year, with Sweden hosting the talks in 2007.
According to an American study published last summer, the Ilulissat glacier, a UNESCO-listed site, lost 94 square kilometres (60 square miles) of surface area between 2001 and 2005 due to global warming.
Zambia: RB Launches National Policy on Environment
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday launched the National Policy on Environment (NPE) and called on Zambians to embrace and implement strategies of the policy, which include issues of climate change.
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Mr Banda also said that the Government had embarked on an awareness campaign on environmental issues targeting policy makers and vulnerable communities in rural areas. In a speech read for him by Tourism Minister Catherine Namugala during the launch in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Banda said the policy sought to promote sustainable environmental protection.
The president said the policy would ensure that economic activities were conducted in a manner that did not undermine the integrity of ecosystems. He said the overall vision of the policy was to provide a framework for the management of the environment and natural resources and protect future generations.
"I would like to appeal to the public to embrace and implement strategies of the NPE which include emerging issues such as that of climate change, " he said. Mr Banda called on cooperating partners to work with the Government and participate in the translation of policy strategies into viable programmes and projects.
The president said Zambia faced daunting environmental threats and challenges, which included climate change, deforestation, land degradation and loss of biological diversity, wildlife depletion and environmental pollution.
He said recent studies in Zambia indicated that there was increasing pressure on the country's natural resources, including forests with the current rate of deforestation being estimated at 250,000 to 300,000 hectares per annum.
Mr Banda said there were more than 30 legislative instruments enacted over a decade ago and some of them had been reviewed several times to address the conservation of biodiversity and protection of the environment.
The launch was attended by Cabinet ministers and cooperating partners
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Mr Banda also said that the Government had embarked on an awareness campaign on environmental issues targeting policy makers and vulnerable communities in rural areas. In a speech read for him by Tourism Minister Catherine Namugala during the launch in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Banda said the policy sought to promote sustainable environmental protection.
The president said the policy would ensure that economic activities were conducted in a manner that did not undermine the integrity of ecosystems. He said the overall vision of the policy was to provide a framework for the management of the environment and natural resources and protect future generations.
"I would like to appeal to the public to embrace and implement strategies of the NPE which include emerging issues such as that of climate change, " he said. Mr Banda called on cooperating partners to work with the Government and participate in the translation of policy strategies into viable programmes and projects.
The president said Zambia faced daunting environmental threats and challenges, which included climate change, deforestation, land degradation and loss of biological diversity, wildlife depletion and environmental pollution.
He said recent studies in Zambia indicated that there was increasing pressure on the country's natural resources, including forests with the current rate of deforestation being estimated at 250,000 to 300,000 hectares per annum.
Mr Banda said there were more than 30 legislative instruments enacted over a decade ago and some of them had been reviewed several times to address the conservation of biodiversity and protection of the environment.
The launch was attended by Cabinet ministers and cooperating partners
Creating a Safe School Environment
Action Steps for StudentsStudents have an important role to play in ensuring that their schools are safe and orderly. They can take steps to help make their schools places where learning can take place without disruption and without the fear of being victimized or bullied. They can:
Participate in, or help develop, student government organizations and guidelines that promote a drug- and gun-free, safe, and orderly environment for learning.
Volunteer to serve on decisionmaking or advisory committees such as the group developing the overall Safe School Plan.
Become advocates for programs such as peer mediation, conflict resolution, peer assistance leadership, teen courts, or anger management.
Reduce conflict situations rather than making them worse. Practice good citizenship, and treat peers and teachers with respect.
Report weapon possession, drug use or sale, bullying threats or intimidation, victimization, gang activity, or vandalism to school authorities and parents.
Learn the consequences of gang involvement and alcohol, drug, and gun use and the methods for resisting alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Use this understanding to help other students avoid alcohol or drug use or seek help if they are already involved in alcohol or drugs.
Follow the school code of conduct, understand that rules are made for everyone, and recognize the consequences of violating the rules.
Whenever possible, travel with others to and from school and to special school events. Students must always be aware of their surroundings.
Work with teachers, principals, and other students in developing a community service program, where students give back to the community in a positive manner.
Encourage their parents to come to the school and be involved in activities that support the school.
Serve as a big brother/big sister, tutor, or mentor for a younger student.
Action Steps for ParentsParents play a key role in ensuring that their children are safe and drug-free. Without the active support and participation of parents, schools and communities cannot be safe. Parents have to be part of a school's effort to create an orderly, respectful environment. Some of the actions parents can take to assist schools are:
Set standards of behavior, limits, and clear expectations for children both in and out of school and develop mutually agreed-upon rules about homework, extracurricular participation, grades, curfews, chaperoned parties, and places that are off limits.
Teach standards of right and wrong and demonstrate these standards through example.
Discuss with their children the school's discipline policies, reinforcing the belief that school rules support the rights of all students to attend schools with disciplined environments safe from influences of violence and alcohol or substance abuse.
Encourage their children to talk about school, their social activities, their interests and problems, and even their walk to and from school.
Be involved in their children's school life by reviewing homework, meeting their teachers, and attending school functions such as parent-teacher conferences, PTA meetings, class programs, open houses, plays, concerts, and sporting events.
Build a network of other adults with whom they can talk about school safety issues and alcohol and drug use.
Join a community association to ensure that issues related to alcohol, drugs, and violence are made part of the organization's agenda and that community groups work together to create a safe school corridor by supervising walking routes to and from school.
Talk to their children about the consequences of drug and weapon use, gang participation, and violence and ensure that firearms that parents keep in the home or automobile are unloaded and inaccessible to children. Other dangerous weapons should also be kept out of the reach of children.
Work with the school to develop a comprehensive Safe School Plan that incorporates a clearly articulated statement to students, parents, and the community regarding what will and will not be tolerated and that also provides a strong emphasis on programs to prevent violence and the use of alcohol and drugs.
Monitor the programs their children watch, the video games they play, and the music they listen to regularly. Take time to explain to their children the actual nature and consequences of what is being said and done.
Encourage their children to participate in school-sponsored, after-class activities to help limit the amount of time their children spend watching television.
Participate in, or help develop, student government organizations and guidelines that promote a drug- and gun-free, safe, and orderly environment for learning.
Volunteer to serve on decisionmaking or advisory committees such as the group developing the overall Safe School Plan.
Become advocates for programs such as peer mediation, conflict resolution, peer assistance leadership, teen courts, or anger management.
Reduce conflict situations rather than making them worse. Practice good citizenship, and treat peers and teachers with respect.
Report weapon possession, drug use or sale, bullying threats or intimidation, victimization, gang activity, or vandalism to school authorities and parents.
Learn the consequences of gang involvement and alcohol, drug, and gun use and the methods for resisting alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Use this understanding to help other students avoid alcohol or drug use or seek help if they are already involved in alcohol or drugs.
Follow the school code of conduct, understand that rules are made for everyone, and recognize the consequences of violating the rules.
Whenever possible, travel with others to and from school and to special school events. Students must always be aware of their surroundings.
Work with teachers, principals, and other students in developing a community service program, where students give back to the community in a positive manner.
Encourage their parents to come to the school and be involved in activities that support the school.
Serve as a big brother/big sister, tutor, or mentor for a younger student.
Action Steps for ParentsParents play a key role in ensuring that their children are safe and drug-free. Without the active support and participation of parents, schools and communities cannot be safe. Parents have to be part of a school's effort to create an orderly, respectful environment. Some of the actions parents can take to assist schools are:
Set standards of behavior, limits, and clear expectations for children both in and out of school and develop mutually agreed-upon rules about homework, extracurricular participation, grades, curfews, chaperoned parties, and places that are off limits.
Teach standards of right and wrong and demonstrate these standards through example.
Discuss with their children the school's discipline policies, reinforcing the belief that school rules support the rights of all students to attend schools with disciplined environments safe from influences of violence and alcohol or substance abuse.
Encourage their children to talk about school, their social activities, their interests and problems, and even their walk to and from school.
Be involved in their children's school life by reviewing homework, meeting their teachers, and attending school functions such as parent-teacher conferences, PTA meetings, class programs, open houses, plays, concerts, and sporting events.
Build a network of other adults with whom they can talk about school safety issues and alcohol and drug use.
Join a community association to ensure that issues related to alcohol, drugs, and violence are made part of the organization's agenda and that community groups work together to create a safe school corridor by supervising walking routes to and from school.
Talk to their children about the consequences of drug and weapon use, gang participation, and violence and ensure that firearms that parents keep in the home or automobile are unloaded and inaccessible to children. Other dangerous weapons should also be kept out of the reach of children.
Work with the school to develop a comprehensive Safe School Plan that incorporates a clearly articulated statement to students, parents, and the community regarding what will and will not be tolerated and that also provides a strong emphasis on programs to prevent violence and the use of alcohol and drugs.
Monitor the programs their children watch, the video games they play, and the music they listen to regularly. Take time to explain to their children the actual nature and consequences of what is being said and done.
Encourage their children to participate in school-sponsored, after-class activities to help limit the amount of time their children spend watching television.
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