Climate change is among the greatest threats to biodiversity today. If left unchecked, it could prompt the extinction of tens of thousands of species in as few as 50 years.

Following is a transcript of our CI Live discussion with Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard on Aug. 14, 2006. Stone took questions from individuals worldwide about the importance of mitigating climate change and, specifically, about Pearl Jam's efforts to offset the carbon footprint of its 2006 concert tour.

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Read more about Stone Gossard

Experts
Guitarist
Pearl Jam


Continuing its commitment to reduce the negative impacts associated with climate change, Pearl Jam is partnering again with CI to help offset the carbon footprint associated with the band's 2006 concert tour. Pearl Jam's investment will be used to help restore degraded tropical forests in Ecuador.

"We believe in businesses that proactively take the lead on the issues of environment and clean energy, rather than waiting for our government to identify solutions for us," says guitarist Stone Gossard. "By identifying and supporting a diverse group of organizations and strategies, we hope to create new models for businesses like ours who are looking to invest in the future health of our planet and its delicate ecosphere."

CI is one of nine local, regional, and international organizations making up Pearl Jam's "carbon portfolio" strategy to offset the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released from the trucks, buses, airplane travel, hotel rooms, concerts venues and fans driving to and from their concerts.

Pearl Jam also is asking fans to get involved by helping to reduce their own carbon footprint. Fans can calculate how much carbon their daily activities generate using CI's carbon calculator. Once fans have calculated their carbon footprint they will be presented with options to offset that impact.