About the Plunge
Expressing your commitment to fight global warming by jumping into a cold body of water with your friends and colleagues may sound a bit crazy, but the "Fight Global Warming - Keep Winter Cold!" National Polar Bear Plunge (PBP), on December 8, 2007, is an easy, effective and fun way for local or regional climate change groups to draw media and public attention to the issue of global warming, to recruit new activists and volunteers, and to raise money - all while participating in a nationally coordinated event along with thousands of other concerned citizens across the country during this critical presidential election season.
The reality is urgent. The May 2nd National Snow and Ice Data Center report found that arctic sea ice is melting faster than previously predicted, and that the top of the world could be free or nearly free of summer sea ice by 2020. If Arctic sea ice is lost at this accelerated rate, it would mean almost certain extinction for polar bears - as well as a potentially catastrophic jolt for global climate patterns. Americans are already seeing the effects, not only in hotter summers and longer droughts, but also in warmer winters, and the impacts on businesses and activities that depend on cold weather.
The "Fight Global Warming - Keep Winter Cold!" National Polar Bear Plunge is an ideal event to draw attention to this alarming crisis. It is also a great fundraiser and community builder - a way to make a difference that helps build your group's capacity for further work to combat global warming.
The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) held its first-ever Polar Bear Plunge in December, 2005, and raised $12,000 with just 20 "jumpers." Demonstrating its potential, in just a single year the event more than tripled in size, with 75 participants jumping into the Chesapeake Bay in January 2007, generating a number of favorable news stories and $40,000 in pledges.
It is our hope and plan to impact the national public debate with dozens of Polar Bear Plunges across the country on December 8. Global warming must become the central issue in the 2008 presidential race, and with your help and participation in the National Polar Bear Plunge, we plan to make the greatest nationwide statement possible the month before Presidential primaries begin.
The full Polar Bear Plunge website, including the opportunity to register your own Polar Bear Plunge action, will be launched on September 6, 2007. In the meantime, check one of the other menu headings for more information, or contact Project Coordinator Gordon Clark at 301-891-6724.
