While much of the world was focused elsewhere on November 5, 2024, a major milestone in climate restoration quietly took place—the Climate Restoration Resolution was officially introduced in the U.S. Congress.
In this post, Peter Fiekowsky highlights this critical step toward institutionalizing climate restoration as a global priority. Unlike traditional climate policies that focus on slowing emissions, the Climate Restoration Resolution sets an ambitious goal: returning atmospheric CO₂ to safe pre-industrial levels by 2050. This is a shift from merely mitigating damage to actively restoring the climate for future generations.
Key Takeaways:
The Climate Restoration Resolution was introduced in Congress, marking a historic moment for the movement.
This resolution is unique in that it goes beyond net zero—it establishes the need to remove excess CO₂ and restore the climate to safe levels.
The resolution supports large-scale climate restoration solutions like ocean iron fertilization (OIF), direct air capture, and ecosystem regeneration.
To truly restore the climate, we must move beyond incremental progress and implement high-impact, science-backed interventions.
At the Climate Restoration Alliance (CRA), we are committed to turning this vision into reality. The Climate Restoration Resolution is a key step in securing governmental and institutional support for the large-scale deployment of CO₂ removal solutions. Our mission is to ensure that climate restoration becomes an actionable, funded global priority—because the world cannot afford to wait.
To those who are committed to Climate Restoration:
The recent U.S. election has raised questions about the future of Climate Restoration efforts. To set the record straight: we are moving full speed ahead, and we do not anticipate any new barriers on the horizon. Our roadmap is simple: begin restoring the climate next year, reach full-scale by 2030 and restore the climate by 2050.
Progress is being made on all fronts: the projects are moving forward, funding campaigns are underway, and more and more people and organizations are adopting the Climate Restoration Resolution.
The Grandparents Fund for Climate Restoration supports critical Climate Restoration programs that can reach full-scale by 2030, and restore a safe climate for our children by 2050 and give them a livable planet.
One of these programs is the Climate Restoration Alliance that invites people, organizations and communities to commit to restoring the climate by 2050 and make Climate Restoration an idea whose time has come. (“Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come” — Victor Hugo).
We are pleased to feature our newest Climate Restoration Ambassador – Frank Mondi, who is also a member of the Climate Restoration Alliance Steering Committee.
Among other things, Frank was instrumental in getting the Climate Restoration Resolution introduced in Congress (see below), and in getting Rotarians, Clubs and Districts to commit to Climate Restoration.
A personal message from Frank is included below.
We will continue to keep you up to date on our progress and align our growing and powerful Climate Restoration community.
For future generations.
Ilan Mandel, The Grandparents Fund for Climate Restoration
Sensors & Buoy Test For Climate Restoration Projects
The first Climate Restoration project is developing nicely.
As you recall, OIF (Ocean Iron Fertilization) is about replicating a natural CO2 removal process by intentionally adding of small amounts of iron to the ocean surface to promote phytoplankton blooms.
Before launching the pilot OIF Project in the Philippines, we are planning a small experiment in California to test the measuring equipment. This involves deploying 3 buoys equipped with sensors connected via satellite.
The buoys will be deployed 60-70 miles off shore, and float around for about a month while we track their position and CO2 levels at their location.
A team of San Francisco Bay Area scientists and engineers is currently working on integrating a CO2 sensor with the buoy, so that CO2 data will be sent via the buoy’s built-in satellite communication.
As the Buoy Test Project developed, its budget grew to $70,000 with some added unexpected expenses. Our plan is to raise $50,000 from Rotary members and clubs, and match it with $20,000 from the Climate Restoration Fund.
The fundraising campaign was launched last week, and Rotarians are invited to make donations via the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore.
The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA] and sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo, G. [D-CA], Rep. Salud O. Carbajal, [D-CA], Rep. Shri Thanedar, [D-MI] and Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, [D-NY].
This is a huge step forward in making Climate Restoration an Idea Whose Time Has Come!
For our US friends: please thank your Member of Congress, or invite her/him to cosponsor it.
NEW: The Togo Bamboo Project
While removing the excess carbon from the atmosphere is our focus, we also support regional carbon removal projects that have the potential to scale, while providing social and economic co-benefits.
The Climate Restoration Fund is proud to support the Togo Bamboo Project, developed by the Climate Restoration Network, in partnership with multiple Togo stakeholders, including the Togolese Government.
Bamboo is known for its rapid growth rate and high carbon sequestration ability.
The Togo Bamboo Project aims to create a thriving and sustainable non-invasive Bamboo cultivation & industry on 10,000 hectares in the Northern region of Togo, near Tandjouare.
This project clarifies that the brand of Climate Restoration goes beyond just the atmosphere. We recommend that all climate action be branded as Climate Restoration since Climate Restoration is focused on the goal of giving our children a livable planet and everyone can participate.
Beyond direct employment, the project will engage with local communities to ensure their involvement and benefit. This will include educational programs on environmental stewardship, sustainable farming practices, and the benefits of bamboo in soil conservation and reforestation.
With this newsletter, we are officially launching the fundraising campaign for this project.
Climate Restoration Ambassador of the Month:
Frank Mondi
Frank-Mondi
I am a retired Veterinarian who has been blessed with a beautiful wife of 61 years, 4 wonderful children, 11 amazing grandchildren and 4 precious great grandchildren.
I’ve had a rewarding career caring for many 4-legged family members who provide us with unconditional love.
As a man of faith, I believe that each of us is given an opportunity to have our lives make a difference in our world. A world where the lives of our children, grandchildren, pets and wildlife are at stake.
My favorite quote:
“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in that gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
Theodore Roosevelt, 26th US President (1858-1919).
I contribute to The Grandparent’s Fund on a regular basis as one expression of my caring, and I take every opportunity that I have to make a difference by bringing up the conversation about my concerns for our climate.
Please join us in making Climate Restoration an Idea Whose Time Has Come!
Please sign the resolution (or click my link below) and make a monthly contribution to express your commitment to future generations:
Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a burning building. Inside, people are trapped—but there’s a fire extinguisher within reach. Would you use it?
Now, imagine that same scenario, but on a global scale. The planet is overheating, ecosystems are collapsing, and future generations are in danger. Yet, we have the tools to restore the climate—and we’re not using them.
In two recent blog posts, Peter Fiekowsky asks the uncomfortable but urgent question: Why haven’t we ended the climate crisis? He challenges the common belief that solving climate change is impossible or that our best hope is merely limiting the damage. The truth? We already have the science and technology to restore a safe climate. The real barrier is us.
The Science Says We Can Do It—So Why Aren’t We?
In Why Haven’t We Ended the Climate Crisis?, Fiekowsky breaks down the stark contrast between what we assume is possible and what actually is possible. Most climate efforts focus on reducing emissions, which is like slowing down the burning building rather than putting out the fire.
But the reality is that we don’t have to accept an overheated planet. The tools exist to actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and restore it to pre-industrial levels:
Ocean Iron Fertilization (OIF): A proven process that can stimulate plankton growth, pulling CO₂ from the air on a massive scale.
Direct Air Capture (DAC): Technology that literally vacuums CO₂ out of the atmosphere.
Enhanced Rock Weathering and Ecosystem Restoration: Natural processes that accelerate carbon removal.
Yet, despite this, climate policies continue to focus on slowing the damage instead of reversing it.
For decades, the dominant climate narrative has been one of sacrifice, adaptation, and mitigation. Governments, NGOs, and even scientists have reinforced the idea that we can only limit warming, not undo it. The idea that we could actually restore the climate seems too radical—even though science supports it.
This raises an ethical question: If we have the ability to restore a safe climate but don’t, is that a failure of leadership? A moral failing?
A Call to Action: From Fear to Restoration
At Climate Restoration Alliance (CRA), we reject the idea that future generations must suffer the consequences of climate change. We believe in solutions, not despair.
The challenge now is not whether we can end the climate crisis—it’s whether we choose to. It’s time to move past the outdated mindset of mere survival and embrace climate restoration as the new standard.
During COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, a unique space emerged as a hub for bold discussions and visionary thinking—the Climate Restoration Villa. Produced by the Climate Restoration Network (CRN), this villa hosted a series of intimate, high-impact gatherings that brought together scientists, policymakers, investors, and activists, all united by a shared goal: to move beyond mitigation and adaptation and focus on restoring a safe and healthy climate.
Key Messages and Discussions
The events at the villa centered around the urgent need for large-scale climate restoration efforts. While much of the global conversation at COP27 revolved around reducing emissions and adapting to climate change, the villa provided a space to ask a different question: How do we return our planet to the climate conditions that have sustained human civilization for millennia?
Highlighted Events
Beyond Net Zero: The Path to Climate Restoration A panel of leading scientists and innovators discussed breakthrough solutions capable of removing carbon from the atmosphere at the scale necessary to restore pre-industrial climate conditions. The conversation emphasized the need to move beyond carbon neutrality and set clear, measurable climate restoration goals.
Financing Climate Restoration Experts from the investment and philanthropy sectors explored innovative funding mechanisms for large-scale restoration projects. The discussion covered emerging financial instruments, the role of carbon and plastic credits, and the potential for global climate restoration funds.
Restoring Ocean Ecosystems to Capture Carbon With a focus on ocean-based solutions, this session highlighted methods such as ocean iron fertilization and seaweed restoration. Scientists and environmental leaders debated how to responsibly implement these solutions while ensuring ecosystem health.
Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Restoration Indigenous leaders shared traditional ecological practices that align with modern restoration efforts. The discussion underscored the importance of integrating indigenous wisdom into global climate strategies.
Empowering Youth to Lead Climate Restoration Recognizing the crucial role of young leaders, this session provided a platform for youth activists to engage in the climate restoration movement and advocate for policies that support large-scale action.
Press Releases from COP27
Throughout COP27, CRN issued several press releases highlighting significant developments in climate restoration efforts:
November 3, 2022 – CRSGB Media Advisory Announcing the launch of the Climate Restoration Safety & Governance Board (CRSGB), which aims to ensure the transparency, accountability, and ethical integrity of climate restoration projects.
The Climate Restoration Villa at COP27 was more than just a venue; it was a catalyst for a new era in climate action. It challenged conventional narratives, fostered collaboration across disciplines, and reinforced the message that restoring our climate is not only possible but necessary.
