3 #EarthDay Takeaways from Together for Climate: Community Action Rally
By: Clarisse Joy “Clary” Mañabat of Plus Social Good and Conversations to the World
Together for Climate: Community Action Rally is a climate flagship event spearheaded by the United Nations Foundation, bringing together different climate leaders and activists from all around the world. The virtual event, which kicked off on April 19, introduced the #SayItWithScience program, and provided a platform for participants to discuss climate-based and youth-led solutions, engage in dialogue with high-level UN officials,, and connect with other youth and climate leaders around advocacy.
As one of the impact presenters and participants, I could really feel the energy and the passion of each participant inside the Zoom room. Although we were physically apart, I was refreshed to see my fellow climate advocates on-screen and gained a lot of insights during the event. Here are my top 3 takeaways:
- The climate crisis has the same disruptive power as the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’re already experiencing a changing climate and its disruptive effects, including Amazon rainforest fires, Australia fires, California wildfires, and more. These past events will continue to affect our future. They’ve disrupted (and will continue to disrupt) our work, studies, and as a result, we’ve lost many species and lives. COVID-19 has shown us what living with fear of getting infected and with face masks looks like. Now, imagine the same with the climate crisis. Do we really want to live with rising sea levels, intense storms and heat waves, severe flooding, and a scarce supply of water?
There’s no tomorrow with this crisis. We either do it now or we lose one more day to save the future. Leading a normal life means having clean air, safe drinking water, pleasant weather, and a future to look forward to.
2. No ambition without action on the Paris Agreement
Selwin Hart, the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action, emphasized the importance of the Paris Agreement. He gave solutions for how we can hit our 1.5 degrees celsius target, such as cutting carbon emissions, phasing out of coal, and investing in sustainable technology and solutions.
Big countries committed to this agreement and announced their ambitious goals. However, ambitious goals will remain goals if we don’t implement them. Aside from recommendations, countries must have a concrete and actionable plan to reach their goals. This requires funding, decision-making, people and planet commitment, collaboration, and implementation.
3. Youth are driving the force, and you need to listen to us!
During the event, 6 impact presenters from UNF’s networks were invited to share their take on climate. I presented on how to build and engage an inclusive community that protects and cares for the planet. The approach that I shared was based on my experience in building and managing a community of persons with disabilities and youth. You can catch the full session here..
Youth are on the frontlines of the global climate movement. We are energetic and passionate about lowering the temperature of our planet, and making it a better place for future generations.
It is important to include youth in the decision-making process and implementation, and not just for photo opportunities.
