In climate circles, where folks regularly work, talk and take action on climate change, “one person can do so much” is becoming a mantra… and it’s something that all of us, outside those climate circles, need to clue into as well.
I talked about this road we’re on in this Green Divas myEARTH360 Report. Listen up, then read on for more about COP21 and upcoming global climate action events that you can participate in virtually or in real life…
What’s COP21?
From November 30th until December 11th, government representatives from more than 190 countries will come together in Paris to discuss a new global agreement on climate change. Dubbed COP21, or the 21st Conference of the Parties, the goal of this gathering will be to collectively and individually (by country) reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, and hopefully stave off the worst impacts of climate change.
Each country has developed it’s own Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, INDC (a very long winded way to say their own plan to cut greenhouse gases). Some countries have reached far on these, but too many have not. We know that we’re running out of time to curb emissions and that scientists are telling us the world is poised to pass through thresholds for which there will be no turning back.
We know the planet will be here, but there is broad consensus amongst scientists studying climate change that the existence of many of earth’s living creatures, we humans included, is at stake. It is that dire and that critical. But, even knowing this, politics get in the way and a clear commitment by our governmental leaders isn’t clearly going to happen.
That’s where we come in.
Yes, each of us can and must be part of the solution, and each of us can and will make a difference. At ClimateMama. we believe that “in our bones!” and it truly gives us climate hope. We see groups coming together that have never before worked together; climate justice, labour unions, The Green Tea Party, Black Lives Matter, faith and religious organizations of all stripes.
The people of the world really seem to be waking up, even if our elected officials aren’t. We need to remind them that if they hope to stay elected, that“we are watching” and that we want real action, not just more talk on climate change.
So, on this Road to Paris and COP21, here’s a partial list of the many events planned over the coming months.
A few of these very near and dear to us at ClimateMama. They are events we have helped plan or will play a direct part. We’ve also included events and actions by friends, colleagues and other notables; ones we can all support, get behind, and get involved with. Pick one, share one, and let us know what’s happening in your community so we can add it to the list.
August 31-September 3rd— President Obama visits Alaska and the Arctic circle to talk climate solutions.
“Without more aggressive action, we will condemn our children to a planet beyond their capacity to repair. ~ Obama, 9/1/15
September 2rd— Twitter chat, 2pm ET, Find us #CRinFlorida. Hosted by Climate Reality. Panelists: Climate Mama (@climatemama), Earth Guardians (@EarthGuardianz), Vanessa Hauc (@VanessaHauc), Sergio Carlo (@SergioCarlo) and Sam Champion (@SamChampion)
September 3rd — Green Gotham TV, interview with ClimateMama Gotham TV, Vimeo and Youtube
September 9th & 10th — Grandparents Climate Action Day, Washington DC
September 20th — “OFF the Rails, Rivers & Pipelines…ON with Renewable Energy” Teneck New Jersey
September 21st — Anniversary of New York City Peoples Climate March
September 21-25th — Moral Action on Climate , Washington DC, events all week long.
September 24th — Pope to address Joint Session of Congress, Rally on the Mall, Washington DC
September 25th — Pope to address United Nations and also travel through Central Park.
September 29th — Global Women’s Climate Justice Day of Action, hub event NYC, Women Speak, Climate Justice on the Road to Paris and Beyond
October 14th — National Day of Climate Action
October 15th — Forum 2015: Today’s Fossil Fuels and the Future of our Children’s Health, Stony Brook University, The Mothers Project, Center for Environmental Health
November 13-14th — Live Earth, The Road to Paris and 24 Hours of Reality, The World is Watching, from Paris and around the world..Online, Paris and around the world.
November 28-29th — the global days of action on the eve of the Paris Climate Talks Huge march in Paris on November 29th, with solidarity marches in other major cities around the world.
November 30-December 11th — COP21, Conference of the Parties
December 12 — Massive people mobilization in Paris
Remember our Mantra:
[bctt tweet=”Tell the truth, actions speak louder than words, and don’t be afraid. “]
We are all in this together and we can and will make difference.
Yours, Climate Mama 
Adapted from ClimateMama
Bonus:
Listen to this GD myEARTH360 episode featuring filmmaker Mark Terry, who is working on the Youth Climate Report film, which will be featured at COP21 to help ratify universal climate agreement:
Listen to the latest Green Divas Radio Show—and other green, healthy and free radio shows—daily on GDGDRadio.com (or get the GDGD Radio app)!
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