This week leaders from government, NGOs, corporations, activist groups, and others will travel to Glasgow for COP26. This UN Climate Conference is convening ostensibly to “accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.” What the reality of the next two weeks will be remains a question.
We know there will be dire warnings about what will happen if the world does not act now. We agree with that. However, we also know that individuals can have an incredible impact. Just look at what Enrique Peñalosa did in the growing city of Bogata, Colombia to make new neighborhoods greener and more livable by building bikeways, libraries, and greenways.
Fernando Bianchi and Valerie Bate remind us that cattle play a useful role but that we need to use regenerative farming methods if we want them to be part of our future ecosystem. Regenerative cattle farming could be the wave of the future.
While they came to their work in different ways and for different reasons, Ellen MacArthur and Elin Haf Davies are making great strides in protecting our vulnerable oceans. Working with policymakers, academics, business, and education to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, MacArthur is using her foundation to drive the changes we need. Haf Davies focuses her efforts on industrial and chemical pollution.
Who will stand out for their innovative work over the coming weeks? Join us on social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter) to find new and important voices speaking out for a cleaner environment and to stem the advance of climate change. We look forward to hearing from you there.
The UN Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY) takes place right before COP. Now in its 16th year, it has become the largest and longest-running youth event, bringing together thousands of young changemakers from more than 140 countries.
This year they are holding a Green Jobs Fair – click here to find out more.