At the end of the first week of COP26 we have heard from politicians and world leaders pledging to reduce CO2 emissions and take immediate and direct action to save the planet. We have heard from global scientists and environmentalists predicting the downfall of humanity without drastic and urgent change and we have heard from global influencers imploring leaders that "time for words has now moved to the time for action". Urging them to act "for our children and our children's children," to take the long view and to "rise above the politics of the moment".
But the news headlines, governments lack of urgency and the sight of politicians arriving in their private jets to attend COP26, it can be easy to feel powerless. Every day we experience the effects of the climate crisis in our daily lives - more severe storms, raging wildfires, record-setting droughts and rising temperatures, all putting our planet and future food security in a precarious position.
But what gives us hope, is the passion and the will of ordinary people. Those who continue to fight for a healthier planet, who are committed to innovation to find sustainable solutions and new technologies and those who continue to push those in power to do the right thing before it’s too late.
Don’t ever underestimate the power or the impact of your own actions.
We all have a role to play, and we can all make a difference. If every day, we each took small actions to recycle, repurpose, reuse, and reduce waste, we can make the world cleaner and safer and collectively, together we can create a more sustainable and safe future.
What action will you take?