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Maintaining the Momentum

A call to action on climate change

September 22^nd, 2016

On September 19th, the founders of Pathway to Paris, again brought together a collection of notable activists, academics, musicians, politicians, and innovators to help raise consciousness around the urgency of climate action.

The concert, timed to coincide with both the start of NY Climate Week and the UN General Assembly, focused on maintaining momentum on the Paris Agreement and reminding world leaders and the public that only action, not words, will keep global temperatures in check.

The intention of Pathway to Paris is to raise awareness, build dialogue, highlight innovative solutions and champion the efforts of those who are working so tirelessly in the struggle for climate justice. …Pathway to Paris has been working in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and 350.org, both visionary and bold leaders, helping to build the global movement of climate justice. - Jesse Paris Smith.

Founders of Pathway to Paris, Jesse Paris Smith and Rebecca Foon.

Magdy Martínez-Solimán, UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Assistant Administrator.

H. E. Ms. Isabella Lövin, Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden reminding us - "It's not about aid, it's about justice".

Raising our Voices

Special guests included Ms. Isabella Lövin, Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden; Magdy Martínez-Solimán, UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Assistant Administrator; Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org; and others.
Over a dozen musicians performed at the concert, including Michael Stipe, Patrick Watson, David Johansen with Mercury Rev; Martha Wainwright; Xylouris White; Lucy Wainwright Roche and Suzzy Roche; Jesse Paris Smith and Rebecca Foon; Nicole Atkins; and others.

“Advocacy is a critical element in the fight against climate change and was, in fact, a key component that led to the adoption of the Paris Agreement,” noted Magdy Martínez-Solimán. “The concert was a strong reminder that climate change has not been forgotten. The Agreement is signed but the real work continues. Let’s hope we can help maintain momentum for many years to come.”

R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe reading Ralph Waldo Emerson, fondly recalling a 1972 ecology class, and advocating strong climate action.

Sustainable Development GOAL 13 - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Entry into Force

The concert also highlighted public support for a quick ratification of the Paris Agreement and the push for implementation and action.
At the UN Secretary-General’s high-level event on the Paris Agreement’s entry into force on 21 September, one of the two thresholds required to bring the Paris Agreement into force has now been reached. World leaders representing 60 parties, accounting for over 47.5% of global emissions, have now ratified the agreement. The Agreement will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions ratify.

The climate crisis calls for courage, compassion & community. It is about peace. It calls for local, national and global solidarity. It asks that we change our lives for the better of the planet and for the collective future of our humanity. Climate change will change everything. This crisis demands that we make peace and sustainability our guiding principles. - Rebecca Foon

Every country, every sector, everyone

The UN Chief said in his remarks following the high-level Paris Agreement signing event, “I salute your leadership and commitment to the Paris Agreement. I count on you to build on this strong global momentum in the coming weeks to further reduce the risks of dangerous climate change. Every country and every sector must play its part.”
Owing to the imperative for all of us to come together in the face of this challenge, and bring every country, every sector, every actor together, UNDP recognises the value of partnering with social movements, leveraging the power of collective action.

As Jesse Paris Smith noted, “Climate change is an issue that affects every person on earth, and music breaks down and redefines geographical borders. Music is a universal language and climate change is a global concern.”

"Paris was just the beginning. ...Momentum is on our side, but the clock is ticking. Back to work!" Founder of 350.org, Bill Mckibben.

Stephen Gold, UNDP's Global Team Leader for Climate Change.

The real work begins

With over $2.3 billion in climate change projects across 140 countries, UNDP is on the ground supporting countries’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. UNDP is supporting climate-resilient economic development and sustainable livelihoods by supporting efforts to expand the use of clean and renewable energy, avoid deforestation, and increase in investments in climate change adaptation for those countries already experiencing impacts.
As we collectively work towards the Paris Agreement entering into force by the end of 2016, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon notes:

This will be a major achievement for multilateralism. It will mark a new era of global cooperation in building a safer, more resilient and prosperous world. And it will catalyze action on many levels. It will help accelerate efforts to protect the poor and most vulnerable from increasing climate impacts. It will spur governments to fast-track implementation of their national climate plans. And it will send a strong signal to the private sector that the future belongs to those who invest in low-carbon development and the climate resilient economy.

For more information on climate action at UNDP, visit here. For more information on Pathway to Paris, visit here.

Footnotes

Text: Jesse Paris Smith, Rebecca Foon, Andrea Egan and Carl Mercer (UNDP) / Photos: Walter Velasquez, Lynn Goldsmith, Sherry Katopodes, Dylan Lowthian (UNDP)

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FootNotes

Text: Jesse Paris Smith, Rebecca Foon, Andrea Egan and Carl Mercer (UNDP) / Photos: Walter Velasquez, Lynn Goldsmith, Sherry Katopodes, Dylan Lowthian (UNDP)