Updates
Canadian Hydrologist James Bruce said back in 2016, “if climate change is a shark, then water is it’s teeth”.
Over the last decade, billions of people around the world have felt that shark bite. Storms, extreme weather events, flooding, drought. Water has been at the forefront of the climate crisis and one of the clearest indicators that our earth is changing Fast.
It’s easy to read stories in the media about climate change and drought and feel numb. Most of them are about people we don’t know, and places we haven’t been. And in our busy lives, if we don’t feel like they affect us personally, these stories are easy to dismiss. After all, even if we do want to help, what can we do other than give donations to support the incredible work civil society is doing to help those impacted.
The reality is that the stories we read aren’t just numbers on a page, or stories in the news. They are real people in real places suffering the consequence of our rapidly changing climate.
They are on the frontlines of this crisis, and they deserve more.
Remember the thousands of people in Germany who have lost their homes and towns due to flooding. The communities in the Atacama in Chile, lying under the remnants of tailing dams which broke following extreme weather events and buried thousands of people. The cotton and rice growers in Uzbekistan who have watched while over 30 years one of the biggest inland oceans in the world and their source of water, literally dried up before their eyes. The next generation of farmers in South Africa, India and Australia inheriting farms that are so parched, grass grows in the bottom of what were once extensive reservoirs of water.
This isn’t about advocating that we all adopt some type of altruistic behaviour where we do things just for the good of others (as great as that would be!).
Our global supply chains mean our planet is more connected than it’s ever been. The communities buried under the byproducts of the tailings dam were miners extracting the minerals you need for your phones. The farmers on the shores of the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan, and in South Africa, India and Australia grow the food and textiles you need to eat and wear. And many of the people in Germany work in the factories and research centres needed to produce many of the products sitting on your shelves.
Globalisation of consumption means that the problems we see on the other side of the world, don’t only affect people and communities there, they affect us and our way of life. And that means that they’re not someone else’s problems to solve, they’re ours too. Which is actually good, because it means we can do something about it. Every single one of us.
Back in 2018 I set out to run 100 marathons in 100 days in 20 different places around the world. I wanted to go to the frontlines of the water crisis, to meet the people suffering from it, and those working to solve it. More importantly, I wanted to share their stories, and to show the world what it truly meant to be 100% committed to solving these problems.
The stories we found, and the people we met along our journey were incredible - the women and girls spending hours each day going to fetch water, the kids skipping school to wait for water to be delivered in towns that had run dry, the bedouin who told me “the next world war will not be fought over terrorism or oil, but over water”.
All of these and dozens and dozens more - the tip of the iceberg of communities feeling the water consequences of climate change. Not 30 years from now, but right now.
Its hard to find words to describe how I felt when i saw the true damage We've done to our planet and its people. Shocked. Horrified. Gut Wrenchingly sad. But also frustrated, angry and yes - disappointed. Disappointed that We've become so blind to the impact of our patterns of behaviour. Angry that so many decision makers sitting in boardrooms far away ignore the impact their operations are having not only on the environment but on the communities and the people involved in it. And frustrated at our apparent unwillingness to take simple actions to solve such an obvious and catastrophic problem.
But in Cape Town on day 63 of 100, something very special happened that showed me the power of hope. The power of our global community to step up into the leadership and action vacuum, and to say that when it comes to water, enough is enough.
Over the last few days (weeks if I’m honest with myself), I’d been aware that my body was breaking down. I’d gone from running to walking and walking to hobbling. And on day 63 when I could no longer walk unassisted across a room, our fabulous team staged an intervention and took me to hospital.
It turns out that I’d broken my leg - a massive stress fracture in one of the principle weight bearing bones in my leg. There were tears (lots of mine) and for all of us we felt the heaviness of immense disappointment as we faced the end of the road.
But sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.
On the afternoon of day 63, my team went out and ran my miles for me.
And on day 64, they were joined by the people of Cape Town.
Every day from then on, more and more people around the world, stepped up to run and walk for water. Thousands and thousands of people across what are now over 153 countries around the world. Ordinary, everyday people sharing stories, encouraging others, developing and building a global water movement. A community that is bigger than any one of us and far greater than the 100 marathons we set out to achieve.
Together we are citizens, voters, shareholders. We are consumers, farmers, students and leaders. We are from all places and all parts of life. And we are joined by the thing that connects us all.
Water.
Because we know that whilst water is everything, we treat it as if it’s nothing. And we want that to change. Not for any one of us, but for all of us.
Since I broke my leg I’ve healed. Not just physically, but emotionally too. I’ve hardened in my resolve and in my determination to solve this crisis. I’ve been buoyed by the incredible stories and inspiration of this community. And I’m now powered by the hope I have for a better world for the next generation. Not because of the statements by politicians and heads of state. But by the energy and commitment I’ve witnessed by people like us. Ordinary people, willing to step up and make a difference. People, determined to use their collective power to put water onto the agenda and to push for action by companies, investors, governments.
And honestly - it’s working. We have the attention of CEO’s, and policy makers, and our momentum is building. Rapidly. Our goal? By 2023 to get enough commitments from these leaders to close the gap on SDG6 between where we need to be and where we are today.
It’s a huge, world changing ask. But with the passion, grit and determination of this incredible community, together we can do this. Small steps, big impact.
Individually we can make a difference, but together we can change the world.
Partnering up with The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was an easy decision for the ChangeMakers campaign.Both organizations believe in ‘environmentally sound and sustainable development’ at a global level.Furthermore, the very structure of the EBRD, which is owned by 69 countries as well as the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), represents the ChangeMakers belief that large-scale and meaningful change happens when communities and individuals work together to empower climate action from the ground up all the way to the institutional level, holding world leaders accountable.
The EBRD, established in 1991, has invested more than €149 billion in over 6,000 projects aimed at making economies inclusive, well-governed, green, resilient and integrated through climate finance. Just as ChangeMakers is investing in individuals who show a deep commitment to climate action with the hope of inspiring continued climate activism; the ERBD is investing in developing countries hoping to be a strong and reliable partner that provides high-level policy reform for accelerated and continued efforts for clean transitions.
The ChangeMakers campaign celebrates its partnership with the EBRD, and looks forward to following the Bank’s new ‘Green Economy Transition’ approach that prioritizes climate finance as well as its commitment to ensuring that, by 2025, the majority of its business volume is green. Together we can act for climate, every day.
The Glasgow City Council works directly with Glaswegians, supporting their diverse green activities including female and youth empowerment, local nature reserve management, and sustainable fashion. It is also responsible for city-wide projects including a low emission zone to improve air quality, a city food plan for a more sustainable and just food system, and a climate change adaptation plan for the city-region. ChangeMakers knows that climate actions have the most potential when individuals and communities come together for a coordinated and united effort. The Glasgow City Council has repeatedly shown its commitment to listening and pursuing the climate action goals of its residents and ensuring a just transition for the entire community as it works towards a net-zero economy.
ChangeMakers looks forward to seeing how the hard work and commitment shown by the Glasgow City Council continues to promote climate action within the city and inspire large-scale change.
ChangeMakers believes that climate activism is possible at any age, and when individuals start early their actions and commitment only grow stronger over time. Basu embodies this definition. At the age of 12, in 2013, she was elected for a 2-year term as UNEP’s (United Nations Environment Program) Global Coordinator for Children & Youth. And now at 21-years, Basu is the Founder-President of Green Hope Foundation and a youth leader focused on empowering young people, women, and vulnerable communities through climate action and sustainable development.
ChangeMakers knows that change starts with small actions that have the potential to build up and enact large-scale transformation. Kehkashan’s work mirrors this belief. Her foundation works to amplify the voices of young activists through ground-level action campaigns that target accelerated, sustainable development. She is also focused on combining her grassroots action with high-level policy advocacy that targets a myriad of issues like climate justice, biodiversity conservation, and clean energy through her work with the UN and other global climate organizations.
Join us as we celebrate Kehkashan’s work and dedication to climate action. We can’t wait to see what she does next!
The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) ChangeMakers initiative celebrates the partnership with the African Development Bank Group (AFDB) during Africa Climate Week 2021. ChangeMaker partners are organizations who actively work in the field of climate action and can showcase how their work is pushing for change at the policy and operational level. International, public, not-for-profit and non-government organizations are all welcome to join the campaign.
“The AFDB has a long history of supporting sustainable, economic development. They believe in building resilience to the impacts of climate change, managing their natural resources responsibly, and promoting sustainable infrastructures. Because they are an established multi-lateral development bank, they truly have the leverage and power to mobilize climate action change on an institutional level. ChangeMakers is delighted to partner with such an experienced organization that shares our goals.” says CIF CEO, Mafalda Duarte.
The ChangeMakers campaign hopes to expand its platform and inspire large-scale and institutional changes through partnerships that span from individuals, universities and cities all the way to United Nations agencies and multi-lateral development banks. The goal is to continue pushing, at all levels, for climate action and to hold global leaders accountable.
Kevin Kanina Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate & Green Growth at the African Development Bank Group (AFDB) and a ChangeMakers partner says, “Despite being a minor (3%) greenhouse gas emitter, Africa bears the brunt of climate change impact. This is why, together with the Global Centre on Adaptation, the African Development Bank has recently committed to mobilizing $25 billion by 2025 to strengthen Africa’s adaptive capacity and resilience, through the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program. The Bank strongly endorses the ChangeMakers campaign, as every progressive voice or deed in support of climate change adaptation and mitigation counts!”
The ChangeMakers Initiative officially launched on September 16, and will continue to showcase global ChangeMakers and partners leading up to and beyond COP26.
ChangeMakers Campaign is delighted to welcome Connect4Climate (C4C) as a new official partner of the ChangeMakers initiative. With over 500 partners around the world, C4C promotes and advances climate action through advocacy and creative communications, embracing the ChangeMakers belief that change happens everywhere and through every kind of action.
One of the ChangeMakers goals is that individual climate action inspires bigger transformation on a regional, international and even global level. C4C’s central objectives focus on raising awareness about climate change and its impact at various levels, promoting climate action commitment among the public, private sector, and policy-makers, and building coalitions with policymakers, the private sector, and grassroots organizations for further advocacy efforts.
ChangeMakers is proud to recognize climate action activists of all ages. It’s important to recognize and empower the transformational potential of young participants. As part of C4C’s commitment to inspiring a global climate movement, the organization believes in amplifying the voices of younger generations; whose innovation, entrepreneurialism and passion are at the forefront of successful climate action activism.
Mirroring the ChangeMakers ethos, C4C’s climate action advocacy exists on all levels with the help of all kinds of people around the world. ChangeMakers looks forward to supporting our partner, and acting for climate, every day!
The Municipality of Milan was one of the early partner organizations to participate in the ChangeMakers campaign an initiative by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF).
Starting on August 9, 2021, Milan ran a 2-week communications campaign that featured agents of change throughout the city. Milanese and non-Milanese ChangeMakers who, day after day, act for climate change. Faces of Milan’s ChangeMakers were broadcast to more than a million residents on over 500 digital screens positioned in multiple corners of the city. The campaign also reached millions worldwide through its website and social media channels. These empowering images celebrated the people of Milan and sent out a positive and inclusive message about climate action and the environment.
On September 30, 2021 ChangeMakers will be part of the concert that closes out the Youth Summit. Approximately 400 young people aged between 18 and 29 from the 197 member-countries of the UNFCCC will meet in Milan from 28 – 30 September 2021. ChangeMakers recognizes that the innovative passion and global influence of today’s youth are necessary to change the world’s perspective and actions on the climate crisis.
From September 30 – October 2, 2021 Pre-COP will be held in Milan as the final official ministerial meeting ahead of COP26. The Conference offers a smaller group of countries, who play a key role in climate action and/or in the transition to sustainable development, an opportunity to informally discuss and exchange views on the upcoming negotiations.
Next stop, Glasgow.
A new global ChangeMakers initiative showcases the everyday citizens dedicated to Climate Action. The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) has officially launched a digital ChangeMakers initiative aimed at recognizing and promoting the diverse climate actions of people living all around the world with the hope of inspiring others to take action against climate change.
Faces of Milan’s climate action ChangeMakers were broadcasted to over a million residents through street screens and banners, as well as to many millions worldwide through its website and social media channels during August. This is because Milan is one of the first major cities to partner with the Climate Investment Funds on a brand-new campaign to bring the championing of climate action out of the negotiating halls and into the hands of everyday people, all over the world: Acting for climate, every day.
Milan’s actions could not come at a better time. This week saw the publication of the latest findings from the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It is now unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, land and oceans and a 1.5oC warmer world is now expected across all IPCC scenarios by 2040. Only in the most ambitious climate action scenario will we be able to bring the climate back to 1.4 degrees by 2100. As this news sears its way into the consciousness of the worlds’ citizens, it is clear that climate actions – taken by every single one of us – have never been more important.
With the last official ministerial meeting for COP26, Pre-COP, taking place in Milan between the 30th September and the 2nd October, all eyes are on the path from Milan to Glasgow to ensure that COP26 goes down in history as the step-changing climate negotiation summit the world needs. The Climate Investment Funds’ ChangeMakers campaign is designed to celebrate the great diversity of climate action being delivered across the world, already, and encourage and stimulate others to get involved. The campaign aims to send a clear message to leaders around the world – that the citizens they represent, many of whom are already living through the impacts of climate change, care enough to step up and play role.
This latest move from Milan follows hot on the heels of the Piano Aria Climate (Air Climate Plan) which placed Milan as a frontrunner in concrete climate action earlier in the year. The plan details 49 concrete action plans in order to reach net zero by 2050 – the first of its kind for any major Italian city. To deliver on this difficult transformation requires hard work and dedication from residents, employees and business leaders from all over the city. This next two weeks will see just a small selection of these everyday changemakers up on the big screens, to celebrate the great work they do.
All around the city, pride of place among some of Milan’s most famous monuments, faces of every day ChangeMakers like Jannett, a Chilean businesswoman, whose names are up in lights for residents and visitors to see.
Elsewhere, along major commuting routes, train stations and residential areas, we see Donald, the recycled waste collector and Maya, committing to cycle to school to do her bit. Empowering images like these are celebrating the people of Milan and inspiring anyone – no matter who they are – to step up and be proud of the climate action they make.
To take a personal action or to become the next city or region to step up and showcase their ChangeMakers, find out more here.