Our world has gone through many transformations, crises and evolutions throughout its history. However, the biggest threat it has faced in the last century is human-induced climate change. Over the years, excessive consumption of fossil fuels, deforestation and industrialization have disrupted the climate balance of our planet. These changes were not limited to melting glaciers or rising sea levels; They directly affect natural habitats, ecosystems and the lives of billions of people.
This is where 25 September Global Climate Action Day comes into play. Since 2005, activists, governments and non-governmental organizations worldwide have come together on this special day to draw attention to the global climate crisis. This movement encourages world leaders, national and local governments, businesses and individuals to take steps for a more sustainable and livable world.
In this article, we will take a journey into the origins, history and current importance of Global Climate Action Day. On this journey, we will explore more closely why global climate action is so critical and what roles we can all play in this fight.
Origins of Global Climate Action Day
The problem of global climate change began to attract increasing attention around the world towards the end of the 20th century. As a result of years of research, scientists have revealed that human-induced activities, especially the use of fossil fuels, cause global temperature increases. These facts pushed the international community to come together and take concrete steps on this issue. Global Day of Climate Action, one of these steps, was born in this context.
What Happened in 2005?
Activation of the Kyoto Protocol and First Global Action
2005 is a turning point for climate action. This year began with the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. This international agreement determined member countries' commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With Russia's ratification of the agreement, the protocol came into force. This historic moment coincided with the First Meeting of Parties to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) around the world. The first Global Day of Climate Action was held in conjunction with this historical event on December 3, 2005, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Global Action in 2007 - "Kyoto Now!"
In 2007, the wind of global action grew even greater. This year's action is the "Kyoto Now!" slogan, which coincided with the 13th Conference of the Parties (COP 13) of the UNFCCC. This conference took place in Bali, Indonesia, from December 3 to 14, 2007. Many groups and coalitions around the world participated in public demonstrations in support of this initiative.
Performances in 84 Countries Simultaneously
In 2007, 50 more countries participated compared to the first year, and simultaneous demonstrations and marches were held in a total of 84 countries. Multiple demonstrations were planned in countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, England and the USA, which are among the developed G8 countries. There have been 36 different demonstrations in Canada alone.
Celebratory Events Around the World, From Athens to Toronto
A Saturday performance in Athens took place with music, acrobats and pole-walking demonstrations. In this event, in which 102 organizations participated, traffic was stopped around Syntagma Square. In Taiwan, approximately 1,500 people marched through the streets with "No to Carbon Dioxide" banners and banners. In Toronto, traffic on a main street was blocked and 2,000-3,000 people marched.
Highlight Protests from Berlin to London
In Berlin, German ice sculptor Christian Funk made a polar bear sculpture from 15 tons of ice. In London, more than 10,000 supporters marched in rainy weather with banners protesting the expansion of the planned third runway at Heathrow Airport.
Global Goals Week ve SDG’ler
Focusing on many problems in the world, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a road map for countries and communities to act together and achieve solutions. Global Goals Week is organized every year in September to draw attention to these goals and to ensure that progress is monitored. This week particularly highlights the accessibility, awareness and accountability dimensions of the SDGs.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, consist of 17 global goals planned to be achieved by 2030. These goals address broad issues such as ending poverty, reducing inequality, tackling climate change and building just, inclusive and resilient societies for a sustainable world. Here are some of the Sustainable Development Goals!
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 13 aims to combat climate change and reduce the effects of this change. Global warming is a complex problem that includes rising sea levels, extreme weather events and the degradation of ecosystems. This goal encourages all countries to strengthen their national policies, strategies and plans in this fight.
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Access to clean water is a fundamental right for all people. However, today millions of people do not have access to safe drinking water or basic sanitation services. Goal 6 aims to ensure that all people have access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. This is critical not only for health and well-being but also for sustainability, quality of life and economic development.
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Energy is an indispensable element for the functioning of modern society. However, energy production and consumption is a process that has environmental impacts and social costs. Goal 7 aims to promote access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. This should be achieved by promoting renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency and expanding access to energy.
Today and Tomorrow of Global Action
Climate change threatens our planet's ecosystems and human societies at an increasing rate. While the global actions taken in the past show a high level of global awareness of this issue, they also provide a basis for determining the steps that need to be taken in the future.
What We've Learned So Far
Various Global Climate Action Day events over the years demonstrate how strong global awareness and commitment to climate change is. Millions of people around the world, from Berlin to Toronto, from Athens to Bangkok, took to the streets and made their voices heard. These events show that people take the climate crisis seriously and are ready to take action. But at the same time, it helps us understand how critical it is to take concrete steps beyond just raising awareness.
The Role of the Future in Combating Climate Change
In the future, science and technology will play an increasingly important role in combating climate change. Strategies such as expanding renewable energy sources, developing technologies to reduce carbon emissions, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices will help mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. However, in addition to these technological advances, policymakers, businesses and individuals also need to take an active role in combating climate change.
The Importance of Global Climate Action Day and Its Place in the Future
Global Climate Action Day is an opportunity for communities around the world to come together and raise awareness about climate change. This day is an opportunity to evaluate the distance travelled so far and plan the steps to be taken in the future. In the future, it is believed that such global actions have the potential to not only raise awareness but also stimulate concrete changes. It is thought that especially young generations taking a more active role in this movement will be of critical importance on the path to a sustainable future.
Conclusion
The climate crisis is making itself felt more and more each day as one of the biggest threats our world faces. Global Climate Action Day provides a platform for millions of people who are aware of this threat to unite their voices and call for change.
The Impact of Global Day of Climate Action on Our World
The annual Global Climate Action Day is an opportunity to show people's commitment and the seriousness of this crisis is. These events have the potential to create change globally, as well as helping individuals, communities and countries become more climate-conscious.
What Can We Do As Individuals, Companies, Communities and Countries?
As individuals, we can contribute to the climate crisis by reviewing our daily habits and taking simple steps such as saving energy, supporting renewable energy sources and choosing sustainable products.
Companies can play an important role by adopting sustainability practices, reducing their carbon footprint and investing in green technologies.
Communities and countries can take an active role in fighting the climate crisis by supporting green energy projects and organizing education programs on sustainability.
Carbon Gate's Role in Companies' Fight against the Climate Crisis
Companies have an important role in combating the climate crisis. Carbon Gate provides support to companies in reducing their carbon footprint by guiding them on their sustainability journey. Among the sector-specific end-to-end services offered by Carbon Gate; are carbon footprint calculation and sustainability reporting. These services can help companies not only fulfil their environmental responsibilities but also contribute to their commercial success.
Let's contact us now and discover how your company can step into a sustainable future with Carbon Gate.
