Act Now: Speak Up

Climate action is a task for all of us. And it concerns all of us. No one can do it all alone – but we can do it together. That is why we must speak up to get more people to act and push for corporate and political action in line with the Paris Agreement. Speaking up is one way to multiply your impact and create change on a much bigger scale. Appeal to leaders. Encourage businesses to race for zero. Get family, friends and colleagues on board. Let your voice be heard in the public debate.

Join the ActNow campaign and speak up for climate action! To contribute to the global count of individual actions, download the mobile app and log the “Speak Up” action each time you use your voice to drive bigger change.

Here are a few ways you can speak up and make a difference:

Actions:

In politics

• Use your voice, use your vote to push for credible climate action.

  Parliamentary democracy is a system to solve collective challenges that no one can solve alone. Political action on climate is central to reach Paris Agreement goals. You have a choice in how to use your voice and your vote.

  “… vote for the leaders who will do the right thing by the planet, and so by us.” – UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen

• Encourage your government to join the net-zero coalition and get in line with the Paris Agreement.

  Write government representatives a letter, set up a meeting, arrange a political debate or join a political party to make your voice heard. Most politicians want to hear what is on their voters’ minds.

• Ask your city officials to set net-zero targets and join the Race to Zero or C40.

  Cities are increasingly coming to the front of climate action. Many can do a lot to reduce local emissions. It may also be easier to make an impact in your city than it is in national elections. Push for climate action where you live!

In your personal life

• Ask your workplace to establish net-zero targets and participate in the Race to Zero

  As an employee you know your organization. Ask your leaders to join the Race to Zero and align with the Paris Agreement. Let them know the benefits of doing it and where to find support.

• Get your school on board the Race to Zero

  Students have pushed schools and universities towards net zero all over the world. You can do that too – collectively or alone. Ask them to pay attention to the science and take appropriate action.

• Help your faith group protect our planet

  Many people organize according to their faith. And faith groups have been increasingly vocal in their support for climate action. Some are even reducing their own emissions. By joining these efforts, you can combine faith and climate action to make a difference.

• Keep your music sustainable

  Whether you are a fan, an artist, a venue, a festival or a studio, you can make changes that reduce your own greenhouse gas emissions. And you can encourage your favorite artists, venues, festivals or studios to reduce theirs.

• Make your money work for a more sustainable future

  Where you put your money, whether a large or small amount, can make a difference. Move your money to a bank committed to sustainable operations, tell your bank to align with the Paris Agreement and/or ask them for climate-positive investment options.

In public debate

• Talk to your friends, family, neighbours and wider network

  Sharing your thoughts and talking together about climate gives hope and builds mutual motivation. Acting together involves an ever-expanding circle of people. Together you might find solutions to take collectively.

• Participate in public debate

  Pushing for climate action puts the issue at the centre of public debate, including on social media. Many people still do not relate to climate change. That needs to shift. By writing articles for the newspaper or posting on social media you help get the word across.

• Join a local organization in support of climate action or create your own

  It can be hard to fight for climate alone. But there are many organizations you can join to keep motivated and increase the impact you have. Do a quick web search to see who is working on climate action near you.

• Call on corporate leaders to reduce emissions

  Many corporations can do more to reduce their emissions and curb climate change in line with the Paris Agreement. Urge them to do so – and listen to what they already do. You can meet with business leaders, write them an email or urge them to act in an open letter to the editor or on social media.

Further Resources

• UN Act Now website
• UNEP Climate Action Note – Data you need to know
• Six Sector Solution to Climate Change
• See UNEP work with schools & universities
• See UNEP work with cities