Last week on the blog, we talked about climate change and the importance of going beyond carbon neutrality. We also mentioned COP 26 and its significance. If you haven't done so already, we recommend checking out "Let's Create a Net-Zero Future" to better understand some concepts discussed here today. 

As mentioned before, last week, nations from all over the world got together at Glasgow Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 26) to discuss immediate and future action for climate change. It is now vital for the planet's health that we unite, plan and execute strategies to prevent the world from overheating, polluting and deteriorating further. 

However, have you ever tried planning and organizing schoolwork or a project with friends? Action is easier planned than executed. Now imagine when the risks and stakes are high, and the future of the planet is in your hands. Leaders from across the world have to engage and lengthy negotiations and plan strategies, always taking into account: the environment, the economy, the citizens' rights, and other countries. 

But COP 26 has seen some remarkable progress. Check it out. 

COP Highlights: 

• Nigeria pledged to reach net-zero by 2060.  
• India committed to achieving net-zero by 2070.
• The Global Methane Pledge was launched, with over 70 countries pledging to collectively lower methane emissions by 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels.
• Norway announced it would double its climate finance commitment to 1.6 billion USD by 2026, while Denmark pledged 1 billion USD by 2023 and Japan promised 10 billion USD in the next five years. 
• The Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use was born. Bringing together 110 countries from around the world to end deforestation by 2030. 
• The Breakthrough Agenda was announced to accelerate the development and deployment of clean technologies and sustainable solutions by 2030.
• France, Germany, the UK, the US and the EU launched the International Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa to support South Africa's decarbonizing of its economy.
   

You Too Can Help Fight Climate Change

You too can help. With simple small changes, you can help fight climate change. No step is too little or too small when it comes to helping our planet. First, however, we have gathered a few ideas to inspire you: 

Have your say! Youth for climate action! UNICEF has created Voices of Youth, a dedicated platform for young advocates to talk and share issues that matter to you. 

• Say no thanks to single-use plastic. Plastic is one of the biggest contaminants in the world, and according to a study, by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the world's oceans. Bring your own water bottle everywhere you go; try to consume fewer drinks in plastic bottle containers, bring your own utensils and say no to plastic lids and straws. 
• Opt for walking or biking when travelling short distances instead of riding fueled vehicles. Talk with your family about EV and hybrid cars and discuss the possibility of having one in the future. 
• Use, reuse, recycle. Make sure you segregate the garbage at home and rinse everything you intend to send to recycling. Unclean plastics and cardboard cannot be recycled. Also, if you can't recycle something, consider giving it another 'life', for example, old tees and be used for car cleaning. 
• Plant a tree in your school or local community. Some areas have tree planting and go-green activities for the whole family. Ask your parents to have a look and see if you can all get involved, or plant a tree at home, or give a tree to your family and friends this Christmas. 
• Go litter picking. Many state and national parks need volunteers to litter pick and keep the parks clean. Find ways to get involved and help keep parks clean. Alternatively, always look around and be prepared to pick misplaced garbage even when it doesn't belong to you. 
• Research and educate. The best thing you can do is spread the word and educate others around you about the importance of climate change. You can also align your eco-warrior drive with your future, research careers with a green goal in mind and discover how you can help as you become an adult. 
• Ask your parents about renewable energy. Is it available where you live? 

Remember, every little action today can have a significant impact tomorrow. So, to reverse climate change, we all need to work together.