Families and Climate Action: Focus on SDG 13

ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations HQ, Thursday, May 16, 2019

The United Nations celebrated International Day of Families with a focus on climate action. What a great way to enforce the commitment to saving the only planet we have and love, The Earth. By getting families involved in climate action, a green community is created which in turn fosters a green city, and hence a green country and planet. The phenomenon of ‘one empowered human being inspiring many,’ or ‘one act, not matter how small, has a ripple effect,’ was the basis of the discussion. An team of experienced personnel addressed the gathering and offered families many practices that can help the environment. For example,

• buy more local products
• use recyclable material – clean and properly dispose of them
• green their commute
• eat more meat-free foods
• drink from reusable bottles
• go paperless
• support forest restoration
• collect compost
• 5 minutes showers!!

Professor Matthew Kaplan shared that organizing ‘Family Nature Clubs’ will help to raise awareness, encourage research, support families taking action together, and act as stepping stones to climate awareness.

It was strongly emphasized that we ask ourselves ‘what can I do to make a difference?’ Remember, everything we do, has an impact: Act = Impact. Apathy needs to change into Action and a sustainable lifestyle is an utmost recommendation.

Some useful websites:

• Watch full event: http://bit.ly/2JWUXyP
• actnow.bot
• 2020 or bust – app

Panelists include:

• Moderator, Ben Freer, Assoc. Professor of Psychology and Director of the University Core program at Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Violaine Haeringer, Environmental Sustainability Manager at the Department of Management Strategy, Policy, and Compliance of the UN Secretariat, NY
• Matthew Kaplan, Professor of Intergenerational Programs & aging at Penn State University
• Steve Chiu, Main representative at the UN, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation.
• Tolu Olubunmi, Campaign Manager, UN ActNow Climate Change Campaign.
• Paola J. Cervantes Rodriguez, student of Marine Policy and Environmental Advocacy, New York Harbor School, NY.