The Elders, Climate Crisis and the Long Walk to Freedom
I think many feel to act now as it is urgent. We have to work together for a future that benefits everyone. We have to learn how to live on this planet (not go off and colonise other planets) but face the problems we have collectively created and CHANGE what doesn’t work. My message to those who are ‘business as usual’ with their own agenda’s it is time to rethink who you are and what you believe in. What you do adds to our problems you are not serving humanity when money is your god. It is time to reflect deeply on your part and consider how you can pay your own reparations to turn this sinking ship around. I send that thought directly to your heart with great love in my heart for you and your children and their children etc. We must transform conservatism (traditions) into conservation (sustainability) and rather than simple solutions of ‘get a job’ this must be transformed into ‘get a life purpose’ on purpose that inspires a renewable future. This is moving beyond self interest to shared interest. This, when in balance (homeostasis), will directly impact the planet.
Here is an important message from The Elders.
Dear Friends,
Our world faces a complex and sometimes bewildering array of interconnected political and social challenges. The activities of The Elders over the past month gives a brief snapshot: we have engaged on health reform in India, climate change in California, and conflicts, human rights protection and global governance at the UN General Assembly in New York.
We also still keenly feel the loss of our late Chair, Kofi Annan, whose remarkable life was honoured with a state funeral in Ghana, and memorial events at the UN in New York and Geneva where several Elders attended. In all our activities in September, and in all we will undertake in the coming months, Kofi remains a constant source of inspiration as we work to support peace, justice and human rights.
Kofi called climate change “the great existential threat of our time”, and the new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released today shows starkly how much more we all need to do to reach the target of keeping global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees.
I have recently returned from California, a part of the world already feeling the impact of climate change, most recently demonstrated in their most destructive and expensive wildfire season on record.
The Elders react to IPCC report
The Elders demand urgent action to meet 1.5 degrees target and avert climate disaster
 Ban Ki-moon: UN report exposes how badly wrong leaders like Trump have got climate change |
 Climate Change: Five reasons why it is the greatest existential threat of our time |
Recent highlights
 Ban Ki-moon: The refugee crisis is a test of our collective conscience Read our new report on why India urgently needs Universal Health Coverage |
 Mary Robinson: Stand in solidarity for justice and climate action Guest blog: Myths and fantasies about Palestinian refugees and the UN |
On 24 September, at the high level Nelson Mandela Peace Summit in New York, Graça Machel addressed world leaders and presented a publication of 100 Ideas for a Freer, Fairer World grounded in the work of 100 Sparks of Hope brought together by the #WalkTogether campaign.
Join the #WalkTogether movement online and share a Spark of Hope that inspires you!
 Discover how Afrika Youth Movement are uniting young people for social justice |
 Find out why Camfed believe improving girls’ education is key to unlocking their potential |
