Stand with us: join the #ClimateChain
2016-03-18
By Philippa Lysaght
New York/ HONG KONG, 18 March 2016 - On World Water Day, people around the world are creating a virtual #ClimateChain and uniting to take action on climate change and protect children and their futures. From the small island nation of Kiribati where rising sea levels threaten to wash away communities, to the dusty plains of the Pauk Township in northern Myanmar – children are standing with their arms outstretched in front of the places they want to protect, and linking up with others around the world. Just search the hashtag #ClimateChain on Instagram, the people will appear to be linked hand to hand across photos.
On the 22 April the chain will be represented when world leaders meet to sign the Paris Climate Agreement in New York– solidifying commitments made during COP21 last year.
UNICEF/BlitzNine year old Nay Hlaing stands with arms outspread in Myanmar, where UNICEF supports climate-resilient water supply systems.
- Go to a place outdoors you want to protect. What would you hate to lose to climate change? If you are posting on World Water Day, perhaps this place is a river, dry area or the ocean.
- Get someone to snap a photo of you with your arms outstretched in the #ClimateChain pose.
- Share your photo on Instagram and tell us about the space you are protecting and why you want to join the chain. Or you could use this caption: I stand in the @UNICEF #ClimateChain in support of children affected by climate change. Stand with me.
- Don’t forget to add hashtag #ClimateChain or your photo won’t appear on the global chain!
World Water Day is an important moment for climate change, as the effects of climate change are first felt through water: through droughts, floods and storms. These disasters can destroy water supplies, or leave them contaminated, putting the lives of millions of children at risk.
If we can improve equitable access to sustainable water sources, we can help mitigate the impact of climate related weather extremes on children, so that in times of crisis and times of stability, they have access to the clean water they need to survive and grow.
The worst impacts of climate change are not inevitable. World Water Day is an opportunity to demonstrate that change is possible, and to strengthen the demand for global action to create a more sustainable future and to give every child a fair chance. So join the #ClimateChain and speak out!