Press release | 15.11.2022
Climate Alliance presents children’s efforts to UN Climate Secretariat at COP27
Over 235,000 children collected more than three million “Green Footprints” in the name of climate action
Frankfurt am Main, 15 November 2022. Yesterday, Climate Alliance handed over the results of its Green Footprints campaign to Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, during the 27th Climate Summit in Sharm el Sheikh. Through handover ceremonies held annually at the UN Climate Change Conferences, the UNFCCC officially acknowledges the efforts of tens of thousands of children within the framework of the Climate Alliance campaign.
"Kids, you are our future. Keep doing what you're doing. Let your voices be heard. You are key stakeholders in this," commented Executive Secretary Stiell upon receiving the campaign results. "As adults and as policy makers, we have a responsibility to you to leave this planet in a better state than we found it and to provide you with the opportunities that you deserve, that we have had and that some of us have squandered. We have a responsibility to all of you."
With 236,281 children from eight European countries, more children and institu-tions participated in this year’s campaign than ever before. Children from Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Northern Macedonia and Sweden collected a total of 3,019,901 Green Footprints by choosing climate-friendly transport, using energy sustainably and eating local or organic foods.
"The feedback from participating institutions shows that children are very aware of the dangers posed by the climate crisis. They are distressed and also fright-ened, thus hoping that concrete changes will be made to avert these dangers – a call to global decision-makers to work together in overcoming the climate crisis and ensuring a secure future," emphasised Andreas Wolter, Climate Alliance President.
Climate Alliance's Green Footprints campaign has been inviting children from across Europe to act for the climate since 2002. Together, the children learn more about sustainable lifestyles and push for climate action with the footprints they collect.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Photos of the handover: Climate Alliance | UN Climate Change Secretariat
- Video Message from UNFCCC Executive Secretary Stiell
- Green Footprints campaign results 2022
- Green Footprints Report 2022
- Statements of participating children and teachers
- Campaign website
- Climate Alliance at COP27
- This press release as PDF
CONTACTS
Sarah Mekjian, Climate Alliance
Communications Director
+49 69 7171 39 -20
s.mekjian(at)climatealliance.org
Claudia Schury, Climate Alliance
Green Footprints Campaign Manager
T. +49 69 7171 39 -22
c.schury(at)klimabuendnis.org
THE GREEN FOOTPRINTS CAMPAIGN
Since 2002, Climate Alliance’s Green Footprints has been helping children across Europe learn about the influ-ences of their daily actions on the climate and encouraging them to become role models for both their parents and climate politicians. During at least a one week period, children in participating classes collect so-called ‘green footprints’ for every sustainable trip completed via public transport, bike or foot as well as for other environmen-tally-friendly habits such as sustainable nutrition. These footprints are presented to the participants and politi-cians at the UNFCCC’s annual Climate Conferences. zoom-kidsforclimate.eu
THE CLIMATE ALLIANCE
For over 30 years, Climate Alliance member municipalities have been acting in partnership with indigenous rainforest peoples for the benefit of the global climate. With nearly 2,000 members spread across more than 25 European countries, Climate Alliance is Europe's largest city network dedicated to comprehensive and equitable climate action. Each member city, town and district has committed itself to continually cut greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 95% reduction by 2050 (as compared to 1990 levels) in line with IPCC recommendations. Recognising the impact our lifestyles can have on the world's most vulnerable people and places, Climate Alliance pairs local action with global responsibility. climatealliance.org
