S10 Ep6: 6: Conduit Conversations at COP26: Michael Sheldrick and Alice Aedy
Dec 8, 2021
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Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder of Global Citizen, and Alice Aedy, a climate justice advocate, dive into transformative activism at COP26. They discuss the urgency of creating impactful campaigns and building platforms that bypass traditional media. The conversation highlights the disparities faced by developing countries in climate financing and the necessity for a 'just transition.' Sheldrick and Aedy also explore the complexities of climate migration, emphasizing storytelling's power in mobilizing collective action against climate injustice.
Michael Sheldrick emphasizes the role of grassroots movements and innovative platforms in addressing systemic climate issues and engaging citizens effectively.
The podcast highlights the urgent need for developed countries to fulfill their climate financing commitments to support vulnerable developing nations facing severe climate impacts.
Deep dives
Empowering Citizens Through Action
Global Citizen operates on the principle that citizens can instigate change by utilizing popular culture to address pressing global issues, such as climate change and poverty. The organization emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements, suggesting that systemic failures often stem from ineffective governance and corporate behavior. One example shared is how Global Citizen empowers individuals to take direct action, whether through engaging with corporate leaders or lobbying politicians to adopt proactive climate policies. This approach reflects a belief that collective effort can significantly influence decision-making at higher levels.
The Challenge of Climate Change Awareness
Despite the urgency of climate change discussions, a significant portion of the global population remains disengaged, with only 12% of Americans actively discussing the issue at any given time. This disconnection is partly due to overwhelming feelings of powerlessness regarding systemic issues, leading to apathy among individuals. The podcast highlights the necessity for advocates to create their own platforms and narratives to elevate public discourse and foster greater awareness and action. By mobilizing people and using innovative communication strategies, advocates aim to shift the conversation around climate change from despair to empowerment.
Learning from Past Campaigns
Global Citizen's successful campaigns, such as the end of polio initiative, demonstrate the power of organizing around relatable issues. The campaign utilized a narrative that resonated with the public, highlighting tangible goals and engaging influential figures, which garnered substantial government funding. This precedent illustrates the importance of storytelling and public engagement in advocacy, as it encourages collective participation in addressing broader issues like poverty and health crises. By leveraging popular culture, the initiative not only raised awareness but also secured significant commitments from leaders.
Justice and Climate Financing
The conversation underscores the need for addressing fairness in climate actions, particularly the disparity faced by developing nations that are disproportionately affected by climate change. Advocates call for substantial climate financing, emphasizing that developed countries should honor their pledges to provide financial support for mitigation and adaptation efforts. There is a strong focus on environmental justice, where inequitable impacts are acknowledged, particularly on marginalized communities. This framework challenges existing expectations that developing nations should make the same commitments as developed ones without adequate financial backing.
Michael Sheldrick is Co-Founder and Chief Policy and Government Relations Officer at Global Citizen, overseeing their international advocacy campaigns including those in support of climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
He talks with Alice Aedy about creating landmark campaigns that trigger impact, building new platforms to circumvent traditional media, climate justice and just transitions, and the obligations of developed countries to developing countries as they battle against the effects of climate change.
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