Uniting Nations for Climate Action: The SC1.5NCE Movement
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Rallying Support for Climate Science
World leaders are stepping forward to advocate for the IPCC 1.5C Special Report, which faced obstacles at the last two United Nations climate conferences (COP24 and COP25). The March For Science (MFS), along with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), the Island Resilience Partnership, and YOUNGO, co-hosted the Island Resilience Forum: SC1.5NCE Not SILENCE. This event, held in collaboration with Island Innovation, PVBLIC Foundation, and EarthX during the United Nations General Assembly, aimed to garner backing for the SC1.5NCE Not SILENCE initiative, encouraging global leaders and national governments to openly support the IPCC 1.5C Special Report and enhance their climate objectives in line with its findings.
During the forum, it was revealed that Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Fiji, Nauru, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Seychelles, St. Lucia, Timor Leste, Tonga, and Tuvalu officially joined the SC1.5NCE Not SILENCE campaign. This initiative was launched by the Independent State of Samoa, MFS, and the Island Resilience Partnership in Madrid at COP25 as a reaction to the IPCC 1.5C Special Report being blocked from formal endorsement at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi of Samoa emphasized the urgency of uniting behind scientific evidence as the world grapples with the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is crucial for countries to publicly endorse the IPCC 1.5C Special Report as we approach COP26 and engage in the SC1.5NCE Not SILENCE campaign,” he stated, urging collective action before it’s too late.
On the recent International Youth Day, YOUNGO declared its partnership in the SC1.5NCE Not SILENCE campaign.
Youth Engagement and Advocacy
“The IPCC 1.5C Special Report's exclusion from formal discussions at COP24 and COP25 is simply unacceptable,” remarked Heeta Lakhani from YOUNGO. “It is essential for youth leaders globally to advocate for governmental backing of the 1.5C Special Report to ensure that COP26 does not face a similar fate,” added Marie-Claire Graf from YOUNGO.
Recognizing the pivotal role of island nations in enhancing climate ambition, AOSIS joined the SC1.5NCE Not SILENCE campaign as a co-organizing partner, playing a significant role in rallying support during the forum. Ambassador Janine Felson, Deputy Chair of AOSIS, noted, “We are witnessing a surge in momentum and anticipate new, revised climate action plans this year that align with the 1.5C Special Report's findings. These steps are vital for achieving global net neutrality by 2050.”
Despite the ongoing efforts to undermine climate science, the rising global response is fostering support for the SC1.5NCE Not SILENCE initiative as the world prepares for COP26 in Glasgow next November.
Historical Context of March For Science
“When March For Science began on Earth Day in 2017, ‘unite behind the science’ was one of our core messages,” stated Matt Tranchin, President of March For Science. “The IPCC 1.5C Special Report provides a foundation for global action—clear evidence that urgent measures are necessary to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change.”
For governments wishing to join the SC1.5NCE Not SILENCE campaign, officials are encouraged to complete this form to become part of the movement. For additional inquiries, please contact Matt Tranchin at [email protected].
About AOSIS:
AOSIS serves as a coalition representing 44 small island and low-lying coastal developing nations, including five observers. Its mission transcends mere advocacy for marginalized voices, actively promoting the interests of these vulnerable nations. For more information, reach out to Jabal Hassanali at [email protected].
About March For Science:
March For Science is a global network of advocates committed to fostering a sustainable and equitable world. Our goal is to mobilize support for evidence-based public policies worldwide. For further details, contact Matt Tranchin at [email protected].
About YOUNGO:
YOUNGO represents the youth constituency within the UNFCCC, comprising youth-led organizations and individuals engaged in climate-related initiatives. YOUNGO operates multiple Working Groups focused on various aspects of climate change, ensuring that the voices of young people and future generations are integral to the decision-making processes. For more information, please contact Heeta Lakhani at [email protected] or Marie-Claire Graf at [email protected].