OVERVIEW
Sonia Guggenheim and I co-founded Climate Sign in 2014 with the goal of creating a symbol representing unity for climate action. After facilitating a democratic Climate Sign selection process with representation from over 40 countries, the selected Climate Sign was projected on the Eiffel Tower during the signing of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The movement garnered support from Jane Goodall, Al Gore, Akon, Mark Ruffalo, and countless others.
HISTORY
The Climate Sign initiative launched in 2014 to create a "peace sign for our times": a "climate sign" representing unity for climate action. Working first with fellow university students, our effort soon grew to a dedicated 13-person team managing five organizational branches including social media, public venue exhibits, university initiatives, video media, and organizational partnerships.
Our first undertaking was to facilitate a democratic process to brainstorm and select the climate sign. After countless brainstorming sessions across many university campuses, the symbol was selected through a voting process that involved representation from over 40 countries. The selected sign was an American Sign Language "C": a hand sign symbolising unity in the fight against climate change, much like the peace sign represents unity for peace.
The Climate Sign then launched as a universal gesture to rally individuals and communities together, nationally and internationally, towards a common goal of addressing climate change. Our next goal was then to spread awareness of the sign so that it could be put to use.
We collaborated with 15 NGOs across the United States and Europe, and together orchestrated a groundbreaking initiative during the 21st Global Climate Summit in Paris: projecting the Climate Sign onto the iconic Eiffel Tower. This monumental event showcased the global solidarity and collective action needed to combat climate change effectively.
In addition to our collaborative efforts, we gained the engagement and support of influential individuals who shared our passion for environmental advocacy. Notable figures including Akon, Mark Ruffalo, Jane Goodall, and Al Gore lent their influence to our cause, further amplifying the message of the Climate Sign and its call for climate action.
During a pivotal phase, our organisation underwent a successful transition by merging with Care About Climate. Led by the impressive Natalie Lucas, Care About Climate provides young people access to climate education, international climate networks, and training in navigating international policy spaces.
