The gap between where we are now – the pathways for decarbonization that nations have submitted and the pathways that science is telling us are required if we are going to stick to the 1.5 degree target planetary warming ceiling – is vast. At Cop26, almost 200 countries and parties agreed to decarbonization plans. The road to Net Zero includes phasing out coal power, getting rid of fossil fuel subsidies, curtailing deforestation, encouraging investment in renewables, focusing on adaptation policies for both wealthy and developing nations, and working together to deliver.

COP26 is over. How will youth keep the drive to 1.5 alive?

“Planet Classroom is delighted to continue our collaboration with the POP Movement. Since 2016, POP has played a key role in addressing the massive challenge for climate change action and protecting the earth’s ecosystems. Their international youth leaders have extensive knowledge about climate change problems and solutions, and we are eager to showcase their efforts as they seek to ensure that the world’s leaders deliver on their climate promises,” said Cathy Rubin, Co-founder of Planet Classroom.

“At the POP Movement, we aim to harness the talent and determination of youth inspired by knowledge on a global scale. This program would progress only on the strength of our partners ensuring the sharing of information. If we want to protect this planet and its ecosystems for the survival of all species and the welfare of future generations, we need all hands on deck, and the active involvement of like-minded individuals and organizations. We are honored to continue our invaluable partnership with Planet Classroom,” said Dr. Ash Pachauri Senior Mentor, POP Movement.

“National Net Zero targets have exploded into the mainstream, but not all targets are made equal. To slash emissions by half this decade, the race to zero has to move from pledging targets to delivering them. Deeds speak louder than words: you can’t just intend to lose weight, you also need a plan, interim milestones and an accountability framework to achieve your goals. The race to net zero by mid-century has well and truly begun, but unlike most races, we win or lose this one together,” said John Lang, Net Zero Tracker lead, Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit

“On a daily basis, a deluge of academic studies, reports and news tell us that the Earth’s ecosystem is in danger. They further warn that we need more than just information to address the climate crisis, protect the environment, and promote a sustainable way of living. We need action. Education plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and sensitivity about the environment. It must provide the foundational knowledge and skills to identify and resolve environmental challenges, and shape attitudes and behaviors that lead to both individual and collective action,” said Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director for Education and Skills.

WHAT

Net Zero is a video and podcast series in which youth leaders from the POP (Protect Our Planet) Movement in association with the Planet Classroom track the progress being made by international thought leaders to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

HOW

24 Climate Activists from 24 nations around the world will create an original video and podcast series with their local environmental thought leaders as guests to follow-up on the progress countries are making on their climate pledges since COP26.

WHEN

Net Zero will be streamed on the Planet Classroom Network beginning on Tuesday February 1, 2022. Information on youth climate activist reporters and international guests will be announced shortly beforehand.

Net Zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from our atmosphere. We reach net zero when the amount we add is no more than the amount taken away. Youth will challenge leadership on how they can achieve this and why it matters.

The number of countries announcing pledges to achieve Net Zero emissions over the coming decades continues to grow but what will it take to accomplish the goal and give the world an even chance of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 percent?

About the Protect Our Planet Movement

The Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement is an initiative designed to address the urgent need to share information and knowledge with the youth on solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN, mitigate climate change, and adapt to its growing impacts. Intended to ultimately reach the size, scale, and momentum to become a global movement, POP mobilizes the youth worldwide to take collective action needed to mitigate climate change and protect threatened ecosystems.

About the Planet Classroom Network

The Planet Classroom Network, organized by CMRubinWorld, brings together musicians, dancers, video game creators, filmmakers, activists, learning innovators and emerging technologists from around the world to entertain, educate and engage youth, and to provide a rich cultural experience for all. Content showcased for youth and by youth on the Planet Classroom Network is provided by 29 cultural organizations from around the world. Young people globally played a significant role in conceptualizing, creating, and producing the network’s vision and programming.