Climate Action Network (CAN) is not just another nonprofit; it's a dynamic force driving global society towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a greener, more equitable future. CAN's unwavering dedication resonates deeply with the essence of SDG 13: Climate Action, as they tirelessly advocate for climate justice on a global scale.
CAN's core philosophy revolves around the belief that all non-governmental organizations and community non-profit organizations with a vested interest in sustainable development, especially concerning climate change, can play a pivotal role in shaping our collective destiny. Their message is clear: global society is strong, active, and progressive when united under a common goal.
Operating through regional and national nodes, CAN's network is a testament to the power of civil society in addressing climate change. Each node governs itself independently while collaboratively advocating within its region or country. This decentralized approach ensures that CAN's initiatives are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of each region, reinforcing the idea that climate change impacts everyone, everywhere.
Climate change doesn't discriminate; it affects individuals across the globe, with the most vulnerable often bearing the brunt. The climate crisis exacerbates inequalities and social injustices, a fact that became painfully evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. As climate-related catastrophes make headlines daily, CAN believes that the human stories behind the statistics must not be forgotten.
For CAN, it's about centering people in the climate change narrative. It's about understanding how climate change impacts lives, livelihoods, cultures, lands, and the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world. By focusing on people's agency to demand change, CAN crafts a political strategy aimed at securing equity and justice. This involves advocating for finance to address loss and damage, pushing for debt cancellation for the poorest countries, and holding affluent nations accountable for their financial obligations under the Paris Agreement.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the global agenda on climate change, revealing the urgent need for systemic change. CAN recognizes that addressing the climate crisis necessitates addressing underlying economic, social, and political systems. They understand that transformative change is the only path forward.
CAN's strategic vision is clear: to exert continuous pressure on governments, especially the world's largest emitters and wealthiest nations. These nations must lead by example, delivering transformative climate action plans that adopt a holistic, society-wide approach to limit global warming to below 1.5°C. CAN emphasizes the need for enhanced, ambitious, and equitable climate commitments, driven by the full and meaningful participation of civil society from the outset. This commitment extends to fostering an inclusive, economy-wide, and just transition.
In a world that faces multiple crises, CAN's dedication to climate action and sustainability is a testament to the power of collective action. They embody the belief that global society can indeed drive change when united behind a noble cause.
More information: https://climatenetwork.org
Youtube credits: @caninternational