Stark global temperature rise predictions and the urgent need for climate action are taking an immense emotional and psychological toll on scientists. Inspired by The Guardian's "Hopeless and Broken: Climate Scientists Despair," climate attorney Raya Salter and IPCC Lead Author Dr. Ruth Cerezo Mota discuss their personal experiences with this despair.

Dr. Cerezo Mota, a climatologist with over 15 years in climate modeling, shares her work's real-world impacts and the challenges of political resistance, funding, and public apathy. Despite these hurdles, her motivation fuels vital research.

For more, visit Dr. Cerezo Mota's bio, Raya Salter's bio, or the FacingFuture Library.

Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac outline two distinct futures for 2050: one if we fail to meet Paris Agreement climate targets, and another if we achieve a carbon-neutral, regenerative world. They emphasize that immediate action is crucial to address our climate emergency, presenting this as our final, defining choice.

Figueres, a Costa Rican diplomat with 35 years of experience, served as Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change from July 2010. Her extensive background highlights the urgency of this pivotal moment.

Source: The RSA, March 4, 2020.

The climate crisis has crucial cultural aspects. Rebecca Solnit, co-editor of *Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility*, highlights new narratives emerging from science, Indigenous leadership, and organizing. These stories offer grounds for hope, envisioning an age of abundance rather than austerity.

Solnit, a renowned author of over 20 books including *Hope in the Dark*, is an influential writer and activist. She regularly contributes to The Guardian and launched the Not Too Late project.

Learn more at Bioneers.org.

Independent analyses by NASA and NOAA confirm that Earth's global surface temperatures in 2019 ranked as the second-warmest since 1880. Temperatures were 2°F (1.1°C) warmer than the late 19th century, second only to 2016.

This data continues the planet's long-term warming trend, with the five warmest years on instrumental record all occurring in the last five years. More information is available at NASA's press release.

Esteemed futurist Michael Barnard will outline long-term decarbonization scenarios for the global economy. His projections cover key areas like buildings, distributed energy, concrete, steel, renewables, vehicle-to-grid technologies, and hydrogen, all grounded in physics, economics, and human nature.

Barnard spends his time projecting 40-80 years into the future, assisting executives, Boards, and investors in making informed decisions today. His global perspective is informed by extensive experience and regular publications on innovation, business, and technology.

For more information, visit our website: https://www.greenbuildermedia.com

Fast fashion and online shopping are major contributors to landfills. Sustainable fashion expert Kelly Drennan explains how our own closets hold the answer to slowing climate change. Your clothing choices are more than just a fashion statement.

Kelly founded Fashion Takes Action to create a sustainable future. She convenes the Ontario Textile Diversion Collaborative (OTDC), increasing textile diversion and developing local reuse and recycling solutions. Kelly also chairs a task force for a Canadian circular fashion standard and produces the annual WEAR conference.

Recognized as a Canadian environmental leader with the 2017 Clean 50 Award, Kelly is a sought-after consultant. This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

During Climate Week in New York City, WECAN held a virtual public event on September 26, 2024, titled “Transforming Global Economies: From Extraction to Regeneration in a Just Transition.”

Global women leaders shared insights on a Just Transition and innovative economic models, including community-led initiatives, feminist economics, Indigenous wisdom, and traditional practices of reciprocity with the Earth. This dynamic discussion highlighted a clear path to a thriving, socially just, and ecologically enriching future for all.

WECAN extends sincere thanks to all the inspiring speakers for their valuable contributions.

Join B Corp climate consultants for a practical workshop on achieving Net Zero. This session will guide companies through setting goals, scoping emissions, and effective carbon offsetting strategies.

Speakers: Emily Waffler (South Pole), David Jaber (Climate Positive Consulting), Reed Shapiro (South Pole), and Anna Sampson (We Are Neutral).