Raising awareness and elucidating the intensification of extreme weather through a variety of artistic mediums, Pathway To Paris is a conscious effort and project that is educating individuals worldwide of both the prevalence and dangers of climate change. Gearing up for their upcoming concert that features internationally recognized musicians and speakers at Carnegie Hall on November 5th, 2017, it is inevitable that the event will seep under attendees skin and leave a penetrating mark on their being. I had the pleasure of chatting with founders, Jesse Paris Smith and Rebecca Foon, to discuss the intention behind the Pathway To Paris, the consequences of climate change, finding solutions, the upcoming concert and more.
First and foremost, introduce yourself to our readers. Tell us about the intention behind Pathway to Paris and what inspired you to raise awareness in this manner.
We are Jesse Paris Smith and Rebecca Foon, together we co-founded Pathway to Paris. We initially started Pathway to Paris to highlight the urgency and need to establish the Paris Agreement. Now we are committed to help turn the Paris Agreement into action. As part of Pathway to Paris, we curate concert events with leading thinkers and musicians to inspire our world to transition off of fossil fuels and offer innovative solutions to help us get there.
Give us examples of some of the successful solutions that you are aware of that will shift awareness, accelerate the response and work toward combating the current reality of climate change.
We believe that the solution to climate change comes from transforming our communities, one city at a time. Cities all over the world are now beginning to commit and transition to becoming 100% renewable and completely shift off of fossil fuels. Leading mayors are making bold commitments to move into the renewables era, and are leading the path for other cities to follow. This is why we are launching the 1000 cities initiative because we believe if 1000 cities transition to 100% renewables by 2040 and are no longer dependent on fossil fuels we can move above and beyond the targets in the Paris Agreement and maintain a livable world.
What are the some of the consequences of climate change and the overall temperature rise?
As temperatures continue to rise, hurricanes will become more and more frequent, natural disasters will increase, flooding will be on the rise, and much of the world will become desert and will no longer be inhabitable. Here is an interesting map predicting what will happen with a 4% warming.
Tell us about the 1000 Cities initiative and what our readers can do to actively participate.
At our upcoming concert event at Carnegie Hall in NYC on Nov 5th, Pathway to Paris is launching 1000 Cities, a bold initiative to unite the world to turn the Paris Agreement into action. The initiative invites 1000 cities around the world to become 100% renewable and transition off of fossil fuels in order to make Paris real. As part of 1000 cities, we are launching a campaign that anyone can sign to urge city’s leaders to reject fossil fuels and commit to 100% renewable energy #by2040
Tell us about some of the participants that you have collaborated with for the event and how those relationships have formed.
We are so deeply moved by all the artists and speakers that have been a part of Pathway to Paris. Every contributor deeply cares about our planet and the fight for climate safety and climate justice. It has been so moving to see such extraordinary minds come together out of a deep desire to make a positive contribution, and help inspire our world make the shift out of fossil fuels into a renewable future. Our upcoming concert at Carnegie Hall on Nov 5th in NYC includes Michael Stipe, Patti Smith, Joan Baez, Bill McKibben, Flea, Cat Power, Talib Kweli.
Reference to this link. Tell us your perception of this tattoo and if you have seen any works of art that highlight climate change in an enlightening manner.
Yes, I think this is very interesting, the age of the Anthropocene, and the concept that we have pushed our world into an entirely new epoch due to the fact that our planet’s land, water, air, and ecosystems have been so deeply influenced by humans. It really is an outstanding thought. Our time is truly now, to save our one and only planet and maintain a livable world.
How can our readers become further involved with Pathway to Paris?
Readers can join the 1000 cities campaign, to help inspire your city to transition off of fossil fuels and go 100% renewable by 2040. Join the 1000 cities campaign here: www.care2.com/1000cities
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for admirers of your work?
We can all take part in helping transition our communities off of fossil fuels, and imagining and creating a renewable world we want to live in. This is our time to make the shift together, a shift towards a renewables era.
