Pretoria, 22 April 2020 - “I am sure many would agree that the lockdown is healing the planet, at least for the short term” says Dr Janice Golding, Climate and Environment Focal Point, UNDP South Africa. This Earth Day - 22 April 2020, UNDP South Africa calls for people to Stay Home & Play for Climate. In February 2020, UNDP launched Mission 1.5 to bridge the gap between people calling for urgent climate action, governments and policymakers. Mission 1.5 is a mobile game and survey developed by UNDP that educates millions of people about climate solutions and then asks them to choose their priorities for their country. For example, people can choose clean energy, increasing green investments or protecting oceans. Once the votes have been cast, UNDP will work with partners to collect information on how people voted and then deliver the information in tailored reports to governments.

Through Mission 1.5, people will connect in a conversation with governments, and policymakers will have a better understanding of how people are envisioning their future. The information can give governments the confidence they need to take the bold action necessary to tackle the climate crisis. Inspired by climate activist, Greta Thunberg, and South Africa’s very own Ayakha Melithafa, more children and youth are calling for accelerated and urgent climate action to be done online during the COVID 19 crisis worldwide. It is also a critical time for citizen’s voices to be heard as countries address the longer-term economic recovery of COVID 19, and communities come to terms with mental health and financial wellness. “The world should try to preserve the gains achieved for the climate prior to the pandemic, this means working harder for the low carbon and renewable energy transition. We need renewed, bolder ambition for climate action that improves people’s lives. This can start now by integrating nature-based solutions into stimulus packages solidarity funds, and socio-economic response strategies. Countries should build the new normal with the intention for climate action” added Dr Golding.

Visit www.mission1point5.org to play for climate.

For more information, or media interviews please contact:

United Nations, Rhulani Lehloka: 0663071827/rhulani.lehloka@undp.org  

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UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.