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April is Huge

[Previously posted by Connect4Climate]

As first announced by the White House on December 3, 2014, we are launching our initiatives that will link climate change, education and poverty. “We cannot end poverty if we do not tackle climate change,” World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim has said. Our efforts to raise climate education, literacy, and training are supported at the highest level here in the United States. “If you believe, like I do, that something has to be done on this, then you’re going to have to speak out,” said President Barack Obama.

Not only do millions of people all over the world celebrate Earth Day as they have since 1970, millions more will flock to Washington, D.C. for multiple mega-events. In addition to seeing our world-famous cherry blossoms, representatives from governments all over the world come to the American capital for Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. A star-spangled event featuring familiar faces such as Usher, No Doubt, Fall Out Boy, Mary J. Blige, and Train—to name a few—will be shouting and singing out the message that we need to take action on climate change, and we need to do it now.

We’ll also be premiering “Chloe & Theo,” a feature film starring Dakota Johnson, Mira Sorvino, and first-time actor, Theo Ikummaq. In this comedy, a homeless girl befriends an Inuit, who has traveled to New York City from his tiny Arctic hometown with a big message for world leaders: My world is melting. The film was the brainchild of first-time producer Monica Ord. She heard about Theo’s true story from a friend, who challenged her to do something about it.

This month, with such innovative and enthusiastic minds in one place, this is an ideal opportunity for us at Connect4Climate to join forces with like-minded partners to engage a variety of audiences—youth, students, professionals, scholars, and influencers—and mobilize them to act on climate change.

Connect4Climate has partnered with the Earth Day Network to put together events throughout the entire month—and beyond. Together we will reach a new audience and ensure that the links between climate change and poverty are well understood.

Our mission includes generating enthusiasm that will drive world leaders to make bold decisions. While it’s exciting to be among the stars, much of our work takes place behind the scenes, helping those with no voice to reach many, and elevating their stories to the world stage.

Here is what we’re doing in April.

By Lucia Grenna, Connect4Climate Program Manager, World Bank Group, and Kathleen Rogers, President, Earth Day Network