Priyanka Chopra and Chris Hemsworth come together to help fight climate change around the world

A new global campaign which tackles one of the gravest issues of the current moment—the climate change crisis—is uniting individuals and communities from all across the planet to reduce the world's carbon footprint. ‘Count Us In’, a sub-initiative of TED Countdown, was kickstarted by TED and Future Stewards, and launched with the aim of empowering everyday citizens, people beyond the activist community, to take practical and high-impact actions that will make an effective difference in reducing levels of carbon pollution around the globe. 

On October 10, 2020, Priyanka Chopra and Chris Hemsworth came together for the launch of the initiative and hosted a special session of TED Countdown, where they discussed the world's climate crisis. During the conversation, Chopra highlighted the plight of refugees at this time too, saying, "Refugees are among the people who are hit the hardest by climate change. And that's why I feel the need to be here today. To help highlight the possible solutions to this climate crisis and connected social crisis. I feel like I need to be here to amplify the voices of those that are already doing the hard work that's needed." 

The conversation around climate change continues now with ‘Count Us In’, which has got luminaries such as Dia Mirza, Al Gore and Prince William and Pope Francis, along with groups such as Accenture, BT Group, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), India Climate Collaborative, The Better India and Yuvaa, talking.

The initiative asks you to choose just one of the 16 listed action items shortlisted by the UN Environment Programme, all of which have been chosen for “their impact on your personal carbon pollution, their power to influence leaders, and their ability to involve everyone.” These include steps like flying less, insulating your home, speaking up at work, switching to renewable energy, and opting for sustainable clothing. Since its launch just two days ago, the effort, which aims at reaching one billion supporters, has already inspired almost 13,000 people around the world to take action and saved above 700,000 kg CO2e of carbon, as stated on its website. 

“Science tells us that we have just 10 years to take action against climate change—just 10 years. In each of our foreseeable futures—not for the next generation, but right now—we are going to personally experience this catastrophe unless we take action now,” Chopra explained to her followers. 

Dia Mirza, who's also an outspoken climate activist and the UN's Environment Goodwill Ambassador for India, added, "Climate change is already ravaging our lives, our communities and our livelihoods. It is up to us to respond to what we see around us. We are not powerless. We can protect what we love from the worst impacts of climate change if we act boldly and urgently. I am committing to wear clothes that last, and call on citizens across India to take steps in their own lives too."

Now, it's your chance to join the fight against climate change. Interest in contributing to the initiative? Access the platform here.

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