Taking action on climate change is not usually among the messages displayed on the giant electronic billboards of Times Square in New York City. But for a week it was, lead by World Bank Group president Jim Kim's powerful message: "We will never end poverty if we do not tackle climate change," and featuring images from Connect4Climate's Action4Climate documentary competition that elicited 230 short film entries from 70 countries.
From 22-29 July, a video highlighting the need for climate action was displayed on the 0.96 by 1.22 metres (38 by 48 inches) LED screens flanking the Viacom building at 1515 Broadway, reaching the thousands of people who pass by daily in the heart of New York's busiest tourist spot. Onlookers reacted to the #Action4Climate video message by sharing their individual actions to address climate change, from driving less, to riding bikes more, to taking the subway and using environmentally friendly household products.
Action4Climate stories are about drought threatening farmers in Jamaica, disappearing equatorial glaciers changing mountaintops in Uganda, and extreme weather events in the Philippines. They show solutions, from renewable energy to inspiring leadership and collective action. "These young Action4Climate film-makers, through their creativity and passion, are reminding us that climate change is a threat we cannot ignore. They also remind us that climate change, poverty and inequality are inextricably linked," said Cyril Muller, World Bank Group vice president for External and Corporate Relations.
The Action4Climate jury, headed by film director Bernardo Bertolucci, features award-winning film directors, producers and international organisation representatives, including: Atom Egoyan, Marc Forster, Mika Kaurismaki, Rachel Kyte, Rose Kuo, Cynthia López, Fernando Meirelles, Mira Nair, Bob Rafelson, Walter Salles, Pablo Trapero, and Wim Wenders. See their climate video messages.
The jury will select the winning entries at the end of the summer, and young film-makers from around the world will have a chance to win video equipment and up to $15,000 from Connect4Climate's partner organisations. The best video entries will also be showcased at major film festivals and high profile events worldwide, contributing to raising awareness about climate change and celebrating youth empowerment.
This incredible opportunity in Times Square was made possible thanks to the creative public-private collaboration with Connect4Climate's partner MTV Voices, who generously offered the use of the screens to showcase the powerful call for climate action.
"The Action4Climate competition was possible thanks to the precious contribution of our partners, including MTV Voices, Vimeo, Cruciani, Sony Pictures Entertainment's Sustainability Department, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Edison. Connect4Climate counts on a strong network of some 200 knowledge partners committed to bring local stories to a global audience and inspire action on climate change," said Lucia Grenna, who leads the Connect4Climate program at the World Bank Group. "This is why it is important to have the Action4Climate video screened in Times Square, the commercial center of the world. Climate change is a global challenge, and we need a global solution involving all sectors. Each and every one of us has a stake and needs to be involved."
Watch the Action4Climate short films here, browse the map of the entries and let everybody know your #Action4Climate.
Copy produced and managed by Connect4Climate
