TEDxTinHau Countdown would like to thank everyone who joined in taking action to help climate change on October 17th 2020. We’re still buzzing from the excitement and positive energy from our TEDxTinHau Countdown event this past weekend. Across Hong Kong, people tuned in from their homes and from our sponsored venues (many thanks to WeWork, Banyan and Explorium) to watch six of our brilliant speakers share their ideas on sustainability.
We are still in awe to see the support from the entire community to come together to participate in full day of sustainability-driven activities and talks. Starting with morning beach clean ups, getting creative –– from upcycling and diy workshops, to vegan cooking classes and supporting local restaurant’s planet friendly lunches.
Countdown is TED’s global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action. The goal to build a better future by cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 in the race to a zero-carbon world – a world that is safer, cleaner and fairer for everyone. On 10.10.2020, Countdown launched globally with a virtual event and over 600 TEDx Countdown events around the world. (watch the Countdown online here).
Here are some of our key takeaways for the day:
We kicked off with Ollie Haas –– inspired by his love for aviation and remaining positive about the industry’s sustainable future. Today we can buy carbon offsets and aim to fly less. In the future, perhaps we will fly on battery powered planes that emit close to zero emissions. We indeed have a long way to go, but we mustn’t give up on making our dreams a reality.
Lance Lau, Hong Kong’s youth climate activist, has been on a climate strike for 57 weeks. At the young age of 11, he captivated the audience with his sheer courage to take rejection and stand up for what he believes in. Accompanied by Keilem Ng, founder of NGO EcoMarine, focused towards raising awareness of local marine issues like beach and underwater cleanups. She has generously and kindly extended her hand to guide him, and take small yet important steps forward together. Keilem sees herself as a starter (a bit like a sourdough starter), who helps others kick-start their ideas to help our climate. This humble, down-to-earth duo inspired us to see that making a difference is also about helping one another so that together, we can make a bigger impact.
Tanja Wessels took the stage with her beautifully crafted skirt made of fruit packaging. The fashion industry has massively sped up plastic production and waste, and 35% of microplastics in our oceans comes from synthetic textiles. Tanja shared ideas on sustainable materials such as cactus leather replacing cow hide. How can we imagine a better relationship with materials? How can we take what’s normally perceived as “trash” and turn them into treasure?
Peggy Chan of plant-based restaurants Grassroots Pantry and Nectar called out for the need for fundamental reform in food education. 37% of global greenhouse gas comes from the food industry. At the same time, people are dining out more. Globally, Chef Activists are taking matters in their own hands, one example being Jamie Oilver’s mission to halve childhood obesity in the UK by 2030. What more could leaders in this industry do to guide the next generation of chefs to cook more responsibly and source more sustainably?
Historical and marine ecologist Jonathan Cybulski poses the question : “Why aren’t we taking enough action yet?”. The problem is, we don’t understand what a healthy climate can achieve and how it can save lives. But we can do it. We just have to start. “Big goals are built by small wins. When we start to think like that, when we build our climate fitness’ mentality, then we’ll be in a position to create long-term climate wins.” By identifying one goal, breaking it down into actionable steps, we too can start on our personal journey to help change climate change.
Thank you to our speakers, who have shown us that making a change starts with just one decision. It doesn’t have to be complicated. There are so many ways we can all contribute before it’s too late. From rethinking materials, to organising a local beach clean-up, to taking action to visit your local farmer’s market instead of the neighbourhood supermarket. What decision will you make today to change climate change?
We’re in! Are you?
What if we told you that we have the power to protect what we love from the impacts of climate change?
Whatever it is that you love ❤️, Count Us In has made it easy for you to have a real impact on climate change. With 16 steps, you can choose what works for you and track your progress alongside the rest of us on their platform.
Check out @countusinsocial to take a step and join us!
#countusin
Thank you
Together we can change climate change
#JoinTheCountdown #CountdownHK
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