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Countdown: Global Launch

To make progress on climate action we need to collaborate on a global scale – and your community has an important role to play. On 10 October 2020, Countdown launched globally with a virtual event, reaching over 15 million viewers.

Countdown is a global initiative by TED and partners 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.

Over five curated sessions the session combined TED’s signature blend of actionable and research-backed ideas, cutting-edge science, and moments of wonder and inspiration.

SESSION 1: Climate — Where we are and why we need to act

  • Countdown: Here’s what it is and why we are doing it
  • Climate science and the climate crisis: Where are we today?
  • The Race to Zero: What do we need to do and when?

SESSION 2: The path to resilient, regenerative economies

  • Putting climate back on the political and social agenda
  • A safer, cleaner, fairer future for people and the planet
  • What businesses can do — and are doing — to transform and transition

SESSION 3: The future of energy, transportation and materials

  • How rapidly can we switch to 100% clean power?
  • How can we upgrade the way that we move people and things?
  • How can we reimagine and remake the stuff around us?

SESSION 4: Fairness, food and nature

  • Why climate justice matters
  • How can we spark a worldwide shift to healthier food systems?
  • How do we better protect and re-green the earth?

SESSION 5: What’s your role?

  • Thinking long-term about climate change
  • Getting involved, staying inspired and rallying others to take part
  • Stepping up at work and at home

Watch