On 23 November, climate advocates in Ukraine helped to organise the first “Climate Action Day” in Kyiv with the aim of raising awareness about climate change issues.

The day started with a march down Andriivsky to say “no” to climate change. Advocates, some dressed in polar bear costumes, participated bearing banners proclaiming “Wanted stable climate” and “The climate is changing, let’s join the efforts to save our planet”.

At the final destination point the group was met by partners from World Wildlife Foundation and National Environmental Centre of Ukraine, presenting information exhibition on climate challenge, alternative sources of energy and disseminating information leaflets to visitors.

The main attraction of the “Climate Action Day” were ice sculptures of the Earth, a polar bear and a penguin. The sculptures were slowly melting, symbolising how vulnerable our world is. Climate advocates invited visitors to put their handprints in support of a poster “We require urgent actions to stop climate change. Ukraine, enough of promises! It’s time to act!” The poster was to be taken to Poznan, where government delegations from 187 countries were to meet in early December for the UN’s annual climate change summit to debate global greenhouse gases emissions cuts. The Climate Action Day visitors were also showed a flash mob, quest and a disco - all dedicated to environmental challenges. Over 1000 people took part in the actions to save the climate that were widely featured on TV, radio and in the newspapers. After a successful first year, it is hoped that “Climate Action Day” will now become an annual tradition in Ukraine.