No time to waste: April’s big events
09/04/2026
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Dear Planetary Steward,
This is another busy month for international climate action, with major summits including the UNFCCC Climate Week 3 in the Republic of Korea, and the First Conference on Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia. These events mark critical milestones toward planetary health and climate justice. While Climate Week connects negotiators with the private sector, civil society, and local authorities and allows nations to accelerate implementation of their commitments, the Conference will finally confront the root cause of the climate and ecological crisis in the first place: our dependence on coal, oil, and gas. So far 47 countries and 2,600+ organizations and communities have confirmed their participation in the Conference, where they have the chance to launch an international coalition to end the use of fossil fuels. Co-hosted by the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands, and with We Don’t Have Time providing on-the-ground coverage, the event follows calls at COP30 for a new diplomatic effort focused on fossil fuel phase out. Such gatherings demonstrate that momentum for real climate action is continuing and that many countries are willing to step up as leaders on this agenda, even as progress from some countries appears to be going backwards.
Last week Sebastian attended another critical event – ChangeNOW in Paris – where for the first time, planetary boundaries took center stage. We were proud to see so many Global Commons Alliance members and allies at the forefront, including Earth Commission Co-Chair Johan Rockström reminding us that the boundaries we cross today shape the world our children inherit, and We Don’t Have Time, which amplified voices that too often go unheard. The Planetary Guardians, Earth4All, SAVE, and many other members and allies also made the case for bold political and corporate action to protect our living planet, and challenged us to reimagine the economic systems that drive us beyond those limits. ChangeNow featured a broad range of solutions, including bio-based materials, new engagement models and regenerative approaches. But the question remains: how do we get from inspiring to inevitable? From incremental shifts to systems change at scale?
The Global Commons Alliance is an essential part of the puzzle in answering these questions. Our coalition demonstrates that when we work together across sectors and borders, we can transform our relationship with the planet. The solutions we need already exist. What we require right now is the courage to scale them, and the solidarity to implement them everywhere, fast.
If you would like to talk about how we can further accelerate momentum, do contact us.
With all our best, Will Tucker, Co-Director (Communications and Resource Mobilization) Sebastian Schienle, Co-Director (Partnerships and Programs)
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