By Yosola Olorunshola on
This week, US President Barack Obama launched his official Facebook page with video of him strolling through the White House garden. But this was no MTV Cribs style tour.
Instead, POTUS uses the stunning backdrop of his backyard – officially a National Park – to call on Americans and the world to unite on climate change and make sure future generations can enjoy the natural beauty he enjoys every day.
Obama also announced that he will attend COP21 in a few weeks, a conference that will gather major world leaders to negotiate a deal on the issue of climate change. The aim: to reach an agreement on how to limit global warming to 2 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels, which scientists agree is the upper limit before devastating consequences begin.
COP21 is a pivotal moment for the future of the environment. We may not all get to live in the White House but the Earth is our home, and ours to protect.
Yosola Olorunshola is a Communications and Operations Assistant at The Global Poverty Project. She studied History and French at Oxford University before completing a Masters in Creative Writing. Now based in London, you’re likely to find her raving about her favourite writers, listening to a podcast, or people-watching in a cafe.