海角大神

Dear readers,

World leaders are convening in Madrid this week and next for climate negotiations. Each nation brings to the table its own perspectives, values, and needs.听But for the 197 signatories of the landmark Paris climate agreement the global nature of climate change demands a unified response.

This 25th United Nations climate summit听is undergirded by a mounting sense of urgency. Last week Europe鈥檚 Parliament declared a 鈥渃limate emergency,鈥� just days after a听U.N. report cautioned听that our current course could lead to a world where average temperatures surpass preindustrial levels by more than听3 degrees Celsius. The Paris accord aims to hold warming to 1.5 degrees.

While delegates negotiate this week and next, we are exploring the role of the individual in tackling this global challenge.听

When we asked readers this fall how they think about climate change, we received dozens of responses from people who see themselves as part of the solution. Cynthia Kuest of DeLand, Florida, writes that she vowed to drive less听after reading about changes in Alaska鈥檚 permafrost听in a Monitor cover story. She sold her car in August and outfitted her bike for messy weather.听

鈥淥ne benefit I discovered by riding my bicycle,鈥� she says, 鈥渋s that I am connecting more with people in my community.鈥澨�

Check back here throughout the summit for additional features.

Part 1:听What can you do about climate change? A chat with Monitor reporters.

Part 2:听Why you should talk about climate change 鈥� even if you disagree

Part 3:听Not just Greta: Young people worldwide take charge on climate

Part 4:听One diet fad scientists hope will catch on: climate-friendly eating

Part 5:听How much can one person do to limit climate change? A graphic.

Part 6:听Help wanted: Minneapolis recruits residents in the climate fight

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