“Running Out of Time” is the name given to the world’s largest relay race for schools to take their Climate Action Messages to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), to voice their concerns about the need for more immediate action against the ‘climate change’ problems the planet is increasingly experiencing. And this powerful platform is where learners at schools across South Africa can make a difference.
At the recent launch of the Running out of Time campaign in Cape Town WESSA, in partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), announced the South African leg of the global relay race, by inviting schools from around the country to write and submit a climate action message that will be relayed through WESSA, all the way to COP27, to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt in November.
Earlier this year, on 7 May, the mass-participation relay organisers of the World Relay officially launched the “Running Out of Time” race, a 7 200 km, 38-day, non-stop relay from Glasgow, Scotland (where COP26 was hosted) to COP27 site Sharm-el-Sheikh – to advocate for climate action.
The longest relay ever attempted, the race started on 30 September, at the site of the COP26 opening, and will be taken in 10 km stages. Runners, sailors and cyclists from around the world will work together to pass the baton containing a powerful climate message from young people to deliver to the decision makers at COP27.
According to the organisers, future generations will be the hardest hit by climate change. So to effect change and make an impact on the climate crisis it is essential that their collective voice be amplified right now.
In a statement they explain: “The relay race offers the support needed to have [children’s and youth’s] climate action message heard, especially for how climate change education should become part of their school curriculum.”
In South Africa, Cindy-Lee Cloete, Head of Education and Training at The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), agrees wholeheartedly. “As a dedicated environmental organisation our role is to initiate and support high impact environmental and conservation projects to promote participation in caring for the earth,” she said. “So we are honoured to partner with FEE in participating in this fantastic initiative and to join the world’s longest ever relay race. WESSA works hard to protect the environment, now and for future generations, and Running Out of Time aligns with our values and objectives.
“Climate change is an urgent issue, and we have a responsibility to our youth, and our planet, to take action. We are proud of our South African Eco-Schools and look forward to hearing their climate action messages. I feel especially privileged to be able to deliver their messages in person at COP27 this November 2022. Together we are optimistic and delighted to carry the baton for climate action and encourage quality climate change education the world over.
“Our role in organising the South African leg of Running Out of Time, will enable youth, learners and schools to play their part in climate action and carry the baton for a sustainable future.”
Over the three weeks that coincide with the 38-day relay from Scotland to Egypt, hundreds of eco-schools from across the country will create their climate action and education messages and take part in a relay race to deliver their message to the school leaders, to be relayed to WESSA, to be delivered to COP27 on 6 November.
