To finally put ending fossil fuel subsidies on the world’s climate agenda.

Fossil Fuel Subsidies (FFS) distort energy prices and fuel inequality. Keeping our economies and our very lives reliant on burning fossil fuels. Yet when leaders meet to discuss climate solutions, ending these subsidies are not considered.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) plays a critical role in helping countries achieve sustainable development (SDGs). These subsidies, however, divert public funds which could help advance these goals. Canceling progress made in favor of the very technologies fueling our climate crisis.

For global leaders to act, they need to hear from their constituents. Our challenge, to engage those constituents across the globe in an economic solution to the climate crisis. To give voice to the people and demonstrate to leaders negotiating climate solutions at COP26, the urgent necessity for phasing them out.

Don’t Choose Extinction is a wake up call for all of us. To face the absurdity of our behavior as a species. To push for societal changes in order to curb emissions, transition to greener forms of energy while ensuring the most vulnerable do not suffer in the transition.

To make the argument, we bring in an expert on extinction - the dinosaur. The difference, we humans may be causing our own extinction through our continued use of fossil fuels. Our continued financial support for fossil fuels in the face of worsening climate is irrational and illogical. There’s no excuse for causing our own demise.

The campaign and film make the sometimes complex and technical issues relating to Fossil Fuel Subsidies and the climate emergency more accessible. Through a variety of actions the public is invited to take, the aim is to both educate and give voice to people worldwide.

To end fossil fuel subsidies, we need to persuade policymakers. However, policymakers are hesitant to act unless they know their constituents would approve.

Behind a simple key call to action - Don’t Choose Extinction, we built a strategy to not only reach voters but also empower them to make their wishes known through productive actions.

To make climate policy relatable we use the dinosaur. An extinction story known worldwide, making the technical and complex relatable to anyone on the planet. An icon with universal appeal for everyone to rally behind. In a filmed ‘speech’ to the UN General Assembly, the dinosaur’s message to humanity is recorded in 58 native languages with international and local celebrities lending their voice.

The digital ecosystem empowers even the most reluctant to act.With downloadable tools to have productive conversations about the issues..

Empowering people to share what they think directly with policymakers via a collective

A dinosaur approaches the podium of the UN General Assembly, with a plea to humanity: Don’t choose extinction. And outlines the absurdity of our behavior, from its perspective - “imagine if we had spent billions subsidizing giant meteors”, urging us “to act now before it’s too late”.

Released for COP 26, the dinosaur’s speech was distributed worldwide through a network of UNDP offices, ambassadors / celebrities on social media, along with press outreach. Led by a cast of celebrity voices, the speech was recorded in 58 languages and translated into many more.

The campaign’s digital ecosystem empowers even the most reluctant to act. Debunking common excuses for our inaction, represented as asteroids, to further motivate action. Downloadable digital tools to have productive conversations with others who are still reluctant.

Empowering people to share their knowledge via a collective global intelligence platform connecting what people think about the climate crisis.

With zero paid media, the speech has been viewed over 1 billion times worldwide, including 350MM views in China alone, the largest emitter of emissions, making this the most viewed speech ever in the UN General Assembly.

Press coverage across major outlets in 98 countries

19 Billion impressions globally through social media, press coverage and donated media in support of the message

Representatives from over 172 countries are providing direct knowledge to policymakers via Climate Mindpool

Most importantly, the leaders gathered in Glasgow for COP26 heard the cry. First in opening remarks for the conference. Then again as pressure mounted to include subsidies in negotiations. So that finally, for the first time in 26 years of climate negotiations, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies is on the negotiating table for today and all future climate talks. Keeping the hope of curbing emissions time to avoid a 1.5°C + temperature rise alive.