Local Climate Action, Global Reach: 24 Hours of Climate Reality

Role: Dan Hendry
Year: 2022

In 2022, a transportation initiative rooted in Kingston and focused on providing free access to public transit and rider training was selected as one of the Top 10 climate solutions by The Climate Reality Project Canada. Approached through a clear climate lens, the initiative demonstrated how local transportation policy can contribute to meaningful climate action while also advancing access and equity at the community level. I was involved in this work in my role as a Climate Reality Leader.

Following the project’s selection, I worked closely with The Climate Reality Project Canada to help document the initiative and communicate its relevance beyond the local context. My role centered on translating the goals and outcomes of a community based transportation initiative into clear, accessible content that could resonate with national and international audiences.

This work included coordinating a local video shoot, developing a script and storyboard, and writing supporting blog content that positioned the initiative as a viable climate solution. I also collaborated with a producer to create a short video that clearly communicated how locally driven transit programs can contribute to broader climate goals when framed through an equity and emissions-reduction lens.

As a result of both the initiative and the accompanying communications work, The Climate Reality Project Canada was invited to participate in a global webinar with Al Gore as part of 24 Hours of Climate Reality. While I was not a speaker in the broadcast, the video I helped develop was shared internationally during the event, helping demonstrate how community-based transportation solutions can be communicated within a global climate narrative.

This project reinforced for me the importance of strong coordination between local initiatives and national organizations, as well as the role of clear, accessible storytelling in climate communication. It showed how community-scale climate solutions can be shared internationally without losing their local integrity or context.

Related Links & Media: https://www.climatereality.ca/post/dan-hendry-climate-reality-leaderThrowing Car Culture under the Bus