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Pillar 3:
Sustainable
Planet

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We channel young people's commitment to climate justice and sustainability

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59%

of young people are worried about climate change (The Lancet)

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42 million

jobs could be created by the renewable energy industry by 2050 (UN)

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2020 vs 1960

2x more wildfires, 6.8x more heatwaves (Save the Children)

Our latest Sustainable Planet news

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Sustainable planet: Volunteers work to preserve the soi...

11 September 2023

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Global YMCA unites Ignite Show celebration

11 May 2023

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First Ignite Show shares Vision 2030 information, inspi...

17 January 2023

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YMCA at COP27: We have a decision. Now what?

21 November 2022

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Feature Story

Sustainable Planet: YMCAs and the climate crisis

Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet and Just World – we understand the words. But do we know what they really mean?

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Our case studies and projects

Take a look at some of the ways we work towards a Sustainable Planet

a laundry

Eliminating plastic wrap around the linens resulted in significant monetary and environmental benefits.

YMCA of the Rockies

As the National Movements adopt YMCA Vision 2030 into their strategic planning, that process then moves to the local associations.

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Our three Sustainable Planet goals

Our Belief

The YMCA believes that we should all commit and take action for the protection and regeneration of our planet, preparing for a just transition to a world where humans live in full harmony with nature.

Our Pledge

The YMCA commits to become a Greener Movement, an active youth voice on climate justice and champion of youth-led sustainability solutions.

Planting a tree

Internal YMCA Transformation

The YMCA will take steps towards becoming a climate-neutral* Movement, building a roadmap that will allow all YMCAs to make measurable and meaningful progress in their policies and practices based on local realities.

*Climate neutrality refers to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by balancing those emissions so they are equal (or less than) the emissions that get removed through the planet’s natural absorption; in basic terms it means we reduce our emissions through climate action. (UNFCCC)

Lots of people planting lots of trees

Global Advocacy

The YMCA will champion global solutions and policies to support a Just Transition to a Green Economy, making sure that no one is left behind as we work together towards the regeneration and protection of our Planet.

Some people planting a large tree

Community Empowerment

The YMCA Movement inspires its members, staff, volunteers and community stakeholders to practise and champion environmental responsibility while also integrating climate education components for young people and communities in its programmes worldwide.

Our Belief

The YMCA believes that we should all commit and take action for the protection and regeneration of our planet, preparing for a just transition to a world where humans live in full harmony with nature.

Our Pledge

The YMCA commits to become a Greener Movement, an active youth voice on climate justice and champion of youth-led sustainability solutions.