Pathway to Paris

Pathway to Paris is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 by musicians and activists Jesse Paris Smith and Rebecca Foon. The organization is committed to turning the Paris Agreement into reality by offering innovative and ambitious solutions to combat global climate change. It aims to raise awareness about the urgency of climate action and provides solutions to help achieve the Paris Agreement's objectives and targets. Pathway to Paris organizes events, dialogues, and initiatives that bring together musicians, artists, activists, academics, politicians, innovators, and citizens to address climate change.

1000 Cities

A key initiative of Pathway to Paris is the 1000 Cities Initiative for Carbon Freedom. This initiative encourages cities worldwide to transition to 100% renewable energy and achieve zero carbon emissions by 2040 or sooner. The premise is that if 1000 cities adopt ambitious climate action plans that target shifting off of fossil fuels, it will significantly contribute to meeting the Paris Agreement's targets and beyond.

Pathway to Paris collaborates with various partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 350.org, Sustainability Solutions Group (SSG), and the Little Sun Foundation. The organization has hosted numerous events featuring performances and talks by internationally renowned musicians and leading thinkers to emphasize the importance of climate action and the Paris Agreement.

Mission

The mission of Pathway to Paris is to transition the world away from fossil fuels towards 100% renewable energy and zero emissions as soon as possible. It focuses on three main areas: culture, people, and solutions. By amplifying the climate movement's messages through culture and engaging citizens in climate initiatives, Pathway to Paris works with communities and local and national governments to develop strategic climate action plans and implementation strategies.

The "1000 Cities" project, officially known as the 1000 Cities Initiative for Carbon Freedom, aims to get 1000 cities to pledge to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040. Launched at the United Nations Secretariat in 2017, the initiative promotes the development of ambitious climate action plans and financial mechanisms to implement these plans, fostering a renewable energy future.

Founders

Jesse Paris Smith and Rebecca Foon are the founders of Pathway to Paris. Inspired by their passion for conservation, climate change, and social justice, they established the organization following the momentum of the People’s Climate March in New York City in 2014. The initial event on September 22, 2014 involved Thurston Moore, Patti Smith, and Lenny Kaye, as well as Michael Stipe from R.E.M., and combined music and discourse to build awareness about the urgency of establishing a global climate agreement. During the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2015, Smith, Foon, Flea, Thom Yorke, Patti Smith, and Warren Ellis participated in the Pathway to Paris concerts held at Le Trianon in Paris. The event also featured speakers including Bill McKibben, Naomi Klein, and Vandana Shiva, contributing to a lineup of performers and speakers addressing climate change.

Using music to create change

Pathway to Paris leverages music as a universal language to unite people in the fight against climate change. By hosting events and concerts featuring musicians, artists, and notable speakers, the organization creates a powerful collaboration that amplifies the climate movement's message. Pathway to Paris has organized events around the world including at Le Trianon in Paris, Carnegie Hall and the Natural History Museum in New York City and the Ace Theatre in Los Angeles. Contributors have included Thom Yorke, Patti Smith, Flea, Michael Stipe, Bob Weir, Talib Kweli, Cat Power, Joan Baez, Tenzin Choegyal, Johnny Depp, Ben Harper and Tanya Tagaq.