Traversing 195 Countries in 365 Days to Combat Climate Change

The deadly firestorms that erupted in Los Angeles, California in January once again makes the catastrophic effects of climate change palpable.

This time around, scientists have confirmed that climate change was liable for the broling weather that set off the blazes in Los Angeles- unlike previous fires caused by negligent human actions.

Clearly, this is a wake-up call to rump up the global campaign to combat climate change; bearing in mind the withdrawal of the US, a key ally in the fight against climate change from the ‘Paris Climate Accords’ as Trump return to the White House.

Needless to say, the US withdrawal and funding cuts by American multinationals will adversely affect US-backed green energy projects in Southern Africa, Eastern Europe, Ecuador, Colombia, Bangladesh and Central Asia.

No doubt, greentech (cleantech) is batting on a sticky wicket as Trump claw back clean energy spending. This calls for a global effort to galvanize other parties (countries) still committed to the ‘Paris Accords’ to continue working together to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C (2.7° F).

For this reason, the initiative to travel to 195 countries in 365 days dubbed: (195in365initiative) set to commence in the second quarter of 2025, couldn’t have come at a better time.

Founded by father and daughter duo (Johann Hoschtialek and Jovana Hoschtialek) from Grenada; the (195in365initiative) is an unprecedented global environmental campaign aiming to inspire greater awareness for climate change as never before.

Johann Hoschtialek, an environmental advocate is the driving force behind the expedition. This Grenadian led initiative launched in Grenada in 2022 deserves global support to help preserve people and planet from the adverse impacts of climate change.

In an interview with Johann Hoschtialek- he urged passionate youth representatives and interested parties from every country willing to make a change to apply to join the (195in365 expedition).

To ensure fairness in the selection process, Johann explains: “When persons apply it will be analyzed with the assistance of local or regional organizations to sift through the applications to choose the right persons from each country.” He also called on governments, multinationals and NGOs to support the initiative with funding and assistance.

He added that: “The 195in365 expedition is a global effort to promote sustainability and all the 17 sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For it to succeed, all participants must work together to achieve the desired impact.”

The daring expedition is divided into six stretches. Starting from the Americas, to Africa, middle East, Asia, the Pacific and terminating in Europe. The logistics preparation of this world tour will involve about 20 diesel-powered sleeper buses, about 10 diesel and electric semi trucks with specialized trailers with  innovation centre, giant LED screens and a mobile stage for education and entertainment. Participants will travel 100,000 kilometers by land to over 140 countries. The rest of the countries: including islands and far- flung corners of the globe  will be reached by boats and airplane; where participants will engage the youth and communities on taking action to combat climate change and its impacts.

The convoy which will be made up of youth representatives from over 150 countries will include  scientists, journalists, climate activists and others.

Growing up in the eighties- Johann, a father of three girls was known for being extremely enthusiastic about raising awareness against deforestation and saving whales.

Four years ago, Johann Hoschtialek inspired by the sustainable living practices of his well-off neighbours-  together with his oldest daughter, Jovana Hoschtialek, also an eco- warrior decided to embrace the sustainable lifestyle. This inspired the (195in365 initiative). The Grenadan government bought into the (195in365) idea and supported Jovana to represent the youth of Grenada at COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. As you would expect, Jovana discovered that young people from across the globe at COP 27 were all deeply committed to taking action to address climate change. This was an epiphany for Jovana and her father – who was also in Egypt for COP 27. They returned to Granada and started planning for the195in365 expedition.

In each of the 195 countries, participants will focus on raising awareness, which includes showcasing environmental issues, innovations and local responses to climate change. Next is promoting climate science education and supporting communities to mitigate, adapt and become more resilient to climate change.

Lastly, participants will focus on youth mobilization, which involves engaging youth in community service projects aimed at solving sustainability challenges.

PHOTO: Johann Hoschtialek (middle) founder of the (195in365initiative)