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Heroes

We didn't believe it. So we fact-checked it (twice). Now let's talk about how to take it worldwide.

Note: This #UpChat has concluded, but don't worry! You can check out our recap of the discussion below and here.It's happening — what you've all been waiting for ... an #UpChat (on Twitter!) to talk about climate change, leading up to the United Nations 2014 Climate Summit. This is not a drill, y'all. Be there on Monday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. Eastern time to talk realities and solutions with us!

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Unilever and the United Nations

So you might have heard that Upworthy is doing something special for the upcoming United Nations Climate Summit ... like, say, a Twitter chat about climate change.

Talking about climate change can be frustrating. Like, ugh, climate change, right? Sometimes it feels like we're too busy debating people about whether it's real to put any real solutions in place. It's disheartening! Kinda makes you wanna give up, right? Because it certainly makes me want to sometimes.


(Pictured: me, giving up. Because climate change.)

But here's the thing: It doesn't have to be this way. Check this out:

That's right! The German state of Schleswig-Holstein (yes, Germany has states — 16 of them!) is kickin' butt and takin' names when it comes to renewable energy.

The first time I saw this stat, I didn't believe it, so I looked it up.

Then after I did that, I was still unsure, so I had Upworthy's crack team of fact checkers look it up. And here's what they found: This is legit. And that's amazing.

More importantly, these results don't have to be limited to a state in Germany. (No offense to Germany.) This could be every nation in the world working together, contacting their world leaders, and asking for action. So this isn't really all that hopeless after all. We can act together on climate change — and the time is now.

Exciting, right?!

(Pictured: me, being excited. Because OMG, talking about climate change!)

So, where are you going with this exactly?

Um, we're going somewhere amazing — otherwise known as the Internet (you know, the place where you're reading this right now) for an #UpChat!

Sounds great! But what exactly is an #UpChat? What's the deal here?

An #UpChat is just a casual chat on Twitter where we discuss a certain topic. This chat will be about climate change — specifically, what's the deal with climate change, how it's affecting the lives of everyday people across the world, and what steps we can take as a global community to take action. It will be with Upworthy (hi!), the United Nations, and tons of other participants (including you!). Basically, it's going to be really fun and really educational. And what's better than that? (Answer: nothing. #UpChats are the best.)

OK, can you tell me what I can do now?

I love your enthusiasm! The biggest, most crucial part of all this is to have people like YOU — yes, I am talking about YOU — join in and make your voice heard! Here are the three steps to get this educational party started:

  1. Follow @Upworthy on Twitter.
  2. Check out the #UpChat and #Climate2014 hashtags on 9/15 at 11 a.m. Eastern — and join in the conversation!
  3. Check out all the awesome folks joining us, including Christiana Figueres, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). You can learn more about the UNFCCC in the Newsroom.

BUT I JUST CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THEN. I NEED TO DO SOMETHING NOWWWW.

I know it's hard! I can't wait either. But you and me, pal, we can get through this trying time together. In the meantime, here's some other neat stuff you can check out to get pumped:

...aaaaand that's all, folks! You are now officially prepared for #UpChat! See you on Twitter on Monday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. Eastern time!

All photos courtesy of The Coca-Cola Company

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