Football strips and climate stripes!

Do you think that football unites the world?  Maybe this is particularly true at the time of the World Cup? Did you know that a record 10 African teams have made it through to the 2026 World Cup … Tunisia, Cape Verde, Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, DR Congo, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Morocco! Africa is a vast continent of 54 countries - can you find all 10 teams on a map?

Climate Change also unites the world … it is impacting our whole planet, and the actions we take here in our country, in our homes, can influence the impacts felt by those in other countries around the world. Have you heard of Climate Injustice? Climate Injustice describes how countries that have done the least to cause climate change - emitting the least carbon emissions - are already suffering the worst effects. Countries across Africa, South Asia and the Pacific are among those most affected. Does this seem fair to you? Climate Injustice is a key reason why we, as Young Climate Warriors, take action every week!

This week’s challenge is to play some games, to start a conversation about our world … in addition to talking about the World Cup. Ask your brother or sister, your parent or carer, your grandparent or cousin, your neighbour or classmate to join you in playing one of these games:a) the African game of Mancala (instructions on link) – you need 48 little stones/Lego pieces/peanuts/jelly beans/raisins and a large egg box; b) a game of football – but with a homemade football (see how to make one via this link) - made from bits of recycling! In some countries in Africa, children make their own footballs - a brilliant way to get creative, work together and make something using things like plastic bags, string, old newspaper and even banana leaves! What will you make yours out of? c) or try your luck at Climate Change Snakes and Ladders. 

A footballer’s kit is often called a ‘strip’ … and it's #ShowYourStripes day on 20^th June… stripes not strips! Have you seen these stripes before … the ‘Warming stripes’ are a striking way of showing how Earth’s temperature has changed since the mid-1800s, when the Industrial revolution started the large-scale burning of fossil fuels that continues to warm our planet today. But check this out – warming stripes on the Reading Football Team 2022/23 home strip … climate change and football coming together! This weekend look out for more ‘warming stripes’ on buildings near you.

When you have played one of these games and given ‘airtime’ to our planet in more ways than just the World Cup, then email Kate – hello@youngclimatewarriors.org – and let her know!