Celebrities join #eyesonParis climate campaign for Oxfam

Oxfam Global Ambassadors Angélique Kidjo, Baaba Maal and Miguel Bosé, alongside many other celebrities, have shared an eyes-only selfie on social media to tell world leaders they have their #eyesonParis for action on climate change.

Oxfam is asking the public to join the campaign too, by taking a photo of their eyes and posting the image on social media with the hashtag #eyesonParis, starting Thursday, November 5.

The campaign is calling for the best climate deal for the world’s poorest people who are already going hungry because of climate change. Oxfam wants the talks in Paris, which take place from November 30 - December 11, to result in cuts to emissions, and more funds to help those most vulnerable adapt to the effects of climate change.

Other celebrities lining up with Oxfam and who have their #eyesonParis include Jamie Oliver, Simon Pegg, Naomie Harris, Vivienne Westwood and Naomi Klein. They are joining a swell of people around the world, including those on the frontline of climate change, who are demanding action.

Grammy Award-winning and Benin-born singer, Angélique Kidjo said, "All eyes must be on Paris to ensure that world leaders make promises that truly tackle climate change once and for all. It is women and girls who feed Africa and the world, and it is they who are suffering the most from our warming world."

Senegalese music icon, Baaba Maal said, "I have my eyes on Paris because living in Senegal and travelling across the continent, I have seen how the climate has changed, how the land is getting drier and how people are getting hungrier. These people - whose livelihoods often rest entirely on being able to grow food - urgently need to see real actions by world leaders. They need to deliver concrete ways for people to adapt and survive climate change. I will not stop watching, nor will the African continent, until their future is secure."

Latin superstar and climate activist Miguel Bosé said: “I want to be able to look world leaders in the eye and say enough is enough, climate change is a global problem where poor people are already being hit hardest, and we need the best possible deal in Paris to do something about it.”

Oxfam International Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima said: “I am proud to join Oxfam’s Global Ambassadors Angélique Kidjo, Baaba Maal, and Miguel Bosé, alongside many others, in calling for action in Paris. Millions of lives are at risk due to the devastating effects of climate change, like droughts and super storms. This will only worsen if governments don't reach a fair climate deal. People across the world want our political leaders to act. We all have our eyes on Paris.”

Actress and star of the new James Bond film “Spectre,” Naomie Harris said, "After Paris, I want world leaders to be able to look us in the eye, knowing that they have agreed the best possible deal to tackle climate change and set us on course to a safer future."

Climate activist and best-selling author, Naomi Klein said: “In Paris, we need leaders with the courage to steer us off the path of increased warming and poverty and towards a path of climate stability and greater equality. We are watching.”

Actor, writer and producer, Simon Pegg said, "It's unbelievable we live in a world where some people still deny climate change. We all share planet earth and we all should care what goes on in Paris for the sake of future generations. I'm supporting Oxfam while they turn a global spotlight on this massive issue which affects the world's poorest people the most."

Renowned fashion designer, Dame Vivienne Westwood said: "All eyes are on Paris. We must begin now to stop climate change. Poor people are suffering more and the numbers are increasing."

Other celebrities who have their eyes on Paris with Oxfam include Paloma Faith, Andreya Triana, Shaun Keaveny, Sara Cox, Rankin and Nina Wadia.

People can join the campaign by taking a photograph of their eyes and posting it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #eyesonParis.

Climate change is already forcing poor people into a life of hunger and having a detrimental effect on their lives. Oxfam International's Executive Director Winnie Byanyima and an Oxfam delegation will be in Paris urging negotiators to take global action and support those communities that are least responsible for climate change, yet are the most vulnerable its effects.

Oxfam is calling for the following to come out of the Paris COP:

- The deal in Paris should contain an agreement to pledge further cuts in emissions before the end of the decade. Commitments in the new post 2020 agreement need to be reviewed and improved every five years to ensure we limit the global temperature rise to below 1.5°C to have any hope of keeping warming below a dangerous level. 

- Rich countries must deliver on promised climate finance now and commit to providing more after 2020, as part of a new Paris agreement, so developing countries can adapt and develop in a low carbon way.

- The private sector must publicly champion a fair and ambitious deal, and governments must turn their backs on vested interests, like the fossil fuel industry, intent on weakening a climate deal.