I'm a 13 year old kid. I'm worried and have doubts about my future and the health of my planet. Climate change is real. It threatens to damage this world and change it as we know it. I'm passionate about keeping our planet clean for future generations but when I hear about the devastating effects of climate change and see more and more places like Beijing and Ahwaz (Iran), where you have to wear a mask outdoors, I feel distressed. Last year, 174 countries plus the EU signed the Paris climate deal which aims to cut carbon emissions and keep climate change below 1.5°C. However, this deal will never come into effect unless 55% of the countries with 55% of global carbon emissions ratify it! The US and China ratified it on 3 September. Combined, they make up almost 40% of global carbon emissions! Other countries have also ratified the deal. However, time is running out! For 14 consecutive months, scientists have recorded record breaking temperatures! According to the World Health Organisation, in the next 15 years, 250 000 people will be killed by climate change! Since 2008, 22 million people have been displaced due to global warming! This has to stop. South Africa makes up 1.46% of global emissions. Let's put pressure on Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa to join world-leading countries in ratifying this deal. Let's do this, SA!