The deadly firestorms that erupted in Los Angeles, California, in January once again highlight the catastrophic effects of climate change.
This time, scientists have confirmed that climate change was directly responsible for the scorching weather that fueled the blazes in Los Angeles—unlike previous fires that were caused by negligent human actions.
Clearly, this is a wake-up call to ramp up the global campaign against climate change, especially in light of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
The U.S. withdrawal, coupled with funding cuts by American multinational corporations, will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences, particularly for U.S.-backed green energy projects in Southern Africa, Eastern Europe, Ecuador, Colombia, Bangladesh, and Central Asia.
With clean technology (cleantech) facing significant setbacks due to Trump’s rollback on climate policies, the world must galvanize the remaining signatories of the Paris Agreement to stay committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C (2.7°F).
Against this backdrop, the upcoming 195in365 Initiative—an ambitious plan to visit 195 countries in 365 days, set to begin in the second quarter of 2025—could not be more timely.
A Father-Daughter Duo Leading a Global Environmental Movement
Founded by father and daughter duo Johann Hoschtialek and Jovana Hoschtialek from Grenada, the 195in365 Initiative is an unprecedented global environmental campaign designed to inspire greater awareness and action on climate change like never before.
Johann Hoschtialek, an environmental advocate, is the driving force behind the expedition. This Grenadian-led initiative, launched in 2022, deserves global support as it seeks to protect both people and the planet from the devastating effects of climate change.
In an interview, Johann encouraged passionate youth representatives and interested individuals from around the world to apply to join the 195in365 expedition.
To ensure fairness in the selection process, he explained:
“Applications will be reviewed with the assistance of local and regional organizations to select the right representatives from each country.”
He also called on governments, multinational corporations, and NGOs to provide funding and support for the initiative.
A Global Effort for Sustainability
Johann emphasized the broader vision of the expedition:
“The 195in365 expedition is a global effort to promote sustainability and all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For it to succeed, all participants must work together to achieve meaningful impact.”
The journey is divided into six segments, covering the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, and Europe.
Logistics of the World Tour
This ambitious global tour will involve:
20 diesel-powered sleeper buses 10 diesel and electric semi-trucks equipped with specialized trailers, an innovation center, giant LED screens, and a mobile stage for educational events and entertainment A 100,000-kilometer land journey across 140+ countries Travel to remote islands and distant regions via boats and airplanes, where participants will engage communities on climate action and resilience strategies
The convoy, comprising youth representatives from over 150 countries, will also include scientists, journalists, climate activists, and other experts.
A Lifelong Commitment to Environmental Advocacy
Johann Hoschtialek, a father of three, has been passionate about environmental advocacy since the 1980s, particularly in the fight against deforestation and whale conservation.
Four years ago, inspired by the sustainable living practices of his well-off neighbors, Johann and his eldest daughter, Jovana, embraced a sustainable lifestyle—leading to the birth of the 195in365 Initiative.
The Grenadian government backed the initiative, enabling Jovana to represent the youth of Grenada at COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. At the summit, she discovered that young people worldwide were deeply committed to climate action. This realization became a turning point for both Jovana and Johann, motivating them to return to Grenada and begin planning for the 195in365 expedition.
Three Core Focus Areas of the Expedition
In each of the 195 countries, the expedition will focus on three key objectives:
Raising Awareness Showcasing local environmental challenges, innovations, and responses to climate change Promoting Climate Science Education Equipping communities with scientific knowledge to help them mitigate, adapt, and build resilience against climate change Youth Mobilization Engaging young people in community service projects to address sustainability challenges
With the world at a critical juncture in the climate crisis, the 195in365 Initiative seeks to unite people globally in the fight against climate change. It is an urgent call to action—one that requires collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to securing a livable future for generations to come.
