When 12-year-old California eight grader Ismachiah Oduwole found out in mid-November that his entire family had saved for 10 months for him to go to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, he was not only excited, he realized he only had 24 hours to pack his bags and get ready for what seemed a trip of a life time.

To prevent him asking a thousand questions between February and the day of the trip, his parents did all they could to keep the trip away from him, so he could focus on two things – first, his schoolwork, and then second, his two soccer leagues at United and ASO Select in Santa Clarita California.

Then he had an idea on the way to buy himself a US Soccer Jersey, with just 12 hours before his flight. He recognized a very unique opportunity. “What if I took a soccer ball and explained why more people should do things that helps reduce the causes and impact of Climate change”, Ismachiah said.

I don’t have a big stage to speak, but I can get everyone onto my small stage, to think about our planet especially Climate.

From South America to Europe, Africa and North America, the Middle- East and Asia, they lined up to sign his ball for climate in Qatar. On the Doha train, in restaurants, after a football game, in the Souks, and on the streets, everyone from an entire football federation delegation from Saudi Arabia, to various sports officials, family members, and ordinary fans – from England, Ecuador, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, the US, Ethiopia, Senegal, Canada, Morocco, Syria, Netherlands, Wales and many others – signed the ball to show they would do more, for Climate mitigation when they get back home.

“I have done something besides just watching the US game in Qatar. It’s up to you all now, to do something too, on climate,” Oduwole said.

An England fan after Climate ball signing in Qatar

Canadian fans sign Climate Ball in Qatar

Argentina fan signs the Ball for Climate in QATAR

Watching the US Wales Match in Qatar

With Dutch Fans in Qatar After Ball Signing

With Morocco Fans in Qatar After Ball Signing

Syrian Tea Seller Signs Climate Ball in Doha Market QATAR

Brazilian and Columbian Fans in Qatar after Ball Signing

Columbian fan signs ball for Climate in Qatar

Ethiopian Fan Signs Climate Ball in Qatar