NEW YORK (Mainichi) -- "Don't choose extinction. Save your species before it's too late." Ahead of the 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference known as COP26 beginning Oct. 31, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released a new video in which a prehistoric delegate implores humanity not to take the same path as the dinosaurs.

       The video of the dinosaur's address to the U.N. General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York has been viewed on the UNDP's official Twitter account more than 880,000 times.

       In it, a dinosaur makes a sudden appearance at the general assembly. Addressing shocked world leaders and diplomats, it reflects on its own kind's extinction to admonish humanity: "Driving yourselves extinct? In 70 million years, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard." It criticizes the huge public funds countries spend on subsidizing fossil fuels, and asks: "At least we had an asteroid. What's your excuse?" The address concludes with a call for action: "It's time for you humans to stop making excuses and start making changes."

       A dinosaur is seen addressing the U.N. General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York about climate change, in this image provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

       The video has been released on a number of platforms including the UNDP official website. It says there are versions in at least 15 languages including English and French. A Japanese version with subtitles is available.

       An official at the program released a statement stressing that while the video itself is enjoyable, it discusses the most pressing issue there is today. They also said that to preserve the Earth's safety for future generations, the world must strengthen its response to climate change.

       The campaign's website is accessible at: https://dontchooseextinction.com/en

       (Japanese original by Toshiyuki Sumi, New York Bureau)

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