A Handbook for Navigating the Fight for the Planet

Boxing, one of the world’s oldest sports, reflects the enduring struggle between humanity and our changing planet. Just as each bout in the ring is the ultimate battle for a fighter, the climate crisis is the greatest challenge of our time—a fight we cannot afford to lose.

Where does this fight take place? In the unique rings of our daily lives. Each person’s climate ring is distinct, shaped by their environments and circumstances, and our approaches to climate action will also differ. For example, some of us will volunteer in our communities, while others will be fighting for literal survival. Our experiences in the climate movement differ by geography, privilege, and responsibility. Though our fights may seem separate, we are all advancing together on a collective journey toward a livable planet.

To navigate this journey, we must commit ourselves, continuously learning what works and what doesn’t. This means taking action, resting, listening, slowing down, caring for each other, showing empathy, and maintaining commitment. It also requires showing courage and standing firm against extractive and oppressive systems. Boxers and activists alike must pace themselves, strategize, and recover to perform their best.

Muhammad Ali, boxer and activist, said, “The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” This reminds us that it isn’t just the big knock-out moments that matter, but also the build-up and the preparations. The ring is where the cumulative results of our daily efforts bear fruit.

This zine is a handbook to help guide you through the fight for the planet. Carry it with you, gather your thoughts, uplift your communities, and be fearless in the work necessary to win when you step into the ring.

Seconds out. Round one.

When Swissnex sought to stand out amidst the hundreds of events at the bustling Climate Week NYC festival, we wanted to highlight Swiss ingenuity and collaborative spirit in the global fight for the planet. Then, it hit us—climate change truly is the fight of the century. So, we decided to bring that fight to life with Climate Ring, our boxing-inspired exploration and celebration. Across 12 rounds of eclectic discussions, exhibitions, and performances spanning science, innovation, and the arts, we aim to invoke the spirit of boxing—training, discipline, agility, strategy, joy, endurance, and solidarity—all of which are also essential in the fight for the planet.

To make this theme work, we needed to address head-on the language required for the fight. Choosing and using the right words is crucial to how we frame our challenges, relate to allies, build coalitions, and make global issues feel solvable by everyday citizens. That’s why we collaborated with Climate Words, a NYC-based organization with Swiss connections, to bring their mission of climate literacy to the Climate Ring. The result is a workshop organized by Climate Words, titled “What Words Can Save the World?”, Round 1 of our 12-round series.

As Climate Words focuses on recruiting experts and climate fighters from around the world to craft definitions for hundreds of key climate terms, Swissnex also invited them to present some selected definitions relevant to the workshop from their growing database. This handbook is the result. We hope these words inspire us all to deepen our knowledge in the communal fight for planet Earth.

We are also inspired by the efforts of Swiss organizations— from universities, research institutes, and startups, to regional and international organizations—all working collaboratively to develop climate solutions. At Swissnex, our goal is to highlight the best of Swiss education, research, and innovation, and connect it to the world. The ‘Swiss climate fighters’ presented here represent just one small slice of the vibrant communities across Switzerland fighting for a thriving planet.