August 18 (IPS) – Our world is 1.1°C warmer today than it was in pre-industrial times, and if not urgent action could lead to an increase of 1.5°C- 2°C between 2026 and 2042. Climate change poses a serious risk fundamental rights of all people at all times.
Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and heat waves, and their effects on food and water insecurity, loss of livelihoods, famine and wildfires exacerbate inequality and disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including young people and children.
UNDP People’s Climate Vote, the largest-ever public opinion survey on climate change, found that nearly 70% of under-18s believe climate change is a global emergency. Other studies show that ‘environmental anxiety’ is on the rise, especially among young people.
A global study of 10,000 young people from 10 countries by 2021 found that more than 50% of young people feel sad, anxious, angry, helpless, helpless and guilty about climate change, while 45 % said their emotions negatively affected their daily lives.
Countries that express more anxiety tend to be poorer, such as those in the south or those in the north that are directly affected by climate change.
Young people continue to take on leading roles in influencing, advocating and demanding climate responsible behavior and stronger political will from governments and the private sector. During COP26, young leaders presented Global Youth Status Statementrepresents the views of more than 40,000 young leaders demanding their rights guaranteed in climate change agreements.
Climate school strikes have been recorded in more than 150 countries, attracting widespread public and media attention. Young leaders raised awareness in their communities, promoted lifestyle changes and concrete solutions, and advocated for the rights of vulnerable groups, including indigenous peoples, who often excluded from the decision-making process.
Even so, young people continue to say ageism is affecting their lives, jobs, political participation, health and justice. This not only reduces their happiness but also prevents society from designing inclusive social policies and services. fair to all ages.
This has led to a growing sense of hopelessness and distrust of governments’ willingness and ability to tackle climate challenges that are prominent among young people.
When the UN organized International Youth Day 2022 (on August 12)This year’s theme is Solidarity between generations: Creating a world for all ages. Action is needed from all generations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure that no one is left behind.
This is especially important in addressing climate change, considered the most significant intergenerational injustice of our time. Everyone, especially the older generations, must work with young people to achieve climate justice.
A systemic change to strengthen intergenerational solidarity is Hurry up needed to address and eliminate inequalities, and address structural barriers to meaningful youth participation.
At UNDP, we strongly believe in the importance of meaningful youth participation in decision-making, both demographically and democratically, to address the rights, needs and aspirations of young people. youth. Ours Aim higher The guide explores key ways to achieve this.
It is important to listen to the voices of young people and join them in speaking out against climate injustice. The voices of young people must be included in the decisions made now, and steps taken to ensure that they can hold the government accountable.
That’s right, all the famous climate change activists are young people. But it’s also important that older generations get involved in being active and supporting responsible climate action. This has the potential to improve trust and enhance effective collaboration.
All youth voices should be given a fair chance. Among young people, those from rural areas in the global south are more marginalized and disproportionately affected by the effects of climate injustice, but unlike Their cities have little voice.
This is due to a number of factors including the digital divide and limited resources, including visa denials, that have prevented them from executing key stages of the key planning process. book. Meaningful partnerships with youth and grassroots organizations provide opportunities for all voices to be heard.
Education is an important tool. The People’s Climate Poll shows that the most profound driver of public opinion about climate change is the education level of the respondents. Policymakers should continue to educate all generations not only about what climate change is and its effects, but more importantly about its protection and mitigation measures.
Incorporating climate-smart education from primary to tertiary education will play an important role in creating awareness and integrating climate solutions across all levels of society. .
To ignite hope and further encourage young people towards climate action, it is important that progress is celebrated. This plays an important role in strengthening the self-determination and resilience of young people to continue to thrive and not to think that their efforts are in vain.
There are 1.2 billion young people and their shared opinions will have an impact both now and in the future. Fortunately, there is good news.
Young people have played an important role in Climate promise. While young people were largely ignored in previous Nationally Defined Contributions (NDCs), 75% of the countries with the Climate Promise prioritize youth in developing their NDCs. through consultation, awareness raising and policy advocacy campaigns.
The cost of solar and wind power and electric vehicles has dropped dramatically. Between 2010 and 2019, the cost of solar fell by 85%, wind power by 55%, and lithium-ion batteries by 85%.
And over the past decade, climate finance has grown dramatically, reaching $632 billion.
Solidarity, mutual respect and understanding among young people in the North and the South around the globe on climate action, as well as their support for disadvantaged groups whose voices cannot be heard. being heard is admirable. This emphasizes important role that unity play.
Young people have been ignored in climate decisions for too long and can no longer be seen as a mere means to an end. Their present and future are at stake. Their concerns and their solutions should be at the heart of every decision-making process.
Empowering young people presents a historic, transformative and collective opportunity to accelerate inclusive green recovery, accelerate the implementation of the SDGs, and lay the foundation for a more inclusive future. peaceful and sustainable.
Ulrika Modeer as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Director of the Office of Advocacy and External Relations, UNDP and Veronica Winja Otieno as Young African Women in Leadership and Strategic Analyst, UNDP
IPS UN Office
By @IPSNewsUNBureau
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