Climate change has become a major environmental concern given the vast damage it has caused throughout the world : sickness, hunger, conflicts, flooding, cyclones…. Children and young people in general are very affected by the effects of climate change, and in particular those living in the most disadvantaged communities in urban slums and rural zones. The fight against climate change should then become a development priority, and it is urgent to take young people into account for whom, more than ever, the future is now at stake.
At an international level, numerous initiatives are being undertaken in order to make young people aware of this question and to involve them in decision-making. Here are some examples which have had some impact in the last few months.
Plan is launching its programme « Children in a changing climate »
This initiative, which simultaneously concerns research, action, advocacy and training, was launched by Plan in Bonn in June 2008. The major objective is to make young people’s voices heard on the impacts of climate change and to allow them to exercise an influence on measures taken, both within their families and communities and in more global negotiations, such as those within United Nations in February 2008 where they were mainly absent.
In general, children are particularly worried about the global situation and their future. Representing a vehicle for change within their community, it is crucial that their point of view and their experiences are at last heard and that they participate in political debate. In addition, investing in their education so that they learn to adapt to the consequences of climate change, represents an investment for future generations.
To listen to and read on this website :
- Radio sketches « The green fortress in the desert », « The bewitched well » and « Safe drinking water »
- The cartoon « The green fortress »
A look at the Shoot Nations 2008 photo competition
- The 48 photos selected for the 2008 edition
In the same spirit, the 2008 edition of the Shoot Nations competition, organised by Plan in partnership with Shootexperience, was about « Young people in a changing climate ». Through photography or drawings, the objective of this year’s competition was to have a global ‘snapshot’ of the way in which climate change is affecting young people throughout the world. It is a way of seeing how they view the environmental situation, to see the way in which they can act now in order to slow down changes and how to adapt to the inevitable changes to come.
Young people aged 11 to 24 years old were invited to express their views around the following 3 sub-themes :
- How is climate change affecting your life ?
- Act now – be the change !
- Your world in the future
The winning photos were exhibited during the International Youth Day 2008 in Quebec and can be seen at : http://www.shootnations.org/main/home. You can also have a look at the 48 photos selected this year at : http://www.shootnations.org/assets/images/hi-res_lightbox_050808_v4.jpg
United Nations make young people aware and invite them to take action
On 12 August earlier this year, the United Nations celebrated for the 8th consecutive year the International Youth Day based on « Youth and climate change : time for action ». This day was designed to encourage young people around the world to devote their energy and sense of initiative in building a safer and more durable planet. According to the United Nations, young people should from now on be able to participate in decision-making at a local, national and world level, and actively support initiatives geared towards the adoption of wide-reaching bills.
On top of this, it should be said that the UNDP recently published a « young people’s version » of the United Nations Human Development Report 2007/2008 about fighting against climate change. This summary, called « Two degrees of separation : between hope and dispair » , was produced by young people aged between 16 and 25 years old. They gave their vision of climate change and human development, as well as their suggestions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for adapting to global warming.
Have a look at :
The Gateway to the United Nations System’s Work on Climate Change : http://www.un.org/climatechange/
The green fortress of the desert
Children have the right to live in the best environment as possible. More and more, the desert is moving forward and is threatening to invade the village.
Safe drinking water
Children have the right to access safe drinking water. If the water is not looked after correctly there is a risk it can be contaminated.
The bewitched well
Children have the right to clean drinking water. An incredible thing happens to the village : the well’s disappeared…
The green fortress
Many villages such as Doudou are threatened by encroaching desert sands. Barley will help the villagers to protect themselves against the desertification and to preserve their environment by growing a fortress of trees around the village.
