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MULTIMEDIA
May 27, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 

[OPINION] Give us young people a seat at the climate negotiations

10 December 2009 / BÜŞRA KAYA, MAJA WÄSTFELT, TODAY’S ZAMAN
Today there is much talk about the climate being taken seriously. Fortunately, awareness has increased, but not enough. Climate change is a big challenge; we must do something about it. The climate change summit in Copenhagen is happening now. You can get involved and influence people!
Climate change mainly affects people in poor countries and children are especially vulnerable. In addition, they often do not feel that they have the right to be heard and thus have little opportunity to make a difference. Despite this, many young people around the world want change. It is our future and we will live with the consequences. But we are also part of the present and therefore adults should listen to us now!

There are many examples of children and young people contributing to major changes. One example is the mangrove trees in Poro, the Philippines. These trees prevent flooding and other natural disasters. The only problem is that they are cut down for firewood and fodder, even though this is illegal. The children in the area have not only begun to protect the mangroves from being plundered, but are also planting new trees. This is to reduce the risks of floods and other natural disasters. Natural phenomena don’t need to become disasters.

Climate change will create more extreme weather. Therefore, we must continue with preventive measures, such as those in Poro. But above all, we must solve the fundamental problem by reducing our use of greenhouse gases.

You can:

* Use a bike instead of a car.

* Recycle instead of just throwing rubbish away.

* Reduce your meat consumption.

* Influence politicians and put pressure on those in power.

* Buy green electricity.

* Spread the word!

We are trying to change the future we face. It is time to take this to the next level and we will need your help! We are part of Plan Sweden (an organization for children’s rights) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Youth Forum and we will have representatives at the climate meeting in Copenhagen where our main goal will be to bring up young people’s action and provide information on what happens during negotiations from the perspective of young people. Join us and keep track of the negotiations on our blog klimstbloggen.plansverige.org which will be active from Friday, Dec. 11.

*Büşra Kaya and Maja Wästfelt are members of  Plan Sweden and UNDP Youth Forum.
 
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