Youth Voices at COP16 inspire cooperative action

The involvement of youth voices at the UN climate summit is anticipated to motivate young people to become involved in action against climate change as well as promoting collective action for the future.

A press release issued yesterday (Wednesday 8th December) by TakingITGlobal (TIG) revealed that 24 youth delegates from around the world are participating in the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16), discussing climate change alongside governments and heads of states.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) includes participation from delegates from the 194 parties to the UNFCCC as well as representatives from industry and business, research institutions, and environmental organisations. The involvement of various groups and stakeholders in the talks are anticipated to improve a collective movement towards accepting and addressing climate change.

Young people will attend the talks as representatives of TIG, which runs the Tread Lightly Programme, a climate change initiative supported by Staples Foundation for Learning, the charitable arm of Staples Inc.

TIG is aware that many young people throughout the world are concerned about the rising and urgent effects on the planet from global warming, and their desire to be involved in climate action. The innovative climate change education programme, Tread Lightly, aims to provide opportunities for youths to learn about the global impact of global warming as well as how to take action on a localised level.

Presence in COP16, which opened on Monday 29th November, will provide the occasion for young delegates to learn how international climate conferences aid in adapting to the changing climate. Being presented with both a top down and bottom up action framework, youths are left with a broad vision of the global potential in dealing with important climate issues.

Another way the Tread Lightly programme anticipates inspiring action on environmental issues is through exhibiting artwork at COP16. A range of creative work submitted to the environmentally themed Imprints Art contest will be on display and workshops and presentations will take place during the conference.

Last year, the Tread Lightly Imprints Art contest posed the question: If you could visualise your ecological footprint, what would it look like? The artwork and the programme's presence at COP16 are expected to inspire thought and debate about pressing issues.

Today (9th December 2010), the Tread Lightly programme aims to bring together students in classrooms around the world, via technology in their innovative climate change education programme. This will "bring together students in classrooms around the world to discuss actions on reducing ecological footprints," state Tread Lightly.

COP16 is widely expected to be unsuccessful in reaching a binding international treaty however a changing politics for climate change appears to be becoming collectively accepted in talks. With strong collective support for clean energy and focusing on domestic green targets, the political scene appears to have become more focused on a national and local level. The inclusion of youth delegates in talks and the encouragement of involvement worldwide are anticipated to improve cooperative action for the future.

Author: Marianna Keen | Climate Action

Image: linh.m.do/ Flickr