Young people gathered to discuss global climate issues at the Children's Climate Forum in Copenhagen.
UNICEF/Copenhagen/2009
164 young people, aged 14 to 17, issued a declaration in Copenhagen today committing to personal changes in their own lives and demanding that governments take actions to protect the world from the terrible effects of climate change.
“The battle against climate change is upon all of us. We are ready to act and we invite you to join us. Climate change is affecting our lives, our families and our future.” the document states. “We must act immediately and we are ready to fulfill our commitments. We are prepared to give all we have as long as there is the possibility of saving our planet...We expect the same courage from you."
In the closing ceremony today the young people presented their declaration to the President of COP 15, Ms. Connie Hedegaard, who will take the declaration to the leaders present at the COP 15.
“It’s so good that young people from the whole world are telling us – the politicians – that the time for action is now”, Ms. Hedegaard said, addressing the 164 young delegates.
“You must tell the Politicians that they cannot leave Copenhagen empty-handed two weeks from now. Because you, the citizens – the new generation – demand us to take action now” Ms. Hedegaard continued.
The declaration recommends that:
- industrialized countries increase spending on adaption
- cities be well planned and sustainable
- safety standards, regulations and emergency protocols be established to prepare for climate induced disasters
- better water conservation
- education on sea level rise and flooding and biodiversity-related projects.
The young people also made recommendations to lower greenhouse gas emissions, which include:
- new energy-efficient technologies
- investments in sustainable transport infrastructure
- establishing a carbon trading system
- establishing new classifications for countries eg.1) industrialized countries, 2) developing countries which pollute heavily and the 3) less polluting developing countries
- national recycling plans
- compulsary climate change education in schools.
See all the action at the children's climate forum here:
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