Young people take to the streets of Nepal to raise awareness of climate change. © Unite for Climate
By Sonal Nandanwar
Young people in Nepal have taken a unique approach to voicing their concerns about climate change. Around 70 youngsters danced and chanted in three popular public spots in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, to raise awareness about how climate change is threatening vulnerable communities.
The event, organised for the Global Day of Action 2010, saw young people take to the streets with posters and painted faces urging the public to call on world leaders to take immediate action on mitigating climate change and support impacted community to adapt with the crisis at the recent UN climate talks.
The livelihoods of Nepalese people are closely linked to the environment so extreme changes in temperature and weather could prove to have devastating consequences on the society and economy as well as the environment. Nepal is already experiencing temperature increases between 0.04 C and 0.08 C a year, despite Nepal’s insignificant GHG emissions. The need to take action is clearly more important now then it ever has been before.
These young dancers have helped by not only spreading the word about climate change to the crowds of onlookers, but proving to leaders that young people all over the world have the energy, spirit and determination to tackle the issue of climate change. The youth-led event was praised and supported by many people including Nepal’s Ex-Environment Minister, Mr Ganesh Shah and was an important step in making sure young people, particularly in countries where climate change is felt the most, have their voices heard on such a global issue.