Youths from Bangladesh and other parts of the world demanded immediate actions to address global climate change and move for negotiation in COP 27 from the world leaders.
They demanded keeping the increase of average global temperature within 1.5° C, stopping fossil burning and using renewable energy, and providing compensation for countries affected by climate change.
They also spoke about giving climate responsibility to residents of developed countries, ensuring protection funds for women and children affected by climate change and ensuring adequate funding and technical support for adaptation.
Youths made the calls at a two-day virtual event titled ‘Bangladesh Youth COP 2022’ held on September 17 and 18.
The pre-COP conference was organised by the Brighters Society of Bangladesh, with the support of ActionAid Bangladesh.
We try to reflect on the youth voice and their recommendations in COP and engage them progressively, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Member of the Parliament said as the chief guest in the closing session of ‘Bangladesh Youth COP 2022’.
At the COP 26 conference, there was no progress in addressing issues faced by women affected by climate change and improving their situation. This issue must be seriously considered in COP 27, demanded youth participants.
There should be special allocations of support for women affected by climate change, they demanded.
International Children's Peace Prize winner and youth icon Greta Thunberg as a special guest said, “The powerful voices of global north say they pledged to be climate neutral by 2050, turning everyone back to sleep.”
If they cared, they would immediately reduce their emission for the benefit of billions of people, she continued.
“But they are not caring, they are not being honest. Instead, they are spending their time actively delaying the necessary changes and prolonging their business as usual for their own benefit,” she added.
UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis as a special guest stated, “The voices of young people are being reflected and integrated into these plans. Now we need action. We need to know young people‘s perspectives on climate issues.’’
Prof Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Center for Climate Change and Development suggested not keeping high hopes from COP 27.
“We already entered the era of loss and damage of climate change. We need to highlight the loss and damage issues in the COP. Polluters of the world must agree and pay to the sufferers of pollution. Young people need to act as leaders and activists to advocate and engage others,’’ Prof Huq added.
Reefat bin Sattar, Director, Program, Development & Quality, Save The Children in Bangladesh, Ainun Nishat, emeritus professor, BRAC University, Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh also spoke at the event.
