![Youths of COP: Patrick Kohl]()
by admin | Jan 26, 2018 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
Youths of COP: A brief Q&A with people met at COP23.
Q: Please tell me about yourself.
A: My name is Patrick Kohl. I‘m 22 years old and I study Political Sciences and Public Law at the University of Bonn. Actually, I‘ve been only part of the climate change scene for a half year. Thus, I‘m quite new to everything related to climate. Since February, I‘m part of the Youth Alliance for Future Energies. We‘re a group of young people which has followed the UNFCCC-processes for several years now. In this year, we organized the 13th Conference of Youth (COY13).
Patrick was a part of the team behind COY13.
Q: What inspired you to be involved in the fight against climate change?
A: I‘m surrounded by a lot of climate activists, who fight tirelessly for climate protection at local and regional level. Their spirit is just infectious.
Q: Did COY, in any way, made a difference in your fight against climate change?
A: Sure, it was amazing to see how 1300 young people from over 114 countries worked together to find solutions to fight climate change. No matter from which region, which skin color, which financial circumstances and which gender. Everyone is concerned and willing to change the system and save the planet. This inspired me to increase my climate action and be more determined about what I‘m doing.
The people behind COY13 (Credits to the COY Team).
Q: What is the one most interesting thing about COY?
A: I already mentioned the diverse group of participants. However, what impressed in a similar way was the work of the organization team. A group of 50 young people struggled over 10 months to organize this huge youth gathering voluntarily. We put so much effort into this and only communicated via Skype and Slack. Most of us haven‘t even met before. Nevertheless, we sticked together and care for each other. This was a truly inspiring experience.
Q: What are the key messages you would like to share with youths in general?
A: Don‘t wait to start climate action! You can start it immediately with your own personal consumption or at the local level. There are so many great initiatives in every town or village. It‘s not about saving this planet, it‘s about saving us. And this can‘t wait any longer and needs the commitment of all of us.
Content and Media Provided by Patrick Kohl
Edited and Arranged by Xiandi
![Youths of COP: Julius Schlumberger]()
by admin | Jan 26, 2018 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
Youths of COP: A brief Q&A with people met at COP23.
Q: Please tell me about yourself.
A: My name is Julius Schlumberger, 23 years of age and currently living and studying in Aachen, Germany. At RWTH Aachen I am going to finish my Bachelor studies in Environmental Engineering next year. My engagement in the climate change scene started in February 2016 after successfully applying to join Youth Alliance for Future Energies. Youth Alliance for Future Energies is a youth delegation that is actively involved in the UNFCCC processes for several years now. Since SB44 I have been mainly focusing on adaptation and raising awareness for the impacts of climate change and climate policy in general. The past 10 months I was one of two coordinators responsible for organizing COY13. Besides that, I held a two-week course at a summer school for German pupils focusing on the international climate negotiations.
Julius has been active in the UNFCCC process.
Q: What inspired you to be involved in the fight against climate change?
A: I have been following developments regarding climate change, environment and sustainability for several years by participating in many Model United Nations conferences. However, reading all the news about countries failing to do the needed to save our planet, I did realize that I do not want to use all my time and energy for only participating in roleplay simulations. I realized that I want to join the voices of other young people that demand more climate action to make sure that our and the future generations do not suffer from lack of our engagement.
Q: Why did you take up the responsibility of organizing COY?
A: I was already following the planning processes around COY12 because I was convinced that COY is an amazing concept to bring together young people with different experiences and knowledge, to build new friendships and strengthen the international youth climate movement.
Given that COY is commonly organized by youth in the COP-hosting country, the decision to take the responsibility of organizing COY was a once in a lifetime decision to make. Even though I had no experience with organizing conferences at all, I decided to take the responsibility, since COY is about building capacities of youth, learning new crucial skills. Also, if you always stay in your comfort zone, you will never be able to make an impact.
Q: What is the one most interesting thing about COY?
A: The most amazing thing about COY is to see that many young people from all different parts of the world are getting together because they are all passionate about their future and the future of their children. It is extraordinary to feel all the positive energy, reflection, and optimism in workshops and discussions at COY13. The young people participating in COY13 are really interested in learning new things, sharing their experiences and find solutions to current climate change challenges.
Q: What are the key messages you would like to share with youths in general?
A: Everyone can decide how they want to live: Ignoring scientific findings, only concentrating on satisfying their own interests OR acknowledging the impact of their behavior, consumption, and commitment. Every voice matters and can make a difference. Hence, prepare yourself, connect with other like-minded people to spread your ideas and opinions to get more people involved and show decision-makers what you care about.
Content and Media provided by Julius Schlumberger
Edited and Arranged by Xiandi
![Youths of COP: Frances Mills]()
by admin | Jan 26, 2018 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
Youths of COP: A brief Q&A with people met at COP23.
Q: Please tell me about yourself.
A: I just finished studying Ocean Sciences at University of Liverpool this June. I’ve been interested in environmental problems from a young age but didn’t properly engage in environmental actions until I visited India for a summer program about environmental and social justice when I was 16. We visited communities affected by environmental disasters such as the Bhopal chemical disaster, which really opened my eyes to what is going on in the world. I got involved in activism at university, through student societies and since I graduated I have been part of the UK Youth Climate Coalition, which is an organization in the UK that campaigns for climate justice and youth involvement in the environmental movement.
Frances Mills from the UKYCC
Q: What inspired you to be involved in the fight against climate change?
A: Originally I was inspired by wanting to protect nature and specifically endangered species, but as time pass I have become more and more motivated by climate justice. Many people who have barely contributed to greenhouse gas emissions are the ones facing the worst effects of climate change, and this is something that needs to be tackled immediately. I am inspired by stories of people at the front-lines of the climate struggle and by seeing campaign wins, for example, the recent ban on fracking in Scotland. Or sometimes by watching a good David Attenborough documentary and reminding myself what we are protecting!
Q: Is there any projects you are currently undertaking that you would like to highlight?
A: We recently ran a workshop at the Conference of Youth titled ‘Do we need to take down neoliberalism to address climate change?’. I would encourage anyone interested in climate change to consider the bigger picture, our economic system, and what they think the root causes of climate change are. We aren’t taught much about economics in school (at least in the UK), and I think we don’t talk about it enough!
Actions by the UKYCC
Q: Do you have a particular topic that you are following closely on and why?
A: I am going to be closely following Fiji’s Oceans Pathway Partnership and getting involved in the YOUNGO oceans working group (for obvious reasons)! The ocean is the planet’s most important climate regulator, and a large part of its capacity to take up carbon depends on having healthy ecosystems. I don’t think we talk about the oceans enough, and the OPP could permanently establish them as part of the UNFCCC dialogue.
Q: What are the key messages you would like to share with youths in general?
A: I think any young people who are hesitating to get involved with the environmental movement should know that even if you don’t feel like you know enough, you can definitely still contribute to it ! Even by just adding to the headcount at a protest, or voting for political parties with good environmental policies. Having said that, I would encourage you to get as involved as possible – the best way to learn is on the job, and I can guarantee you will meet awesome people!
Content and Media Provided by Frances Mills
Edited and Arranged by Shariman and Xiandi
![Youths of COY: Raisa Bashar]()
by admin | Jan 26, 2018 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
Youths of COY: A brief Q&A with people met at COY13.
Q: Please tell me about yourself
A: I am a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Science and Management at the prestigious North South University of Bangladesh. I have been teaching from when I was 16 and today, 10 years later I still feel the same positive emotions and passion when I’m able to connect with my students and peers through knowledge distribution. Although I loved teaching from a young age I only became seriously interested in taking it up as a career after I understood that research is the way to go if I want to bring change, small or big. Research is motivated by teaching and vice-versa and hence, the occupation came as second nature; it was meant to be. I completed my Masters in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics from the UK’s Durham University in 2015. My aim is to get a Ph.D. and then a postdoc. in Environmental Valuation and Policy.
Raisa Bashar after a successful project presentation at the 13th Conference of Youth
Q: Could you share with us the paper that you will be presenting at COY?
A: Project Title: Understanding the Difference between Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and Climate Finance (CF): The Case of Bangladesh
Project Overview and Goals: The research will try to answer questions like how much and for what projects/programs Bangladesh has been receiving bilateral and multilateral CF support and ODA, is that fair & just compared to the climate vulnerabilities Bangladesh faces, whether the level of ODA increasing or decreasing, what are the qualitative differences in projects/programs funded by CF & ODA in Bangladesh and lastly, were there any criteria selected for defining projects as development-focused or climate-focused.
The project will try to find out a methodology to maintain the difference between CF and ODA by reviewing the info. and literature available on the inflow of CF and ODA into BD, look for the ‘additionality’ of funding as CF, over and above ODA, for CC projects and examine Bangladesh’s role, Climate Fund flow, and ODA flow compared to other LDCs. The findings of this research have great public policy relevance, as it will greatly sensitize the government agencies for the mobilization of CF and ODA.
My Involvement: I am an environmental economist with project and research experiences in the field of environmental valuation and climate change. Hence, when Dr. Mizan, the Principal Investigator of the project and a lead climate change negotiator of BD started looking for a person with a background in statistical/economic analysis, with experience to organize workshops at national levels, I successfully got selected as one of the two co-Investigators. Additionally, I want to go for a Ph.D. in a topic which will involve the policy side’s understanding. So, this project seemed like a great opportunity. I could help the climate change affected people by helping the authorities who help the victims and also learn in the process.
Raisa Bashar presenting at a research-related Inception Workshop with her country’s government (DoE, ERD, MoFin.) officials
Q: What inspired you to be involved in the fight against climate change?
A: Truly, I never really wanted to get directly involved with Climate Change. That isn’t my forte. My research interest lies in Environmental Valuation. However, I do want to help people whose lives are negatively affected and sometimes even destroyed due to environmental disasters aggravated by CC. Hence, when I got involved with the project and later, received the opportunity to share the knowledge generated through it at the best youth platform, COY13, I took it up.
Q: In your opinion, what is the most effective way to engage youth in the climate change scene?
A: To get youth involved in climate change related activities would first require an understanding of their Nature. Youth today are digital; they are more connected and knowledgeable than their previous counterparts. To reach them and effectively motivate them in the Climate Change Mitigation movement they need to be taught the bad sides of CC using entertainment like songs, dances, drama, etc.; social media platforms like Facebook should be made more CC-friendly by posting regular adverts and promotional posts to reduce resource consumption and wastage. Moreover, getting youth idols to endorse climate-friendly brands will also inspire the youth to follow.
Q: How should youths learn more about climate finance and how could they advocate for better and more effective climate finance?
A: There are a few ways to do that:
- Introduction of a mandatory school subject called Environmental Studies (primary and secondary)
- Attending events like seminars and conferences on climate change
- Going out and reaching the people affected by climate change to learn from the past mistakes and find ways to solve them
In Bangladesh, dramas related to climate change are shown in rural areas to better educate and aware the youth, so that they can take better measures to adapt to climate change.
Q: What are the key messages you would like to share with youths in general?
A: Climate change cannot be combated through division; it is to be defeated through collaboration. So, let us keep aside our differences and truly work towards what matters, together.
Content and Media Provided by Raisa Bashar
Edited and Arranged by Xiandi
![Youths of COP: Nagisa Yoshioka]()
by admin | Jan 26, 2018 | #MYD, MYD2017, YOUNGO
Youths of COP: A brief Q&A with people met at COP23.
Q: Please tell me about yourself.
A: I am Nagisa, the former representative of Climate Youth Japan. In 2012, I attended in COP18 and it was my first time to be involved in world youth climate activities. Trough the experience of COP, I found that we have the great potential and plenty of chances to take action for our future. On the other hand, I also felt that the presence of Japanese youths was a little weaker compared to others, which is why I decided to be a part of climate activism. Now, I’m studying international studies at the University of Tokyo as a master student and working on some climate-related research projects such as climate-induced migration in Pacific islands and climate risk insurance in Southeast Asia. Due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of natural disaster are supposed to be increasing, which leads to serious impacts on vulnerable communities in developing regions. Keeping my eyes not only on the global context of climate change but also on people who are affected by climate change is my motto.
Q: What inspired you to be involved in the fight against climate change?
A: Youth is what exactly inspired me! We can collaborate beyond the border to achieve our ambitious goal, “climate justice”. I always imagine the future world where we are initiating our own countries. We can definitely make a difference in this world if we successfully keep our mind and ambition.
Q: Is there any projects you are currently undertaking that you would like to highlight?
A: Now, we Climate Youth Japan is committing to Olympics in 2020, which is supposed to be taken place in Tokyo. We’re going to make it “Susteinalympics”, which means incorporating the view of sustainability into the world biggest sports festival and build a youth legacy for the following future. Through getting inspiration from Japanese youth’s action and thinking of the future of youth from different backgrounds, we attempt to make it real in 2020.
Youths from Climate Youth Japan
Q: What recommendation would you give to youths attending COP?
A: What I want to advice is that you should make it clear what kind of topics you are interested, that is specifying your objective is a key tip. As you probably know, COP has so many formal/ informal meetings and side events as well. Your days will basically be filled with plans, and it’s still too hard to track negotiation because there are so many topics being dealt with in COP. In my case, I focused on Loss and Damage and attended all open meetings and side events associated with it. (I also recommend you to read some negotiation drafts before COP just to get used to technical terms…) However, keeping your interest broader to some extent and being open-minded is also important. COP is a great chance to get to know about various organizations tackling climate change, and you might discover your future career path.
Q: What are the key messages you would like to share with youths in general?
A: We have a great role in being the connection between our generation and the future generation. I believe that we youths can change our society and even our world if we can cooperate with each other and involve people by showing our passion. I really hope you guys are continuously working on climate change and broaden our network on the global scale, and approach people locally at the same time!
Content and Media provided by Nagisa Yoshioka
Edited and Arranged by Xiandi
![REDD+ for who?]()
by admin | Jan 10, 2018 | #MYD, MYD2017, UNFCCC
REDD+ is an initiative borne out of the Bali Action Plan, under the mitigation section, which seeks countries to reduce emissions from forest degradation and deforestation on top of “fostering conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.” REDD+ projects are funded by the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility and the UN-REDD Program.
Reducing deforestation and forest degradation is seen as one of the most effective ways to battle emission as they are the second leading cause of global warming. Hindering deforestation is a significant source of avoiding carbon emissions as it prevents large stocks of carbon from being released over a short period of time, whereas afforestation activities is such that it absorbs small stocks of carbon over longer time periods.
This initiative, along with sustainable forest management helps to preserve water resources and prevent flooding, reduces run-offs, controls soil erosion, reduces silver siltation, protects fisheries and investment in hydropower facilities, among others, on top of mitigating climate change.
The REDD+ initiative is intended to bring benefits for developing countries, yet the initiative is such that it can also incur risks to the people and environment. For instance, natural forests may be converted or community displacement may lead to the loss of livelihoods.
The Cancun Safeguards are meant to address these risks and they were agreed to at COP16 in 2010. At COP17 and COP19, in Durban and Warsaw, respectively, these safeguards were adopted along with a safeguards information system as well as a provision of summaries on how all of the Cancun requirements are being addressed and respected throughout the REDD+ implementation. The REDD+ program provides tools and guidance that will enable parties to pursue a flexible country-specific safeguards approach that takes into account national circumstances, contexts and capacities, so that the safeguards requirement are fulfilled.
Indigenous people at COP23 (photo credit – earthjournalism.net)
With this initiative set in place, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through degradation may be mitigated whilst at the same time ensuring the safeguards of indigenous people (IP) inhabiting these forests are upheld, right? Wrong. In a compilation study done by scientists Juan Pablo Sarmiento and Anne Larson, from the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), the findings suggest that allegations have been made by IP against REDD+ implementations on the grounds of (i) Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and (ii) the rights to territory and self-determination.
Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)
It is imperative that IP are involved in the REDD+ process, yet there are allegations that decision-making have been done prior to consultation with the local community, and in order to manipulate the expectations of those communities, information is withheld. Furthermore, even in countries where FPIC is upheld, it has been implemented on the basis of communication purposes rather than involving IP in the actual decision making without clear and strict guidelines.
To add to that, even if FPIC were to be implemented, such a framework cannot be fulfilled if IP communities within the forest are not recognised in the first place. Hence, in order to effectively implement FPIC, actions must be taken to secure the land rights of these minority groups.
Territory and Self-determination
According to Sunderland et al (2014), it is revealed that where land tenure is unclearly defined, REDD+ implementation takes place there, which is concerning considering that half of the world’s tropical forests are those belonging to IP, yet they are struggling to defend these rights. A study by Jacob et al. (2017) suggests that claim to disputed land by private and state actors are driven by the monetary incentives facilitated by REDD+.
Written by Syaqil
References
- Rights abuse allegations in the context of REDD+ readiness and implementation
- What is REDD+? – Forest Carbon Partnership Facility
- REDD+: conservation is not the deal at all – Forest Industries
