Climate crisis is already a salient “pandemic” that seems to be ignored by a number of leaders and public institutions. As man remains the key agent of this dilemma, I see little action being taken by communities. Even at a global level, we have all seen great leaders labeling the current crisis a ‘hoax’ and thus demotivating the potential change agents for safe nature. One key observation is that countries are not joining national efforts of young people in this stewardship.
Young people form the largest population of this universe and thus their energy is critical in bringing climate justice on ground and their actions can be amplified easily. They have the time to act. Being young and most of them being in school and they are the next decision/policy makers of this world! its the time to have young people engaged in climate change activities. This will be the time to see real positive impact on earth, a moment where a no to the oil companies will be a no!
Personally I believe that the best way to engage young people in climate action is CAPACITY BUILDING with the highest concentration on adolescent zone (12-25 years) since young people will explore their full potential. In this line, I co-founded a CHANGE CLIMATE CHANGE project which looks at building capacity of young people in South western Uganda on key aspects of nature conservation, ecosystem benefits visa-v disaster risk reduction and climate change mitigation strategies globally. We hosted a national conference on this topic and planted a number of trees in catchment areas.
While Vaccines and Ventilators remain vital life support systems, Flourishing forests on health soils, safe water and clean air are basic needs for life on this shared planet.
Thus, I promise to continue with advocacy for climate action through inclusive leadership, women participation and youth voices for mother Nature.
This my pledge, and
This is y green Voice!
Mr. Nduhuura Elicana | Uganda
Campus Ambassador @ Planetary Health Alliance Co-founded @ CHANGE CLIMATE CHANGE project | Mbarara university of science and Technology