World leaders have referenced saving the planet for ‘our children and our children’s children’ many times at COP already. But are young people being adequately included at the summit?
Today’s youth are the least to blame for the climate crisis, but without drastic changes, we will be the ones left to deal with the consequences of a warmer, more polluted world.
The average age of leaders attending COP26 is over 60, meaning that even if we’re successful in reaching net zero targets by 2050, most will be on their way out of here by that time – if they are alive at all.
Putting it mildly, it’s been difficult to accept that the people negotiating terms for our future likely won’t be around to see it. This has undoubtedly been the driver of apathy amongst leaders when putting climate change solutions into action.
And although the Scottish government invested £950k to involve children and young people in conversations on COP Fridays, many young activists are struggling to get into the event because of issues with visas, Covid restrictions, or costs of accommodation and travel in Glasgow which have risen ‘astronomically’ during the event.
It’s only right that young people make their voices be heard by any means necessary.
Despite warnings of no-entry from port authorities, a group of activists from Namibia, Uganda, Mexico, and Bangladesh boarded Greenpeace’s ship The Rainbow Warrior, and sailed along the River Clyde toward the port nearest to COP26.
The group has been in online contact for two years but had never met in person. Maria Reyes, 19, from Mexico said: ‘Even if it’s the first time we’ve met, there’s something that’s connecting us. It’s powerful for us coming from the most affected regions because we live it.’
Twenty-four-year-old Namibian activist Jakapita Kandaga echoed the same sentiment, saying: ‘We’re tired of not being listened to and we’re tired of being ignored. We are from the most affected areas, and you cannot discuss and decide on our futures without us being present.’
Scotland Police overruled port authorities’ warnings and allowed the boat to continue to its destination, in a move that the young activists called ‘important’ and ‘positive.’
Taking a new tone
But getting into the ‘exclusive zone’ where official talks are taking place has proved difficult.
Young activists have expressed feeling ‘tokenised’ by leaders, without being given a prominent voice in decision making and negotiation processes.
We know it’s not because young people aren’t informed enough about climate to make demands. One of the key requests of young activists is for politicians to stop ignoring the science, which has driven youth passion surrounding climate matters.
Greta Thunberg, who wasn’t officially invited to the event, showed up anyway with a fiery message for leaders in attendance, saying: ‘you can shove your climate crisis up your arse.’
In recent months, Miss Thunberg has expressed her disdain for COP events at liberty, noting that most discussions have never really materialised into substantial action.
‘Change is not going to come from inside there, that is not leadership. This is leadership. This is what leadership looks like,’ Greta said, in reference to the crowd of young people standing up for the climate outside the COP venue.
Talk is cheap in a crisis and world leaders need to #StopFailing.
This week the Rainbow Warrior took 4 youth climate activists from 3 continents to #COP26 so their voices can be heard.
After decades of climate talks we’re still edging ever closer to catastrophe. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/VYBXRFcgNM
While the frustrations of young climate activists outside of this year’s climate summit are one hundred percent valid, the silver lining is that world leaders have led the discussion with our future in mind.
Boris Johnson’s opening statement stressed that any form of failure at this year’s COP (and in following through with their commitments) would be unforgivable, especially in the eyes of future generations.
So far, we’ve heard from one 15-year-old activist called Vinisha Umashankar. Awarded the Earthshot Price by Prince William for her solar-powered ironing cart to cut coal usage in India, her speech touched on the urgency of preserving Earth for current and future generations.
We hope to hear from many more amazing young activists at COP26 this week – and for now, you can watch Vinisha’s inspiring speech here.
I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
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