THIS year is poised to break temperature records, underscoring the world’s failure to meet commitments to the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to limit the rise in global temperature to below 1.5C. The stakes are high, with over one billion children’s lives in jeopardy due to the climate crisis. Recognising the urgent need for action, young people stand ready to take the lead on climate action.

As part of the Paris Agreement, states pledged to respect, promote, and consider the rights of children and intergenerational equity when taking climate action. Despite this agreement eight years ago, there has been a lack of significant child-sensitive climate policy initiatives or investments. The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai marks a critical moment for world leaders to address the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, providing an opportunity to put children’s unique vulnerabilities, needs and rights at the heart of the COP28 outcomes.

We are excited about the increased participation and presence of youth, especially from underrepresented communities such as indigenous groups, refugees, and children with disabilities. Children and young people have a special stake in preserving their future and are uniquely vulnerable to climate-related issues. The injustice lies in children being the least responsible for climate change but bearing the greatest burden of its consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to involve children and youth in designing climate policies and negotiations.

Young people effecting real change

Last month, in the lead up to COP28, we organised the COP28 Youth Aspirations Dialogue, a collaborative event between the European Union delegation to Malaysia and the Youth Environment Living Labs. This dialogue was youth-led and culminated in the handover of youth aspirations for COP28 to the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry. We wanted to make sure youth voices are factored in when the Malaysian delegation is at the negotiating table.

Among the aspirations collected at the dialogue are just transition to renewable energy, funding for youth-led environmental initiatives, the need for quality climate education and skills development, and support for youth climate advocates to engage with decision-makers at different levels.

The transition to renewable energy, one of the priorities of COP28, is a global effort. Much of the world, including Malaysia, is actively moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy. A major concern of this transition is making sure that it does not happen at the expense of people and the environment. A “Just Transition” is a transition that is fair, equitable and is minimising the impact on people and the environment.

The design of this transition should be inspired by innovation and existing sustainable practices, developed by young people themselves. We would like to highlight Jejak Warisan as a youth-led environmental initiative based in Terengganu that showcases how traditional knowledge and practices to adapt to climate change can open paths for a sustainable future. These are the types of initiatives that need support and funding. Youths bring with them a long-term perspective that is often overlooked. Young people are inclined to consider the interests of future generations, thus ensuring environmental sustainability.

Young people want to see comprehensive climate education included in school curriculums. It should start by emphasising the ethos of thinking globally while acting locally—instilling an awareness of global climate challenges while empowering students to take impactful actions within their immediate communities. Climate education should remain open and adaptable, embracing diverse learning pathways beyond conventional approaches.

To support engagement of youth climate advocates with decision-makers, Unicef Youth Climate Champions are working on the Children and Youth Council on Climate Change to provide a platform for youths to get involved in shaping climate policies. It will also act as a link between the government, civil society, and the younger generation. This is a model of how youth voices can be meaningfully incorporated in shaping future climate policies.

COP28 will also see the first-ever global stocktake that will determine if our collective efforts are on the right track towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. Unicef is calling on leaders to embed children and intergenerational equity in this exercise. The global stocktake will inform the next round of nationally determined contribution (NDCs) submissions. Having a strong focus on children will set a precedent for greater inclusion in all future NDCs.

Climate action every day

Beyond COP28, lasting climate action lies in the transformative actions that resonate in the everyday lives of communities worldwide. Real change means taking concrete actions that benefit everyone. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, we want to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a better, more inclusive, healthier future.

The decisions made at COP28 will have far-reaching implications, and it is crucial that we seize this opportunity to drive meaningful action and protect the planet for future generations. The involvement of young people meets the need for sustained, inclusive, and equitable climate action.

Today, more than ever, young people are exercising their right to participate in the matters that affect them the most. Climate action matters. Young people are ready to see this through.

Unicef stands with them. Will you? – December 10, 2023.

* Aidil Iman, Mogesh Sababathy, Nurfatin Hamzah, Sara Eisya are Unicef Malaysia Youth Climate Champions. Robert Gass is Unicef representative in Malaysia.
 

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.