Young people raise their voices to demand immediate action from COP26 leaders

 

Jessica Albuquerque, for NINJA Collaborative Coverage at COP26

Young researchers from Cambridge Zero and Bath Institute for Policy Research, as well as students from several countries, gave their message, this Thursday (11), at COP26. Young researchers participated in loco and the messages of the young people were transmitted in a film shown on the occasion.

They spoke about the reality in which they live, how they are affected by climate change and what they expect from the leaders who, this Friday (12), announce the outcome of the most important conference in recent times.

Youth being strongly impacted by these decisions, the 30-minute film warns about the urgency of the moment. Young Ghanaian Jeffrey said in the film that mitigation and adaptation need to be thought about. “I would say to COP negotiators that their decisions will define a better future for everyone, not just their children, but for them too, as the climate crisis is happening now. I ask you to stop playing financial games and start acting”.

At the end of the panel, the Dean of the University of Cambridge, who follows the research of Cambridge Zero, Emily Schock reinforced the importance of young voices on climate change and that she has renewed her hopes with the passion and creativity that moves the young people.

“And I say to you, in the expeditions for my research in Antarctica, I have seen with my own eyes the real impacts of climate change. I’m very frustrated because we haven’t made any progress,” she said in a choked voice. “Young people have enthusiasm and resilience, I really admire that. They know what all this means for their future. They are planting trees, changing their diet and engaging more young people. They are aware that they will be the ones who will suffer the most negative impact. And they don’t give up, they are collaborating, innovating, working together. They have a lot to teach the leaders of nations.”

Watch in full: