Climate change stands as one of the most pressing issues of our time, demanding urgent action to mitigate its impacts. Key tools for countries to address climate change are the National Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the consequences of climate change. However, the success of these commitments depends on engaging all stakeholders and ensuring that the youth, who are not only the inheritors of the planet but also crucial in shaping its future, are not left behind.
The engagement of youth in these implementations becomes critical to achieving intergenerational equity—a principle stating that the present generation should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It is the youth who bear the most significant impact of today’s decisions, and they should be actively involved in shaping decisions that directly affect the quality and longevity of their lives. By engaging the youth, we can ensure that their concerns and perspectives are taken into account, and that the decisions made are sustainable for future generations.
Engaging the youth in the implementation of NDCs also helps to connect local and grassroots communities. Many climate change impacts are acutely felt at the local level, making it essential to involve these communities in the decision-making process. The youth, with their strong connections to their local communities, serve as a bridge between these communities and national policymakers. Involving the youth ensures that decisions are informed by local perspectives and that the benefits of climate action are prominent at the local level.
One way to engage the youth in NDC implementation is through education and raising awareness. It is vital for the youth to understand the science behind climate change and the role of NDCs in addressing it. By providing education and raising awareness, we can empower the youth to take action and become advocates for climate action. This can be achieved through formal education in schools, community outreach programs, and leveraging social media campaigns and other accessible advocacy tools.
Additionally, youth-led initiatives take the forefront of innovation and creative solutions, driving progress towards NDC implementation. These initiatives can range from local community projects to national campaigns and encompass activities such as tree-planting, renewable energy projects, and waste reduction initiatives.
Engaging the youth also requires creating opportunities for youth participation in decision-making processes. This includes youth representation on national delegations to climate conferences, as well as their involvement in national and local advisory committees and working groups. By involving the youth in decision-making processes, we ensure that their voices are heard and their perspectives are not only taken into account but also appropriately and effectively acted upon.
In addition to engagement in these implementations, the youth can also play a role in monitoring and reporting progress towards NDC commitments. This includes tracking emissions reductions, monitoring the implementation of adaptation measures, and reporting on the impacts of climate change at the local level. By involving the youth, we can ensure transparency and accountability in progress towards NDC commitments.
The engagement of the youth also necessitates creating supportive policy and institutional frameworks. This includes providing opportunities for youth participation in decision-making processes, as well as funding and support for youth-led initiatives. It requires establishing mechanisms for the youth to hold policymakers accountable for their commitments and ensuring that youth perspectives are integrated into national climate policies and strategies.
