Climate change remains one of the most critical global challenges of our time, especially for Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) – which includes Guyana. The vulnerability of SIDS to the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of climate change are often emphasized by the known and measure empirical based i.e. information regarding the various climate hazards. These impacts include floods, droughts, sea-level rise to daily existence and the well-being of our environs and ecosystems. As a consequence, if not addressed, can lead to food insecurity, accelerated erosion of coastal zones, species extinction, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Further, the reality of a changing climate remains an unquestionable issue of immense importance and requires every citizen to play their part -especially the youth.
Youth, both current and future generations remain at the forefront and more so in the driver seat to charter the way – supported by innovative solutions towards responding and understanding the impacts of this global phenomenon. Human activities, such as the use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and unsustainable land practices have contributed to climate change, which decreases the availability of food and clean water, destroys ecosystems and secure living environments. Furthermore, if not mitigated through innovative and sustainable practices, may accelerate a number of crosscutting challenges such as poor health, lack of nutrition, and homelessness, thus, rendering youth particularly vulnerable.
In Guyana, youth constitutes the majority of the population and can aid in the transformation of our society towards a low-carbon and climate resilient future. However, this cannot be done without the provision of resources, we need support. Now more than ever, the opportunity should be pursued to build strong and long lasting partnerships with youth-led and youth-focused organizations around Guyana with the objective to educate and empower youth. As such, the bottom-up approach is of great importance since it presents an opportunity to build support and enhance effective participation of youth in climate change policy and decision-making processes both at the local, national and international levels.
The Office of Climate Change being the lead agency with the mandate to develop, coordinate and implement Guyana’s climate change policy has set the course for inclusion by fostering a partnership with youth-led organizations. As the Office prepares to commence work on Guyana’s Climate Change Policy; young people must be considered as one of the key stakeholders and must get involved in the consultative process at the various levels. Moreover, provisions must be made for a youth representative to be part of the Government’s delegation to the annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP)-a formal meeting of world leaders to assess progress and make decisions in dealing with climate change. Also at the regional level, CARICOM countries should facilitate a biennial Caribbean Youth Climate Change Conference backed by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre. Youth participation at all levels will serve as a capacity building process that will aid intergenerational dialogue in preparation to pass the baton of continuity to aid sustainability.
Young people as partners in the fight against climate change are adept at spreading new behaviours and technologies, can adapt and easily make low-carbon lifestyles and career choices as part of their daily lives. This can lead to attitudinal and behavioral change towards adaptation and mitigation actions in schools, homes, and communities. As such, youth can support action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and strengthens resilience to climate shocks by using their power as voters and consumers. At all levels, sustainable consumption patterns must be promoted and youth should be supported as environmental champions in their local communities.
In this regard, education is one of the fundamental entry points to promote and advocate green lifestyles. It can help develop the core competencies necessary for youth to promote low carbon and climate-resilient development. By doing their part in conserving the environment, they can also help to educate and influence their parents about the importance and value of the environment by doing things such as recycling, conserving energy and protecting our ecosystems. To foster a generation of environmentally conscious youth capable of positive action, a long-term and strategic approach to climate change education is needed. This should include, designing national strategies, developing materials for both formal and non-formal learning and raising awareness of the need to integrate climate change fundamentals into national schools curriculums.
Within the youth demographic, young women and girls are a crucial resource in the fight against climate change as it relates to agriculture and its contribution to the rural economy. In this regard, they ought to be encouraged to choose diverse careers that are agriculture related and strive to become more involved and have discussions around agricultural policy and advocate for same. Even though youth are encouraged to practice climate-smart agriculture, there is great need to create a platform for knowledge sharing, where young farmers and stakeholders throughout the entire supply chain are able to learn from each other. Guyana must look towards youth as key players in increasing farmer visibility by leveraging rapidly developing technology, renewable resources and working together to produce positioning documents. Climate change is an opportunity, and young people need more access to resources in order to meet these opportunities.
As we move towards a green state, we cannot afford to leave anyone behind. Our young people can be empowered through the provision of training in energy efficiency and renewable technologies with the objective to involve other Guyanese youth, while contributing to climate change mitigation. The facilitation of youth can aid new thinking on manufacturing items that can be locally sourced for the consumption of Guyana’s population. Ideally, the Government can partner with other agencies and institutions to train youth on clean energy for home use and production. The way forward is to recognise and appreciate the reality that the work undertaken with and by youth is crucial to fighting climate change. Tackling climate change requires concerted coordinated actions by the government, private sector, civil society as well as conscious and informed efforts by individuals (youth).
As we prepare to align regional and national policies with the Sustainable Development Goals in the face of increasing uncertainty, youth stand ready to take up the challenge by participating in setting policies and joining everyday actions. While climate change is the force transforming the natural state of our planet, you (th) have the power to move this transformation on a more sustainable path. Support youth so that their efforts can help lead Guyana to a more sustainable path. Let’s work together as partners to change climate change.
