On Wednesday 25 November, ECO-UNESCO’s National Youth ECO-Forum 2009: ‘What’s So Hot About Climate Change2? Countdown to Copenhagen’ brought over 180 young people, aged 15-18, together to speak directly to experts and present their own recommendations for taking action on Climate Change.

Through an innovative Speed-Networking format participants gained access to key decision-makers from the fields of science, education, policy and the media - and made their voice heard on one of the most critical issues of our time.These were their recommendations:

RECOMMENDATIONS

COST of Climate Change: for people and the economy

1. Encourage local government to support local produce and provide education on climate change/environmental issues.
2. Charge a few extra cent for plastic bags, petrol & coal to put into a social, environmental fund which can be used to invest in renewable energy initiatives. (e.g. Wind turbines & solar panels)

POLICY

1. We recommend that the government focus less on non-renewable energy such as peat and focus more on renewable energy like solar, wind & wave energy.
2. We recommend that the government influence the media on environmental issues and increase the awareness of important issues to the general public.

MEDIA

1. To get more celebrities involved in campaigning against climate change in the media.
2. Make short comedy sketches about environmental issues.

SCIENCE

1. The government should make it easier for people to recycle more.
2. More information on the bike scheme.
3. More wind farms.
4. Use methane to generate electricity.
5. More information on BER scheme & funding.
6. Funding and increased information/availability of individual sustainable energy systems for householders.

EDUCATION

1. Environmental organisations should go out too all schools and give talks on the environment.
2. Every school should have an environmental action committee.
3. Environmentally focused events organised for all schools in their local area/provinces, different topics so we learn more.
4. Make environmental education more fun. Being involved more – more practical and hands on education.
5. Young people should learn more at primary level about the environment.
6. Adults in the community need awareness on the environment – young people tell them, adverts, news, information in community.

GLOBAL TO LOCAL impacts of Climate Change

1. Fund from taxes should be used to restore damaged ecosystems globally and help countries adapt especially in Africa.
2. Developed countries should help the developing countries to adapt to climate change by giving money and sustainable technology.


ABOUT THE NATIONAL YOUTH ECO-FORUM 2009

The National Youth ECO-Forum is an annual event held by ECO-UNESCO to promote young people’s personal development while providing an opportunity to discuss, debate, and discover more about environmental and social issues. The Youth ECO-Fora provide young people with the opportunity to give their views, make personal ECO-Choices, become ECO-Advocates, get involved, and take action for the environment.

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