25 November 2022
Compiled by Christabel Mhiribidi
The world is warming because of emissions produced by humans, mostly from burning of fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal. Global temperatures have risen 1.1C and are heading towards 1.5 C according to the UN climate scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. If temperatures rise to 1.7C above the 1850’s sea levels, the IPCC estimates that half of the world’s population would be exposed to life threatening heat and humidity. The effects of climate change are already being felt across the globe, not only is it coming to create problems but also worsening the already existing crisis. Pakistan floods, Cyclone Idai which wreaked havoc in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, the heatwaves in Europe, bushfires raging Australia, ice caps and sea levels are rising, hurricanes are devastating the Americas. With the way climate change is wreacking havoc on planet earth it has become impossible to ignore. This is why every year the world leaders who signed the Paris agreement pledging to limit global temperatures to 1.5C, meet annually to map the way forward in this uncertain future and also learn from each other’s lifestyles that would promote a sustainable world.
This year’s COP is taking place in Egypt Sharm El Sheikh marking the 27th annual meeting to discuss climate change. The space brings together academics, legal practitioners, engineers, sustainable developments experts, health practitioners, world leaders, children and youth across the globe. COP 27 is an experience of a lifetime. This is a space to learn, build networks and interact with likeminded peers. To begin with l attended the world leaders’ summit, COP27 was emphasized to be a COP with tangible outputs, sound implementation because we already know the problems, it’s time to move from ambitions to actions as emphasized by the Prime Minister of Barbados H.E Mia Mottely.
Special thanks to ZELA, attending Cop27 made a huge difference for me. My first COP came with a lot of blessings, first l was selected amongst the 20 youths globally to meet with UN secretary General Antonio Guterres to discuss climate change and how it impacts on children and young people. During the discussions the need to ensure a conducive environment for young people and their inclusion in decision making spaces, more convenings to discuss and learn of children and youth perspectives regularly was raised and the H.E Antonio Guterres pledged to discuss with the board but did welcome all the issues raised to be of much significance and appreciated the tireless efforts of youths across the globe to address climate emergency and promised to stand on their side.The Global youth statement with our youth demands was also handed to the H.E by the YOUNGO Global Focal Points Elizabeth Gulugulu and Xan Northcott, highlighting issues on action for climate empowerment, adaptation, resilience and accessible finance.During COP l assisted as a rapporteur for climate mitigation negotiations, and mostly attended sessions that had a youth component and these included sessions hosted at the Children and youth pavilion, session by Common wealth on strengthening youth capacities to enhance climate action, bilateral meetings with African ministers and more.
I also had the priviledge of being one of the panelists on a high-level meeting with ministers from Zimbabwe and Malawi, Adaptation to promote children and youth hosted by UNU, UNICEF and UNFCCC. There is clear evidence that beyond rapid emission reductions, the most effective and immediate way to protect children and young people and future generations from the very worst climate impacts is by adapting the critical social services they rely on, building the capacity and ability of young people to face a climate changed world and empower them to participate in solutions. This was a grand opportunity to infuse environmental child rights issues, the need for a clean, green, safe and healthy environment and also to encourage that children need to be empowered to become better custodians for their environment through taking up responsibilities in the environmental space. In additions, i was invited for a COP of Coffee series facilitated by #Connect4Climate where I interacted with the Executive Director for EduCommission on Climate Education and a climate action advocate Liesbet Steer. This came from the basis that when one is enlightened, he or she is empowered and when someone is empowered, they are now in a better position to contribute effectively, thus, to address climate change, there is need for education across all levels. COP27 is an amazing space to build on your existing knowledge, unlearn bad practices and relearn.