FACING THE CLIMATE CHANGE: One step at a time

Climate change is not a distant threat looming on the horizon. It is already here and has impacted all walks of life on earth. In Nepal, the impacts are more serious as it has hit the major livelihoods base of common people. Recent events have emphatically demonstrated our growing vulnerability to climate change. Although the consequences of climate change will be borne by all, particularly future generations can expect to bear a heavy burden because they will live longer and will face this challenge throughout their lifetimes. The situation of youth in developing countries like Nepal is especially fragile. In Nepal youth (16-40 years) make up 38.8 percent of the total population and many of them are already facing a difficult transition to adulthood owing to social and economic instability and widespread poverty.

                                                                                  

Addressing and adjusting to the challenge of climate change is certain to be a defining feature of the future of today’s youth. Till the date an overwhelming majority of youth point out political leaders to do all they can to stop climate change, but youths themselves have not taken their own responsibilities in this context. It is therefore critical that young people educate themselves and become more conscious and responsible by getting actively involved in combating this threat. Youth can make a difference provided they realize their importance to their society, nation and the earth as a whole. Youth have long been involved in environmental protection activities at the school and community levels, but the time has also come for them to participate more actively in shaping global decisions relating to climate change. Young people must contribute to the process of addressing this critical challenge, as they will feel its impact most acutely throughout their lives.

Youth and youth organizations have an important role to play. Throughout the world, youth have developed creative ways to raise awareness, share information, build capacities, and work together on climate change mitigation and adaptation practices often achieving impressive results through their own initiatives. It is high time for youths to continue this legacy by further nurturing their novel ideas and acting prudently to save the planet Earth. We must also be the real players to substantiate the idea of ‘green economy’ in sustainable development.

The main constraints youths of today face in taking action include hesitations about how and where to begin, limited confidence in their ability to make a difference, poor financial resources and a lack of political and community support. Even though these seem genuine concerns they should not be perceived as insurmountable obstacles. The fact is that youths can realize their aspirations for the superior earth even by introducing small changes in their daily lives, strengthening their commitment to action one step at a time. Although everyday measures to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment may seem of no consequence, they can actually add up and make a real difference; especially when entire youth communities take a part.