Namibian youth urged to act on climate change

THE youth’s voice on climate change should be heard, as they hold the future of the planet and the next generation, said British high commission deputy commissioner Charlotte Fenton.

Fenton was speaking during the National Youth Climate Change Summit in Windhoek last week, which took place under the theme ‘Empowering Youth for Climate Actions’.

“For the last two years, the British high commission has supported the hosting of the Model United Nations conference. This has been another opportunity for us to give the youth of Namibia a platform for their voices to be heard, for them to learn more about climate change and its impact on the globe, and for them to experience debating these issues in a multilateral forum.

“We support these initiatives because we know how important the role of the youth is, but understanding the issues has to start from education for all,” she said.

Namibia has nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of raising the target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 91% by 2030.

The country also signed up for the Breakthrough Agenda at COP26, an unprecedented international clean technology plan to keep 1,5 degrees in reach.

“In order to maintain pressure on all countries of the world to deliver on this, the voices of the youth can only reinforce and strengthen that pressure. Youth voices are more essential than ever to drive the climate change conversation,” she said.

Fenton said the United Kingdom government continues to commit internationally and to support countries globally to reduce poverty and respond to the causes and impacts of climate change.

Windhoek junior mayor Sylvia Shapumba said the youth have the power and responsibility to rise up, become catalysts for change and shape a sustainable future.

“Climate change is not a distant threat, it is a present reality, impacting our environment, communities and the very fabric of our existence.

Let us envision a future where the youth of Namibia play a pivotal role in shaping policies, leading initiatives and spearheading transformative actions to combat climate change,” she said.

European Union (EU) ambassador to Namibia Sinikka Antila said over the past few years Namibia has witnessed the emergence of inspiring youth-led initiatives on galvanising climate change.

“The EU maintains an ambitious global leadership in climate action, protecting the ozone layer and enhancing the international and domestic carbon market.

It contributes to greening the finance, ensuring the mainstreaming of climate action into the EU budget and into EU and member states’ policies.

“It is my hope that what you propose for climate action and adaptation measures will be implemented across all regions to ultimately fulfil the NDCs, as the youth in the lead,” she said.