The UN and EU need to start solving the problem, to set an example to the rest of the worlds countries.
Because the Kyoto protocol is due to expire which only included 37 countries, it needs to be a further agreement with further targets, and more countries included. This would then replace and existing treaties that have not shown sufficient progress.
In our opinion developed countries need to lead the way in combating climate change, through providing financial and technical support, which would allow other countries to advance in tackling climate change.
We feel a possible solution is to develop incentives and rewards, for countries that meet their targets; this would encourage more undeveloped countries to participate if they had financial or material gain. Some solutions, which already exist, are fuel-efficient vehicles, renewable energy, and protecting threatened forests from deforestation. We need to insist that business and government take necessary steps to make them available and affordable, to ensure these solutions will be used throughout the world to make an impact.
With which demographic structures could the problems be solved?
As a group we feel to solve the problem it needs to be as inclusive as possible, not only including the EU or UN but the whole world. Using working structures from these would help solve the global climate crisis.
One structure we feel could contribute to solving the problem is an international corporation called the G20, which is a premier forum for international cooperation of the most important aspects of international economic and financial agenda. It brings together the worlds major advanced and emerging economies. The G20 includes 19 country members and the European Union, which together represents around 80% of global trade and two- thirds of the world’s population. We believe this could make an impact on climate change, as it is already inclusive, and would have the authority and resources, to make decisions about offering incentives for countries tackling climate change, which we have already discussed as a group.
How can, in particular young people, Participate?
We believe a great way for young people to participate in issues that may affect them, is through online Polls at a large scale for e.g. EU, UN or globally. The young people could vote on prioritised issues relating to climate change that the government feel are most important. The result of the votes, could then be taken further, and brought up in global meetings. This would ensure the participation of young people allowing them to have a say and input into future decisions on subjects of importance to them, as we are the generation which are mostly likely to see the impact of climate change, not the adults making decisions today. We believe for this to be achieved, parties/ countries would need to fully promote the inclusion of young people and their views. This would ensure no discrimination, including all young people on a global scale, not only through online polls, but the participation of all youth provisions, schools, and local governments. This would fall under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and article 12 the right to a voice. Also in Wales we have ‘Participation standards which ensure children and young people have a voice. There are seven standards in all these are; Information, Choice, No discrimination, you, Get something out of it, Respect, Feedback, Improve how we work. If other countries used similar standards to involve children and young people in decision making about climate change and issues affecting young people, it would be more meaningful and probably more successful.
How can the participation of most young people be achieved?
To achieve the Participation of most young people we feel, participating countries would need official structures developed, to ensure young people are being included in decision making. For example in Wales we have ‘Funky Dragon’ which is the young peoples assembly for Wales. This mirrors and influences the Welsh Governments in decision making within the country. If all countries in the EU used a similar structure to discuss to discuss climate change with young people, it would be a good way for them to be involved. Also young people should receive feedback, about how their decisions and voices have been considered or used. This will give people an incentive to get involved and maybe encourage more people to get involved.
How can each individual play a role and take on responsibility?
In our opinion every individual can play a part in tackling climate change. We believe the general public can achieve this through recycling at home, growing their own food, switching off unused electrical equipment, and reducing their carbon footprint when commuting to places (walking or riding to work), reducing the water consumption, insulating homes more sufficiently, requiring less gas and even planting trees. Overall we believe people need to be educated on climate change to understand the consequences of their lifestyles. They would then hopefully change the way they live, to have a sufficient impact on climate change.
However we feel this expectation could be enhanced through the support of government schemes such as the Cycle to work scheme in Britain (which allows you to purchase a bike for less cost and use when commuting to work). In Wales we also have a charge of 5p per carrier bag, which has been successful as we have already seen a 90% reduction in plastic bag use. Surely if more countries throughout the world, had incentives like this we could all make a great impact, for the future of our planet.
