African youth responses to Climate Change

62% -below 25 years of age. Youth- 15-24 years of age according to UN. 2005 -2015 the youth population is expected to

grow by 36 M. 2015- The youth labor force is expected to grow

by more than 22 M, to almost 135 M. These young people will demand education

and/or jobs. Challenge & Opportunity: Providing quality

education and productive employmentaddressing climate change challenges

The East African Economy is mainly dependent on agriculture and tourism

The above mentioned sectors get directly affected by climate change. IPCC has estimated up to 50% reduction in agriculture production

The above sectors offer the youth employment directly or indirectly

Effects on these 2 sectors lead to effects on other sectors like: education, health, water and sanitation and infrastructure that youth rely on.

Opportunities: Finding solutions;

Advocating Change;

Opportunity Windows;

Support Systems

Challenges: Unemployment:

Education; Economic crisis; Conflicts; Social

Strive; Food insecurity

1. Community level- Finding Solutions

You don’t need money or power to have a good idea; Only fresh thinking and ACTION is needed to solve our societal problems.

▪ Innovative (Education, IT)

▪ Simple

▪ Energetic

▪ Have the time

2. Nationally/Internationally-Advocating Change

Involvement in decision making processes

Make Youth voices heard- pressure groups, protests, Marches,

Contacting political representatives e.g. MPs,

Demand more action from the government

Local Mitigation & Adaptation projects Research Awareness campaigns Capacity building & Training Information Sharing Nurturing leadership Individual/Collective Commitments & Action

Mobilize & Empower youth to become change agents

Educate the youth & communities on sustainable lifestyles.

Facilitate & Engage youth and communities in climate mitigation & adaptation projects.

Participate and support the drafting of country environmental/climate change policies.

Ensure proper governance in the implementation of climate change programmes

NURTURING LEADERSHIP PARTICIPATE

Learning and sharing climate information IT- Emails; mailing lists; websites, blogs; social networks

Documentation of youth best practices Films, blogs; media engagements; Campaigns

Awareness creation: Conferences; Workshops; Seminars; consultative

meetings; etc. Networks & information sharing- The growing youth

movements around the world stands at over 2,000 members

Working with governments, NGOs, CBOs, institutions etc

Research

CAMPAIGNS EDUCATION

Growing Network

Commitment & Passion

Volunteerism

Knowledge & Skills

Innovation

Networking

Energy & Time

INNOVATIVE SIMPLE

Youth (and children)

Governments

Learning Institutions

Organizations (NGOs, CBOs,

IGOs, etc)

Businesses & Private sector

Community members

The education system sparsely addresses climate change challenges & solutions

Capacity Gaps-Skills, Knowledge Research gaps-lack of support for extensive

research on youth & climate change in Africa Institutionalizing youth actions on climate

change Transition of the young professionals

The generation that causes environmental damage is not the generation which pays

the price”

Professor Wangari Maathai