Youth key to reversing climate change, environmental degradation

Aug 26, 2024

“Together, let's harness the energy and idealism of youth to create a sustainable future, where their voices are heard, their ideas are valued and their actions inspire a better world for all," Ben Obu, a teacher from Soroti city-based Teso college Aloet, says.

Youth key to reversing climate change, environmental degradation

Ibrahim Ruhweza
Journalist @New Vision

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As the world grapples with the effects of climate change it is the next generation that will bear the brunt of its consequences. 

However, the future of the planet rests in the hands of the youth who should be given the right skills and knowledge to combat climate change.

This can happen through engaging, educating and empowering the young generation, to unlock a wave of creativity, innovation and passion that will drive the climate revolution forward.

“Together, let's harness the energy and idealism of youth to create a sustainable future, where their voices are heard, their ideas are valued and their actions inspire a better world for all," Ben Obu, a teacher from Soroti city-based Teso college Aloet, says.

Obu acknowledges that as people age and pass on, the youth should be given the knowledge and ability to combat climate change.

He says the Green Schools Initiative (GSI) championed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the Embassy of Sweden and Vision Group is already doing wonders having reached several schools in different parts of the country.

The GSI raises awareness and understanding of climate change and environmental degradation within schools in Uganda while empowering academic institutions and schoolchildren to take an active role in the solutions to environmental challenges.  

Debate competition

On Monday, August 26, 2024, a total of 30 schools from 10 regions across the country converged at Kokolo Secondary School for the National Climate Change debate championship preliminary rounds.

Under the theme: Innovations that work, the debate is sponsored by Swedish embassy, Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and Vision Group.

Dr Emmanuel Ziwa, a climate change consultant with FAO, said climate remains the biggest challenge of all the time, the young generation could be more disproportionately affected by climate and environmental degradation given their length on earth.

“We should, however, take this as an opportunity for the current and young generation to make a difference and create a long lasting impact in reversing the negative consequences of climate change and environmental degradation” he said.

Ziwa said, so far, everyone has felt the negative impacts of the phenomenon through floods, droughts, the heat waves, land slides, crop failure, livestock deaths and famine.

The recent reports by the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) and the World Health Organisation have revealed that rapidly increasing climate change poses rising threat to mental health and psychological wellbeing; from emotional distress to anxiety, depression, grief and suicidal behavior.

“These calamities are all over us and they are making the world very wild to inhabit,” he said.

Most affected population

Bob Natifu, the assistant commissioner for climate change at the water and environment ministry, also the guest of honour said each person has a story to tell in regards to impacts of climate change and variability in localities.  

“In fact to you the students whom I refer to as the climate generation – people born from 2000 on words shall be impacted most by climate change but can also do something about it – And You have ably demonstrated this in the debate. I thank you!” he said.

He appreciated the power of debates and dialogue that students are getting clear ideas on how to address all problems in line with climate change and diet.

Number of reaches

Vision Group deputy editor in chief Felix Osike said the GSI is a two track project aimed at creating awareness and sensitising the public on climate change adaptation and mitigation measures through the school system.

Osike noted that this is the second year of implementation and that this year alone, the project has directly impacted 114,000  learners and teachers in the 100 beneficiary secondary schools across the country.

The project’s first track focuses on climate change innovations at the school and community levels, while the second involves debates at the regional and the national levels.

Hassan Lubega, a representative from Swedish embassy, said the initiative has engaged schools to a large extent and many other schools have already expressed interest of joining the competition.

Background

The first edition of the green initiative was launched in 2022 with 100 secondary schools from 10 regions.

Last year’s debate champion was Sacred Heart Secondary School, Muhanga from Sheema district. The school walked home with a trophy and bagged sh12m.

Runners up Mengo secondary school, Soroti SS and Ntare school bagged cash prizes too.

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