Report from the UN Climate Negotiations
Hundreds of young people from all around the world attended the UN Conference on Climate Change in Montreal. ENvironment JEUneusse, the Sierra Youth Coalition and the Youth Environmental Network organized the“Beyond Kyoto – International Youth Summit” on climate change, bringing 100 youth together, 75 of which were not Canadian. The young people shared their experiences relating to climate change with one another and collaboratively created the “International Youth Declaration” on climate change it is available on Beyond Kyoto website in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese and German. This declaration included what we as young people are committed to do, what we are demanding that governments do and our vision for the future.
Photo: Matthew Carroll
During the UN climate negotiations the declaration provided a vehicle around which young people could rally. It was endorsed by dozens of international organizations, and at the conference at itself, was adopted by the International Municipal Leaders Summit and was mentioned in the opening and closing addresses by the head of the conference. Yough groups organized daily newsletters, demonstrations inside and outside of the UN complex, and youth meetings open to all the youth at the conference.
Liz Veazy from Energy Action organized a wildly successful blog that captured the excitement, energy and passion of the young delegates.
Receiving over 20,000 hits a day was the major communication device between the youth and the outside world. We also had a large media presence, CBC, BBC, Reuters, and ABC all covered our story. The NY Times wrote a marvelous article about our efforts!
The Youth Environmental Network of Canada and SustainUS lead the lobbying working group. They aggressively negotiated with over 50 governments for progressive political action towards reducing greenhouse gases.
Energy Action and the Sierra Youth Coalition put together a climate convergence center located near the UN complex. With dozens of computers, free food for 2 meals a day, dorm rooms, a gallery and a large meeting space the centre served as a safe space for Climate Justice groups and youth groups to set up temporary headquarters for a month.