Guest guest Posted August 13, 2002 Report Share Posted August 13, 2002 http://www.mandatethefuture.org Who says youth can't make a change? I mean as far as creativity and enthusiasm go, we could give ol' politicians and administrators a run for their money any day. So why aren't youth recognized as a powerful force of change in the world today? That's what the youth wing preparing for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in a few weeks want to know too. There has been so much talk about climate change and global warming and the Kyoto Protocol in the last decade, that no doubt this will be the most widely discussed environmental topic at the WSSD this month. But while governments and world bodies tussle over the treaty, young people are taking initiatives to reduce the green house effects around the world, in smaller, and FAR more efficient ways. Ever Heard of BET? In November 2000, a group of 52,000 students from 16 European countries decided to bet their governments that they could reduce their countries' co2 emissions in 8 months. And guess what? They managed it. The so-called " Betties " hailing from some 300 European schools participated in this climate campaign. The " Betties " had a bet with the EU Commissioner Margot Wallström that they would be able to reduce CO2 emissions by 8% in 88 schools all over Europe. And this goal should be achieved in only 8 months - and not in 8 years as agreed by European governments in the Kyoto protocol. Since the students won, Mrs Wallström had to ride her bicycle to and from work for a month as her penalty for losing. Had the `Betties' failed in their task, they would have had to transport the Environment Commissioner to all her Brussels meetings in a rickshaw for a week. It was a great success for the " Betties " from all over Europe to finally win the bet, and their conclusion is " All it takes is your own will and creativity " . Having seen the success of the European campaign, young people in the US and Canada soon followed suit with a similar campaign. The bet represents the frustration by citizens at the lack of action taken by their governments to meet their Kyoto commitments. Our success in winning bet will prove that not only are reductions possible but that they can be achieved quickly and efficiently. What the leaders had to say: Environment Commissioner for the European Union Mrs Margot Wallstrom observed after losing the BET: " I hoped to lose, and let the environment win, when I entered this bet. When fighting climate change we shouldn't forget what we as citizens can do in our everyday life. This is what the youth campaigners and all the participants in The Bet have demonstrated, with their ambitious and enthusiastic initiative. If multiplied by millions of people, many small steps can make a big difference. " Well-said Wallstrom. But the youth want something more in terms of recognition and support. The International Youth Committee preparing for WSSD, Johannesburg wants the international community to support campaigns like BET, as a reflection of the young community's political will and commitment. These young people are calling on governments to emulate campaigns like BET, and understand that if small groups of young people can make such significant changes, governments with their public backing and resources can work near- miracles. What changes do you think you can make as a young person in your country or community to combat climate change and environmental pollution? Do you think that if you were to put together a campaign, your government would lend support? Do you think that implementation policy to combat this phenomenon in the world drafted at WSSD should involve far more youth participation than it already does? Young people have the power to recognize that while large and radical changes are great in theory; the smaller, more committed changes make a bigger difference. Perhaps it's time governments opened their eyes to this too. Read More http://www.ctrlaltesc.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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