Climate
Change a Call for Concern
'Climate change is real and happening right now. Its reality can be
seen in melting ice, dying coral reefs, rising sea levels, 
changing
eco-systems and prolonged and more severe droughts. According to the
World Health Organisation 150,000 people are already dying every year
from climate change. It is for this reason that the world needs to
take action now before our planet becomes damaged beyond repair’ -
This is a quote from Greenpeace International and printed in the new
Taking IT Global (TIG) youth action document just published on climate
change which can be downloaded from the ‘news’ page on
our own website. The document describes why Global Warming is happening,
how youths can become activists in tackling this very serious issue,
and quotes from those already involved around the world to give inspiration.
One such person is Rachel Nampinga, a Ugandan Environment and Community activist. Through the organisation she founded ‘EcoWatch Africa’, based in Kampala, she tries to help youth understand the issues and at the same time harness their energies towards positive change. Rachel sees renewable energy as essential to eradicating poverty in Africa and says it is important to look at the energy options being chosen by a government and evaluate whether they are good for communities. This year her organisation is chairing the steering committee of the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change, further details at www.ayicc.org From my own perspective, I’ve been on a couple of marches, written emails/letters to papers and magazines but also, most importantly, to my own Member of Parliament (MP). I copy below part of a recent email I sent to her for your interest and reference. A local MP is supposed to represent the views of their constituents, and since there is an election in Kenya December 27 this is a great opportunity for Kenyan youth to ask prospective candidates their views on tackling climate change and poverty. Use the TIG guide in advance to make sure you know the facts and can put forward a strong argument.
‘I was at the Christian Aid ‘Cut the Carbon’ march through London to support the core marchers who had just completed 1000 miles of marching in 80 days to raise awareness of the threat of climate change. The core marchers included a representative from Kenya, Mohammed, who described the distress global climate uncertainty was causing to his people – years of drought followed by devastating floods this summer. In the service in St Pauls Cathedral were representatives from the Jewish and Islamic communities as well as Christian supporters. All religions believe that damage done to the environment is damage done to ourselves and it was a wonderful feeling to worship together and share our belief that we have to do something NOW to make sure future generations do not suffer. The British government is introducing a climate change bill and we believe that emissions have to be cut by 80% by 2050 in order to ensure a maximum 2 degree rise in global temperatures, not 60% as presently stated. Can you please make every effort with your contacts in government and elsewhere to ensure that the 80% level becomes low? By setting tough emission levels now we are showing the world we mean business.' Paul Shaw