Is containing global warming under 1.5°C still possible?

The #Youth4climate event has raised the level of international climate ambition, through serious and precise commitments. The effect of the voices of Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate at the opening of Youth4Climate was felt. After two days of work, today four representatives of young people, one for each working group, presented their proposals to national delegates attending the preCOP26.

Italian Climate Network draws the most important outcomes.

Table 1 – Youth Driving ambition

Young people are urgently asking for significant youth representation within decision-making processes and in the drafting of climate policies, as well as concrete funding to support youth participation at all levels by public and private actors.

Table 2 – Sustainable recovery

At this table they reaffirmed the goal of containing emissions by 1.5 °C and a robust regulation of carbon emissions with particular attention to the most vulnerable communities and weak actors.

In this regard, Marirosa Iannelli, Climate and Advocacy Coordinator of Italian Climate Network and Youth Advisor at the Youth4Climate event, said: “As Italian Climate Network, we agree with young people that containing temperatures under 1.5 °C by the end of the century is still possible with a decisive energy and social transition. But, we add, only if there is clear political will at the international level and the involvement of all players in the field: governments, international institutions, the private sector and the media. Today’s meeting is essential for preCOP26 representatives to receive and process the requests that come from young people. “

Table 3 – Non-state actors’ engagement

The under 30s leave no alternative to the entire industry sector (fashion, sport, art, and entrepreneurship): a complete phase out from fossil fuels by 2030.

Table 4 – Climate conscious society

Climate change education is the main goal for the emancipation of all people. Education must involve not only children, but also teachers, the private sector, communities in general and the media. The role of journalists and communicators is key in facilitating the scientific community through the understanding of environmental policies.

“Climate change is not a challenge of the future, but of the present. Our hearts are with those countries that are already living the climate emergency. – adds Marirosa Iannelli – Negotiation processes must be effective in protecting the most vulnerable communities, already afflicted by the climate crisis. As President Draghi underlined, the issue of social justice is key, especially when discussing policies concerning the least developed countries. As civil society we expect a more concrete commitment to ensure that all countries will be able to participate to COP26 in Glasgow and be equally represented. “

Regardless of country and region of origin, each youth delegate brought a clear message: their requests are strong and ambitious, to really push the process forward starting from their local experiences. To make national delegates, governments, and “big names” understand that young people are experiencing an irrepressible urgency and are ready to do anything to make themselves heard.

You are reading this ICN COP Bulletin article as part of the EC DEAR SPARK project. ICN monitors negotiations and reports what is happening in Italian and English, on our website and on social channels, as part of a pan-European consortium of over 20 non-profit organizations committed to promoting climate awareness with particular attention to the role of young people and issues related to international cooperation and gender policies.