Young people need a voice on climate change
Wednesday 16 January
Over 10,000 policy makers and experts gathered in Bali to
discuss climate change at the UN Conference. Thomas Bielby, Young
NCB and Children and Youth Board member, was among three other
young people from across the globe to share views on the impact of
climate change on their lives and that of their peers and
communities. They also shared ideas on how to educate and inspire
others to work together to address the challenges brought about by
climate change.
Thomas, 16 years old, from Middlesbrough, said: ‘The greatest
impact of the changing climate will be on children, young people
and future generations. We are the most vulnerable to climate
change, yet have contributed the least.
‘The UK Government needs to do more to give children and young
people a voice on climate change decisions and promote the impact
that we have on others around the globe.’
A new project, Children in a Changing Climate Programme, in
partnership with Plan, the Institute of Development Studies and NCB
aims to redress the balance. The new research programme will
investigate the role children can play in reducing risks from
disasters and adapting to climate change.