Indian Youth Demand delegates to the United Nations Climate Change Conference call upon world leaders to pay urgent attention. To children and young people within the realm of climate policy as the impact of climate change intensifies across the globe. They are representing millions who suffer through increased temperatures and drastic weather conditions. Many otherthe young people from the vulnerable groups affected by climate-related disasters have their voices heard through these young leaders.
Indian Youth Demand: Climate Change Effect on Children and Youth in South Asia
South Asia is the most vulnerable region amidst climate change. UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index of 2021 states that children are at an “extremely high risk”. From climate-related threats in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Even the adverse effects of increased temperatures, floods, landslides, and severe air pollution have shaken these children’s health, education, and well-being and threatened their futures.
Delegates, in conjunction with UNICEF, call for climate policies that respond to the unique needs of children; climate risk disproportionately hurts children. For instance, no less than six million children in South Asia were directly impacted by floods alone during July.
Indian Youth Demand:Voices of Indian Youth At COP29
Manisha Arya and Kartik Verma are two young leaders from India who are representing their communities at COP 29 in Barcelona. Manisha is 23 years old and comes from the Himalayas; landslides and environmental degradation have always been a threat to her native place. She spoke of the change climate has undergone, affecting the traditional way of life in her community. “Unchecked development has disrupted our lives and increased landslides,” she said, urging the country to enforce policies on climate change, taking into account local needs.
Nineteen-year-old Kartik Verma, from a rural farm village, had become an environmental champion so he could share his “Knowledge for Nature” initiative with youth to bring more aware generations. “I am here for those whose voices remain unheard,” he said. As a Child Advisor to the United Nations Child Rights Committee, Kartik represents concerns of marginalized youth and advocates for climate policies that include perspectives from vulnerable communities.
Indian Youth Demand for child-centred Climate Policies
South Asian Youth leaders during COP29 outlined a comprehensive agenda centred on children and youth in climate action. The agenda articulates the following demands:
Child-Centred Climate Policies: The policies must address children’s different needs-their air quality and access to clean water to protect them from health issues and secure their future.
Climate Adaptation Funding in Healthcare and Education: Youth leaders also advocate for targeted funding to ensure the resilience of schools, healthcare systems, and other services that focus on children.
Clean Energy Investments: South Asia, particularly cities, is highly vulnerable to hazards of air quality, and therefore, clean energy investments are crucial for reducing air pollution for this young population.
Besides, it called for skills training in climate adaptation, asserting that training the next generation with relevant skills to adapt to the effects of climate change is a critical imperative. This encompasses sustainable agriculture and renewable energy technology.
The delegation’s demands in this regard ensure that the Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0, an international commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, represents the interests of children and youth.
Indian Youth Demand: UNICEF Support and the Call for Urgent Action
According to UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia Sanjay Wijesekera. Climate change challenges are reshaping children’s lives every day. Severe impacts across South Asia should prompt immediate and decisive action. UNICEF has been instrumental in helping advance youth representation at COP 29. By enlisting young leaders from countries as diverse as Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to join global forces with their experiences and demands.
Wijesekera further states that children are the least responsible for climate change. But they are to suffer from its harshest consequences. The urgent needs called for this change by UNICEF with a call to policymakers to place priority on improving the protection of children’s rights that make policies build resilience in the most vulnerable communities.
It’s the highest integration of youth voices into policies at COP29 as young leaders from South Asia make their presence felt. When child-centred policies are called upon, these young advocates raise key concerns. In urging urgent and much-needed climate action toward future generations. As the next steps continue unfolding, leaders across the world should heed such calls to action in implementing policies responding to the well-being of children concerning climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are Indian youths attending COP29?
Indian youths are going there to represent the voices of vulnerable communities. And demand that the current climate policies also consider children’s and young people’s requirements. Their voices make the most urgent call to focus on the specific impacts of the young generation.
What are the key demands of the South Asian youth delegation?
Some of their demands include child-centred climate policies and funding for climate adaptation in health and education. Clean energy investments to reduce air pollution, and expanded skills training for climate adaptation.
How is UNICEF empowering the youth at COP 29?
UNICEF commits to supporting the delegation of young leaders from South Asia. To bring their voices to the international stage and advocate for policies defending children’s futures.
Discuss a few climate risks for children in South Asia.
Children in South Asia are significantly at risk from some climate threats. Especially extreme heat and air pollution, and natural disasters like floods and landslides, related to their health, education, or safety.
How do youth initiatives support climate action?
Kartik Verma’s “Knowledge for Nature” is an example of youth initiatives that raise awareness and educate communities. Giving the young a voice to advocate for environmental protection and to be part of creating solutions that are sustainable.
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