Preparing for Change: Global Youth Unite in Lebanon to Tackle Climate Crisis

Youth from almost 100 climate-impacted countries gather in Lebanon ahead of COP28

Overview

Beirut, Lebanon will play host to 450 young leaders from nearly 100 climate-affected regions as they gather for a Climate Justice Camp from August 28 to September 2. The participants, representing countries across the Global South, will collaborate to create strategies and demands aimed at pushing decision-makers at COP28 and beyond to implement an equitable climate action framework. The camp, now in its second edition, follows the success of the inaugural event in Tunisia in September 2022. It aims to provide a platform for young people living the day-to-day realities of the climate crisis to share knowledge, develop demands, and engage with decision-makers at both the local and global levels.

Prioritizing Climate Justice

The deepening climate crisis demands urgent action, as emphasized by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has issued a stark warning on the need for immediate action. The Climate Justice Camp in Lebanon serves as an important forum for young leaders who experience the direct impacts of the climate crisis to advocate for policies that address the systemic inequalities exacerbated by climate change. Through an intersectional agenda of more than 100 workshops, the camp will cover a wide range of topics, including finance, loss and damage, climate adaptation, and fossil fuel phase-out. The ultimate goal is to establish climate networks across the Global South that can work collectively to drive long-term political change.

A Global Collaborative Effort

The organization of this year’s Climate Justice Camp in Lebanon has been a collaborative effort involving more than 40 local and global organizations. These organizations have come together to assemble youth participants from the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, South East Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The diverse backgrounds of the participants are crucial in fostering global collaboration and understanding. Representatives from Pakistan, Morocco, and Egypt have shared their experiences and perspectives on the urgent need for collective action.

Ayisha Siddiqa from Pakistan:

Siddiqa, a human rights and land defender, highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis and its devastating impact on marginalized communities. She called for unity across borders and regions, cultures and languages, advocating for the stewardship of both the planet and each other.

Fatima-Zahrae Tarib from Morocco:

Tarib, a youth climate advocate, speaks to the lack of an established regional youth network in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The Climate Justice Camp in Tunisia provided her with an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and build strong bonds focused on climate action. Tarib emphasizes the growth of connections and networks since the first camp and the ripple effect it is having in inspiring more young people to demand climate action.

Kenzie Azmi from Egypt:

Azmi, a campaigner at Greenpeace Middle East & North Africa, emphasizes the need for global solidarity and action to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on communities in the Global South. Azmi points out the historical injustices that exacerbate the social, health, and economic challenges faced by these communities, and the urgent need for system change that prioritizes an equitable and just transition away from fossil fuels.

Fostering Change and Empowerment

The Climate Justice Camp in Lebanon aims to empower young leaders who are directly impacted by the climate crisis. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange, discussions with decision-makers, and networking opportunities, the camp serves as a catalyst for change. The focus on climate justice acknowledges the need to address environmental and social inequalities in tandem, understanding that environmental disasters can lead to political and social upheaval. It also recognizes the importance of grassroots movements and people power in driving systemic change.

Conclusion and Editorial

The Climate Justice Camp in Lebanon is a significant initiative that recognizes the urgency and magnitude of the climate crisis. By bringing together young leaders from diverse regions, the camp serves as a reminder that climate change is a global issue that affects specific communities in unique ways. The voices and perspectives of these youth should be heard and prioritized in policy discussions and decision-making processes.

Climate justice, as emphasized by the camp’s participants, involves addressing not only the environmental consequences of climate change but also the social and economic inequalities exacerbated by it. The efforts of the Climate Justice Camp in fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and demand for action provide a beacon of hope amidst the growing climate crisis.

To truly address the scale of the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future, the demands and recommendations generated through the camp must be taken seriously. Decision-makers at COP28 and beyond must prioritize equitable climate action frameworks that promote systemic change, just transitions away from fossil fuels, and support for climate-vulnerable communities.

The Climate Justice Camp in Lebanon serves as a reminder that the youth are at the forefront of demanding climate justice and a sustainable future. It is imperative that society supports and amplifies these voices, as they carry the weight of the climate crisis on their shoulders. Now is the time for governments, organizations, and individuals to collaborate and take bold actions that align with the demands of the young leaders gathered in Lebanon.

As the climate crisis intensifies, we cannot afford to ignore the voices and experiences of those most affected. The Climate Justice Camp in Lebanon serves as a powerful reminder of the need for global solidarity, shared responsibility, and decisive action. It is up to each and every one of us to listen, learn, and act to secure a just and sustainable future for all.

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