It's time to listen to the youth in climate talk

Women and youth in a procession to highlight their land rights in North Imenti, Meru. The women lamented that cultural norms deny them land ownership rights, yet they suffer more due to climate change. [File, Standard

The world is gradually recognising the role of the youth in driving positive change. Across key sectors, millions of young patriots are stepping forward to take charge of their destiny and that of their nations.

They have succeeded where older generations failed. The Gen-Z protests in June, for instance, shifted the national discourse in Kenya in many positive ways never seen in history.

We now have an upward sense of national progress and optimism. It is safe to say that young citizens have earned our collective trust, much to the chagrin of the hypocritical political elites.

In the climate change front, the impact of young activists like Gretta Thunberg from Sweden has been profound. In November 2016, Thunberg stood up to Donald Trump, a climate skeptic who had pulled the US out of the historic Paris Agreement.  

I have interacted with Thunberg, Uganda’s Vanessa Nakate and Kenya’s Liz Wathuti in past climate summits. These youngsters’ passion for the conservation agenda is authentic, and any audience out there would value listening to them over parroting politicians who never walk the talk.

My conviction is that the annual United Nations-led climate conferences (CoPs) must involve serious youth participation or risk irrelevance. More youth voices will inspire action. Remember how Thunberg risked her life to sail from Plymouth in the UK to New York aboard a yacht just to make a bold statement against fossil fuels! No politician in our world has ever done or will ever do that.

As CoP29 gets underway in Azerbaijan, it is disappointing how youths have been shunted from mainstream debate. African leaders and negotiators in charge are only focused on the funding aspect. They drool over the loss and damage fund, yet fail to address accountability. Africa is seeking $1.3 trillion payout. But should the funding come through, a few elites will line their pockets as rural folks suffer.

As the yapping rages, little is heard on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or the need to end geopolitical tensions. It is called diplomatic indignity. The thinking behind CoPs must now reflect new realities. Cutting-edge tech, new economic models and social media messaging best championed by the youth must be allowed to give the climate fight the oomph.     

Selfless young activists represent diverse countries, issues and approaches. Their collective efforts and impact cannot be wished away. If the annual CoPs continue to downplay youth voices, the credibility and impact of these gatherings will diminish. They will always end in ‘no deal.’

At CoP25 held in Spain, Thunberg and Nakate tearfully defended the Global South, calling out the “big boys” and stressing Africa’s struggles with droughts, floods, conflict and disease. Nakate likened global warming to colonialism. She claimed it felt like apartheid, adding:

“Our hearts are bleeding. Developed countries, who should clean up their mess, don’t care. Africa emits almost nothing but suffers the most.”

This is the time to celebrate young Africans who have made waves globally with their passionate advocacy. Among them are Banda Jibril (Nigeria), Yacouba Diallo (Guinea), South Africa’s Samantha Hargreaves, Fatoumata Savadogo of Burkina Faso and Egypt’s Mohammad Zaki.

Wathuti, through her Green Generation Initiative, has been a vocal advocate in pushing for sound policies that protect forests, water resources and wildlife across Kenya’s 47 counties. She is a reincarnation of Prof Wangari Maathai, the indomitable late Nobel laureate.

While nations face disproportionate burdens in the crisis, effective mobilisation by the youth is crucial. The conversation cannot be reduced to debates over finance, marked by rudeness and bravado. Africa leaders must ask themselves: Other than demanding money, what else have we brought to the table in Baku?

The youth have the magic wand to unlocking a world of possibilities. Let us honour them.

Time has come for the youth to lead the way, especially in matters as crucial as the global crimate crisis.

-The writer is a communications practitioner. X:@markoloo