The world is celebrating once again International Youth Day. This is a day set aside to highlight the concerns of the youth as a chunk of the world’s population. The day which was set aside by the United Nations General Assembly has been celebrated since 2000. Significantly the day has not just been used to highlight the concerns of the youth but has sought to mobilize this active section of the world’s population to see themselves as vital in promoting their well-being as they help their country’s development.
This year, the day is focusing on the theme 'The Youth and Climate Change, Time for Action'. The theme has been chosen at a time when the world’s attention is increasingly being drawn to the fact that urgent steps should be taken to stem the destruction of the ecosystem. For many this issue is so delinked from them because it appears to be a technical subject meant only for the experts. To an extent some of the discussions in this area has largely remained technical but the extent at which it is gradually being brought into almost every discussion shows the need for action. Not long ago, the debate around climate change focused mainly on the depleting ozone layer and its attendant negative effects on the environment.
Even though it remained complex for some, the intensity of the sun’s rays alone and the changing weather patterns did a lot to change the perceptions of doubting Thomases. The issue has further moved on to rising sea levels and the depletion of fresh water. For parts of the population living along the coast they have appreciated the deleterious effect of the sea levels as their land is taken over by sea erosion. The least said about the availability of fresh water, the better it is.
Apart from the distribution problems that we regularly speak about, there are some in the population who find it so difficult to get fresh water for household use because the water sources dry up not long after the rainy season is over.In addition the rainy season has become shortened and its intensity has been wreaking havoc in many communities.The floods experienced last year and the earlier part of this year attests to the fact that there is something happening to our environment. Without doubt, we have not been immune as a country to all the negative effects of climate change. Just like other countries Ghana has a growing urban population and the experts say that climate change and its ramifications on urban processes cover a wide spectrum. Quickly, we can mention the homogenized architectural and urban designs that sometimes do not take into consideration natural conditions.This practice described in some circles as cookie-cutter architecture comes along with high energy consumptions.
In our case as a country, the way we burn rubbish is a matter of concern. Pollution is linked with the issue of climate change. In recent times, personnel in the health sector have incorporated the issue of climate change into their education campaigns because its long hands extend here too. Even though the argument will be that we live in the tropics and having high temperatures is normal, experts are talking about extremes that are potential health hazards.
At our own levels the issue of climate change can be taken up. A collective inaction can create major problems for us all. Yet the trend can be reversed if we learn to act now. This is why the theme for this year’s International Youth Day comes in handy. The youth have been given various descriptions and negative tags on many occasions. Yet when we begin to appreciate that they are a force for positive change, they can be brought in to help with the concerns that we have. As the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund Thoraya Obaid has pointed out in her statement for the day, it is time to recognize the potential of the youth in tackling the greatest challenges of our time. Climate change is one of the defining challenges of this period. Thus, if the issue is being taken into the domain of about a quarter of the world’s population it is the right step. When this segment of the population is given adequate knowledge and skills, they can push the advocacy for sustainable development where we cater for the needs of the present generation but are still mindful of the survival of future ones.
In an era where politics seem to dominate everything, this is the time to incorporate some of these relevant issues. Leadership of the political parties should be engaged in these discussions. In policy development, planning and implementation the inclusion of young people can help in the effective management of our environment. This is why partnerships are important. No one section of the population can hope to work alone and succeed. The other appeal is that as the youth are brought in, they should learn to appreciate the spirit of cooperation. We should never lose sight of the fact that the problems brought about by climate change in the long run affect the poor and vulnerable most. Therefore, if we want to meet the millennium development goals the least we can do is to support the process.
BY KINGSLEY OBENG-KYEREH, MEDIA PRACTIONER
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