#1. Greetings
Deputy Head of EU Delegation, Fredrik Ekfeldt, thank you for your considerate remarks.
Thanks to Mr. Julian Quintart, the moderator, and all the panelists.
I'd also like to thank the staff for all the hard work they did to get ready.
I am the Chairperson of the Climate Change Center, Yoo Young Sook.
It is certainly an honor to address one of the most pressing issues of our time, ‘climate change’, here at the 'Korea-EU Youth Climate Action Festival'.
I'd like to applaud the Delegation of the European Union to Korea for organizing this important event to highlight climate action.
#2. The Climate Crisis and its Severity
As we convene here to discuss climate action today, the current situation is dire. The climate crisis has reached a point where idioms such as "Global Boiling" have emerged. And the world is contending with frequent wildfires, heatwaves, extreme rainfall, and so forth. The climate crisis has now reached a point where it poses a threat to our daily existence and has an impact on ecosystems.
The Sixth IPCC Synthesis Report, which came out in March, shows how bad our climate is. The temperature of Earth has already gone up by 1.1 degrees celcius since the beginning of industrialization. And it will take a lot less time than was thought before to hit the critical level of 1.5 degrees of global warming.
It is a clear signal that we need to pay attention and move right away.
The science is clear: most of this problem is caused by human actions, especially the burning of fossil fuels. However, it is still possible to change course. We know what to do, have the tools to do it, and have a moral responsibility to do it. We must minimize greenhouse gas emissions, shift to clean energy sources, and save our natural ecosystems.
#3. Power of Youth Climate Actions
If you think in a positive way, taking action on climate change is not just a problem. It is a chance to build a world that is more fair and lasts longer. By putting money into green energy, we can make sure that everyone has a better future and create millions of jobs.
The change to a green economy can be a force for good. And you, the young people, are the ones who drive this change.
You have the ability to hold leaders accountable, to advocate for ambitious ideas, and to encourage innovation. We have seen young people all over the world speak up and start groups.
#4. Climate Action To-Do List for Youth
Young people, I want to encourage you to use your heart, energy, and voice to make a difference. Now, I'd like to suggest the next seven things to do.
1. Educate Yourself:
First, educate yourself on climate science and its consequences. The more you know, the better you can argue for answers that will work.
It would be wonderful if you join ‘U-Savers program’ provided by our Climate Chage Center for fostering young green leaders.
2. Advocate for Policy Change:
Engage the leaders in your community and country. Push for policies that support clean energy, transportation that doesn't harm the environment, and the protection of wildlife.
As we get closer to COP28, let's keep in mind that your opinions can be a powerful way to make real changes in Dubai and beyond.
Speak up, tell leaders what you want them to do, and hold them accountable for fixing the climate disaster.
3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint:
Make environmentally friendly decisions every day. Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials. Choose clean sources of energy and support companies that care about the environment.
4. Mobilize Your Communities:
Get your friends and communities to help. Together, you can get people to pay attention and take action. The Climate Change Center's ‘Climatus College’ is a good way to start to understand how powerful it can be to work on climate change as a group.
5. Innovate and Lead:
Do not think you cannot come up with new ideas. Pursue jobs in green technologies, conservation, ESG management, sustainable agriculture, etc.
Set a good example.
6. Hold Corporations Accountable:
Support companies that do good things for the earth and ask them to be open about what they are doing.
7. Support Climate Justice:
Finally, Recognize that climate change hurts marginalized people more than other groups. In everything you do about climate change, fight for justice and fairness.
Don't forget that your opinions matter and can make a big difference.
#5. Importance of collective action
But we also need to work together. Globally, governments, companies, and people must work together to take action on climate change.
We must meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and try to do even better. We need to invest in clean technology, help areas that are vulnerable to climate change adapt, and deal with environmental justice.
The Sixth IPCC Synthesis Report tells us that our decisions will affect the world for many years to come.
We need to remember that we don't get the Earth from our ancestors; we take it from our children. We owe it to them to act as soon as possible.
#6. Closing
As a final word, I want to tell you, the young leaders of today, not to forget how powerful you are. Take on this task with the same hope, unity, and determination that drove the great movements of history.
Together, we can rise to the challenge, fight climate change, and make the world a better place for everyone.
Action on climate change is hard, but it is worth it. Let's rise to this task and give hope to the people who come after us.
Thank you, and I hope we can all work together to make the future better and more stable.
God bless you and your loved ones!
Thank you very much!
#1. Greetings
Deputy Head of EU Delegation, Fredrik Ekfeldt, thank you for your considerate remarks.
Thanks to Mr. Julian Quintart, the moderator, and all the panelists.
I'd also like to thank the staff for all the hard work they did to get ready.
I am the Chairperson of the Climate Change Center, Yoo Young Sook.
It is certainly an honor to address one of the most pressing issues of our time, ‘climate change’, here at the 'Korea-EU Youth Climate Action Festival'.
I'd like to applaud the Delegation of the European Union to Korea for organizing this important event to highlight climate action.
#2. The Climate Crisis and its Severity
As we convene here to discuss climate action today, the current situation is dire. The climate crisis has reached a point where idioms such as "Global Boiling" have emerged. And the world is contending with frequent wildfires, heatwaves, extreme rainfall, and so forth. The climate crisis has now reached a point where it poses a threat to our daily existence and has an impact on ecosystems.
The Sixth IPCC Synthesis Report, which came out in March, shows how bad our climate is. The temperature of Earth has already gone up by 1.1 degrees celcius since the beginning of industrialization. And it will take a lot less time than was thought before to hit the critical level of 1.5 degrees of global warming.
It is a clear signal that we need to pay attention and move right away.
The science is clear: most of this problem is caused by human actions, especially the burning of fossil fuels. However, it is still possible to change course. We know what to do, have the tools to do it, and have a moral responsibility to do it. We must minimize greenhouse gas emissions, shift to clean energy sources, and save our natural ecosystems.
#3. Power of Youth Climate Actions
If you think in a positive way, taking action on climate change is not just a problem. It is a chance to build a world that is more fair and lasts longer. By putting money into green energy, we can make sure that everyone has a better future and create millions of jobs.
The change to a green economy can be a force for good. And you, the young people, are the ones who drive this change.
You have the ability to hold leaders accountable, to advocate for ambitious ideas, and to encourage innovation. We have seen young people all over the world speak up and start groups.
#4. Climate Action To-Do List for Youth
Young people, I want to encourage you to use your heart, energy, and voice to make a difference. Now, I'd like to suggest the next seven things to do.
1. Educate Yourself:
First, educate yourself on climate science and its consequences. The more you know, the better you can argue for answers that will work.
It would be wonderful if you join ‘U-Savers program’ provided by our Climate Chage Center for fostering young green leaders.
2. Advocate for Policy Change:
Engage the leaders in your community and country. Push for policies that support clean energy, transportation that doesn't harm the environment, and the protection of wildlife.
As we get closer to COP28, let's keep in mind that your opinions can be a powerful way to make real changes in Dubai and beyond.
Speak up, tell leaders what you want them to do, and hold them accountable for fixing the climate disaster.
3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint:
Make environmentally friendly decisions every day. Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials. Choose clean sources of energy and support companies that care about the environment.
4. Mobilize Your Communities:
Get your friends and communities to help. Together, you can get people to pay attention and take action. The Climate Change Center's ‘Climatus College’ is a good way to start to understand how powerful it can be to work on climate change as a group.
5. Innovate and Lead:
Do not think you cannot come up with new ideas. Pursue jobs in green technologies, conservation, ESG management, sustainable agriculture, etc.
Set a good example.
6. Hold Corporations Accountable:
Support companies that do good things for the earth and ask them to be open about what they are doing.
7. Support Climate Justice:
Finally, Recognize that climate change hurts marginalized people more than other groups. In everything you do about climate change, fight for justice and fairness.
Don't forget that your opinions matter and can make a big difference.
#5. Importance of collective action
But we also need to work together. Globally, governments, companies, and people must work together to take action on climate change.
We must meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and try to do even better. We need to invest in clean technology, help areas that are vulnerable to climate change adapt, and deal with environmental justice.
The Sixth IPCC Synthesis Report tells us that our decisions will affect the world for many years to come.
We need to remember that we don't get the Earth from our ancestors; we take it from our children. We owe it to them to act as soon as possible.
#6. Closing
As a final word, I want to tell you, the young leaders of today, not to forget how powerful you are. Take on this task with the same hope, unity, and determination that drove the great movements of history.
Together, we can rise to the challenge, fight climate change, and make the world a better place for everyone.
Action on climate change is hard, but it is worth it. Let's rise to this task and give hope to the people who come after us.
Thank you, and I hope we can all work together to make the future better and more stable.
God bless you and your loved ones!
Thank you very much!