Youth FLAME: on Climate Justice, Action and Hope for the Future

What does climate justice mean to you?

Sky

To me, climate justice means real and meaningful alterations to one’s own life, plus showing how others could also do the same. Those who are hesitant I feel should be encouraged and congratulated for taking small steps as they may not be ready for the real situation that is round the corner!

S.H.

Global systems that work for human life and non-human life alike. The prioritisation of both biological systems as well as the needs of the least privileged in the face of climate change.

Emma

The recognition of the intersections of climate change with social justice issues. Policies should focus on more than just reducing warming by 1.5°C – they should be implementing tools to implement a just transition where marginalised groups are supported and have regulations on how to sequester carbon to ensure the priority is people and life, rather than profit.

How do you feel about COP26? Why do you think it’s important to get involved?

S.H.

Honestly, right now, not terribly optimistic! But it’s important to get involved, because the maximum pressure possible needs to be put onto governments to do their work to mitigate the climate crisis.

Emma

I think the COP26, like many other international conferences, is a hierarchical platform to be making decisions that is very exclusionary. However, there is some value in having these global agreements as it gives leverage to hold leaders accountable to promises often forgotten after such events. It’s important to demonstrate what the public wants from these agreements by getting involved with actions. 

Sky

I feel that COP26 will be important for businesses to put forward their plans for the future and how they intent to speed up their zero carbonising process. I think governments will also announce new targets and some legislation. I don’t believe COP will sort it all out though, as the fundamental shift that is needed is not even 1% close to happening yet.

What will you be doing at COP? What are your plans?

Emma

I won’t be able to travel up to COP unfortunately, but I will be attending my local COP26 Coalition protest on Saturday. I look forward to seeing decentralised action being taken all around the world which hopefully redistribute power in demonstrating how united we are as a collective.

Sky

I intend to attend an outreach event in Exeter on Saturday the 6th, plus continuing on with my work for Moor Trees as it is an environmental organisation, I don’t feel that taking time out for climate action is correct in this instance, perhaps if I were doing less crucial work I may feel different…

S.H.

Learning as much as I can, meeting as many climate activists as I can, especially those involved in agroecological activity globally.

What do you hope will follow?

S.H.

Long term mobilisation at the grassroots!

Sky

I don’t believe that the change that is actually needed will come until those who can implement change come face-to-face with the effects of climate change. I don’t hold much hope that COP will do much other than yet more greenwashing. A positive would be that greenwashing is regulated formally by the ASA but I think that is planned for 2022+. I hope though that I will be amazed by some real action by the world!

Emma

I hope leaders of the Global North, who call themselves “climate leaders” will redistribute wealth and resources to those who have been colonised and offer their full support to the transition to a greener and more just world, while committing to promises of reducing carbon emissions.

If world leaders could make just one global commitment – what would you want it to be?

Emma

To deconstruct capitalism as a measure of success.

S.H.

I want global leaders to actually be tough on financial institutions.

Sky

No more fossil fuels to be extracted beyond 2030 worldwide.