JERVON SANDS: COP29’s failures must serve as a call to arms for youth of the region

THE global youth population includes at least 25 percent of people on the planet and our current understanding of the climate crisis is that young people will experience a larger share of its consequences within our lifetimes. Youth who call the Caribbean home must also be aware that according to reports from Save the Children International they number among young people from developing countries who are at least ten times more likely to be affected by climate-related disasters compared to youth in other parts of the world, particularly the Global North.

The Caribbean has been characterised by the UNFCCC as one of the most at-risk regions due to climate change. This means that the consequences of global inaction now will not only continue to negatively impact the region today but will also seriously disrupt Caribbean futures. The ones who are currently and will continue shouldering that burden are young people.

Recognising this stark reality, youth from the region have been working tirelessly to ensure that their presence is felt, and their voices are heard in the space where world leaders gather to make decisions concerning global climate change response. At COP29, youth delegates from the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy (CCJLA) here with Island Innovation had a lot to say.