JESSIE JAMES

Youth Opinions on the COP 15 Climate Summit: A Report From UN-Habitat
by Ambika Chawla, UN-Habitat
Source: Youthink. World Bank.

What Happened at COP 15?

March 16, 2010—In the eyes of many young people, the outcome of the COP 15 UN climate summit in Copenhagen falls short of what they hoped would be achieved: ambitious, legally binding targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions and consensus on how to move forward with a climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which phases out in 2012.

The main result of the COP 15 climate summit is the Copenhagen Accord, a political framework drafted by Brazil, China, India, South Africa and the United States, which sets a goal of limiting global warming to 2°C. The Copenhagen Accord fails to outline specific, legally binding actions to prevent dangerous climate change. Rather, it is based on the approach that governments make voluntary commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with their domestic laws and regulations. Initially, countries were expected to pledge their emissions targets by the end of January 2010, with developed countries implementing their targets by the beginning of 2020. However, the UN recently dropped the January 31 deadline, as only 20 of the 192 countries have submitted proposals to reduce emissions.

Jessie

James L. Marcellones, 23, Philippines
MRP Green Project, Philippine Youth Climate Movement, UNEP TUNZA

What did you think about the outcome of COP 15?
The outcome of COP 15 is not really what people wanted. People around the world, especially the youth, are asking for a legally-binding instrument with concrete commitments among countries (developed and developing countries) to reduce carbon emissions by 2020 and beyond. Youth are still on the move to continue to pressure the leaders of the world to seal the deal and come up with a legally-binding protocol during COP 16 in Mexico.

Do you think the concerns of young people were adequately addressed by decision-makers attending COP 15?
Not really. Most youth are not happy with the result of the negotiations. We, however, consider COP 15 as a step towards the making of a legally-binding instrument that will ensure a better place in the future including the survival of people, especially those who are living in small island states.

What do you hope for from COP 16?
I am hoping that COP 16 will not be a repetition of COP 15. Concrete plans must be done and a united decision must be made so that a legally-binding protocol will be made, ensuring that there will be a better and sustainable life for the future. Survival is not negotiable. COP 16 must be a success.

Did you enjoy yourself in Copenhagen?
Yes, I enjoyed myself in Copenhagen because I met with a lot of people who are deeply concerned for the future of our planet. However, the results of the negotiation are somehow affecting the personal happiness that I felt. Actions must be done. Plans must be written, with a focus on survival.