On 14 October, a webinar was held on “Youth as Climate Actors in Asia-Pacific” as part of the COOP Dialogue, a bi-annual publication of ICA-AP.
The Asia and Pacific region has 60% of the world’s youth population. They are not only the future of this region but also potential victims of climate change and its consequences that will accrue in times to come. But what is climate change? Is it long-term shifting of temperatures and weather patterns? Or is it something that we all experience from time to time but are not able to describe it in right words? Whatever may be the face of climate change, climate action certainly do not have one face. Climate action comes in all forms and sizes and regardless of whether our actions are at individual level, implemented in our schools, colleges, or organisations, or in the wider community. It is true that all actions – big and small matter because today’s youth are the future, and it is not fair that they face the consequences of climate change.
This webinar was special because we showcased actions taken by young people who not only believe that climate change matters to them but also that actions to address climate change is best addressed when we collaborate, partner, and cooperate with each other. Other than the panelists, we were joined by more than 80 young people from different countries in the region who were eager to learn about different ideas and share their experiences and practices with.
Mr. Leo Lingel T. Panares Youth Coordinator, LAMAC MPC Youth Planet Laboratory Cooperative, Philippines spoke about the integrated organic farm school and farm tourism promoted by LAMAC; Ms. Russelin Edhyati, Member, KEN-8 Cooperative, Indonesia explained the use of permaculture for sustainable co-living; Mr. Haneesh Katnawar, Co-founder, Himalayan Hemp Cooperative, India explained how hemp and cannabis plant can be used to produce different eco-friendly products; and Ms. Usha Niraula Student and child club member, National Cooperative Bank Ltd., Nepal shared the initiatives taken by her at individual level and emphasized the need to take small steps to combat climate change on a daily basis. Ms Lasalette M. Gumban, Diaspora and Climate Action Program Unit Head, NATCCO, Philippines was the special guest. She shared her journey in the cooperative sector which dates to her school days and why she chose to become an eco-ambassador for youth at NATCCO.
The first half of the webinar focused on initiatives taken by the panelists, their views on climate change, reasons for opting a cooperative model, challenges faced and future plans. The second half focused on an open dialogue between the panelists and participants. Young participants interacted freely in chat box and during the open forum to learn and share ideas with each other.
