The biggest annual event on climate change recently took place in Poznań, Poland. The goal of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) was to get participating countries to agree on a concrete plan of action, and pave the way toward reaching an agreement, so that the next meeting, in Copenhagen in December 2009, could bring negotiations to a close. This year, the global financial crisis underscored the urgency for action: The world has to get a handle on climate change before it becomes a global crisis such as the current financial one.
It's everyone's planet, so everyone should have something to say about its changing climate. One way you can join in is by taking part in the International Essay Competition, which focuses on climate change this year. And while you're at it, find out who won last year's competition, and what they wrote about.
The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has launched a climate change site for youth. It features competitions, volunteering opportunities, and a Youth and United Nations Global Alliance (YUNGA) project, which is still in the works.
Want to know how other young people around the world are feeling the impacts of climate change? Check out the shortlisted entries for the World Bank's documentary film contest on the Social Dimensions of Climate Change, which included a category for Young Voices of Climate Change. Stay tuned for a Youthink! feature on some of the winning films. In the meantime, connect with other climate connoisseurs on the contest's Facebook Page.
If all that weren't enough, the UN's World Youth Report 2009 will also focus on youth and climate change, and the UN Program on youth is currently seeking input from young people everywhere.
Speaking of youth and climate change, I came across an interesting blog post recently, that described life for youth on the Pacific island of Kiribati, and how climate change is threatening the island's future. Share your thoughts with other young people in the region by joining their Young People for Change Facebook group
Make sure you check out the Youthink! feature this month on Climate Change.
