Pune, 11 March 2023

 

The first session of the day on ‘Climate Action’ at the fourth Youth 20 (Y20) consultation meeting, at the Symbiosis International University (SIU), Lavale, Pune, today, saw the panelists calling on the youngsters to be brave and outspoken about their opinions on climate issues.

Speaking at the session, the panelists stressed on the need for the inclusion of youth as stakeholders in the policy-making process at the national and international levels and the need to support small, localized, and decentralized actions for holistic development. The speakers also called on the youth to live harmoniously with fellow humans and the environment.

Dr. Bala Ramani, Elected Member of the Hannover City Council and Spokesperson for Climate Change and Environmental Protection, Germany, started the discussion by highlighting the interconnectedness of people around the globe and how our action determines the every day  lives of people living thousands of miles away. He further explained how Germany has awakened from its consciousness to achieve a complete paradigm shift in the usage of recyclable energy. The various measures encompass the investments made in renewable infrastructures for generating electricity, like using E-mobility vehicles for administrative purposes. Asked about the carbon emission programs in Germany, Dr. Bala Ramani said Germany is highly focused on renewable energy, be it wind or water. The city council is also ambitious toward its far-fetched hydrogen project to address the carbon emission problem.  In response to the One Nation, One Grid policy, he said the concept applies to countries worldwide. Unless and until climate change is tackled universally, we wouldn't do justice to the initiatives taken individually.

Addressing the participants, panelists Mr. Priyadarshan Sahasrabudhe, Climate Change Expert and Founder at Chakraakaar Lifestyle Solutions Pvt. Ltd said that it is each one of us as a stakeholder who owes to the planet earth. The solution lies in the problem being faced by the world, and that's where the entrepreneur's journey begins toward innovation. First, we need to build desire among the people for them to act and achieve sustainable and eco-friendly means. Then, while competing with the mainstream economy, policymakers can ensure the usage of correct media sources to propagate eco-friendly and waste management agendas. Asked how to tackle the unawareness that exists on the societal level, Mr. Sahasrabudhe said, "Educating consumers is a first step toward making a shift in the thought process and choosing the right communication channels for the same comes next."

Mr. Lobzang Wangtak, Glacier and Water Conservationist and Co-founder of Navikarana Trust, Ladakh, India, extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs for providing such a comprehensive platform to discuss climate issues that need immediate attention. He emphasized the harmonious living together of humans with nature and the belief system that the people of Ladakh hold towards their land. 

The session was moderated by Dr. Gurudas Nulkar, Professor and Director of Centre for Sustainable Development, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune.

The audience at the Consultation Meeting comprised young delegates, winners from competitions, invitees and students from India and G20 countries.

Y20 is an official consultation forum for youth from all G20 member countries to be able to have dialogue with each other. The theme for the fourth Y20 Consultation is ‘Peace building and Reconciliation: Ushering in an Era of No War- the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Climate Action is one of the six sub themes of the consultation.  

 

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