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uk
What role does the youth of the Commonwealth need to play in progress
toward low-carbon economies?
By Stessy Nyaga
The 21 century has witnessed the evolution of mankind and the world we live in through a rapid lens
where we as a species has welcomed an upheaval of change and demonstrated the ability to adapt in
order to address the concern for the carrying capacity of natural systems with the social, political, and
economic challenges faced by humanity today.
It was Frantz Fanon that once said
Each generation has a duty to take charge and shape the present, so that they might leave a better
world for their children and their childrens children.
This quote exuberates the fundamental nature of sustainable development; which can be defined as
development that meets the needs of present without compromising future generations. (Brundtland
Commission) There are four main aspects to achieving sustainable development: social, environmental,
economic and institutional it has been argued that culture is a fundamental feature where the Universal
Declaration on Cultural Diversity from 2001 states: "... cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind
as biodiversity is for nature; it becomes one of the roots of development understood not simply in
terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional,
moral and spiritual existence".
Sustainability cannot be achieved without addressing the feasibility of achieving a low carbon economy
and in a world where young people occupy 37.8% of the population worldwide and in a time where the
younger generations today share more common ground and a global vision of a sustainable and
prosperous future regardless of race, culture or nation. The years to come will be a critical and defining
period for global societies to explore the potential of sustainability, on an individual, local, national and
global viewpoint, if the common objectives for UN global millennium development goals and a climate
change agenda are to be achieved.
Natural resources in developed countries have been exploited due to 150 years of industrial activity
therefore it has become imperative that future generations need sustainable energy alternatives: despite
the development of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the inclusion of Goal 7: ensure environmental
sustainability within the eight millennium development goals towards sustainability; Greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions have risen by more than 46% since 1990.
Green Living in Denmark through the development of Copenhagan, the first carbon-neutral city in the
world has demonstrated that developed nations are capable of reducing their carbon footprint if the
right policies funding and culture is instilled. Investment into renewable innovations has named
Denmark the world leading technology developers of wind turbines. It has become evident that those
active in developing reformed tax policies, environmental protection laws and financing low-carbon
innovation are leading the world in reduced GHG Emissions. The energy sector in Kenya represents a
fascinating case of the potential and limits of CCD in practice. Renewable energy potentially meets not
only mitigation aims, but may also reduce vulnerability to climate change and bring tangible benefits to
poorer groups. (University of Sussex) In Kenya investment grew from virtually zero in 2009 to US$1.3
billion in 2010 across technologies such as wind, geothermal, small-scale hydro and bio-fuels placing
Kenya as the most active in Africa within the renewable energy sector. It also became Africas first
country to produce geothermal power and the world leaders in the number of Solar Power systems. the

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implementation of vision 2030 whose aims are to build a global competitive and prosperous Kenya,
identifies that a low carbon economy is inevitable, therefore Kenya has set policies and practices which
are to tackle the predicted socio-economic and environmental changes predicted to occur over the next
decade: the `summary Policy brief on low carbon competitiveness in Kenya outlines Key policy
responses within the Energy, Agriculture and Manufacturing sectors that will ensure Kenya is able to
respond to the threats and opportunities to Kenyas competitiveness and growth.
When tackling climate change and sustainability it becomes customary to rely on scientists, politicians
and the energy companies to revolutionize and implement strategies surrounding the complexity of low
carbon economies. In actual fact sustainability is a topic that affects all human beings not only as
individuals but as a species living on this planet. It is essential we do not underestimate the potential
and human capita of young people today, we have witnessed young people all over the world become
the driving force behind change in modern society: From the Gaza uprising to London riots, youth
globally have displayed the energy to drive development, unity and manage change. Young people need
to be given the foundation today; we need to raise future leaders now, young people globally must leave
a legacy in the present day through all 4 pillars of sustainability.
The Climate Group collaborated with a group of leading Chinese businesses and NGOs where the China
Youth Project has been launched, to help low carbon leaders of the future realize their green business
ideas. It will drive China's most talented young people towards low carbon business enabling young
people to actively contribute to establishing a low carbon economy. Globally it is evident that there is
an employability crisis among young people. Optimizing employment opportunities or creating
schemes that make careers in the low carbon sector appealing and easily accessible to young people
such as scholarship schemes in relevant academic courses that will empower young people to
contribute to environmental sustainability, careers that will develop health, safety, literacy,
environmental protection should be given precedence in all institutions. As well as young adults,
children should also be given the information required in all schools to raise awareness and develop
attitudes towards the environment, for environmental protection to become a reality it is important for
societies to develop personal level, environmental values and behaviours. This should be approached
with respect to culture, allowing all young people to thrive in their respective environments without
creating external prejudice or judgement but raise cultural awareness and amplify international
relations between various groups.
Activities such as beat the street is a global initiative launched to encourage and inspire children around
the world to walk to and from school rather than take bus or train was designed to reconnect children
with nature in this highly digitalized era. Australia has also recognised the significance of encouraging
younger generations to engage with nature launching : `51 things your kids need to do before they turn 12
- Nature Play, Nature Play SA aims to get kids active and outside and highlights the concern of a
generation of children suffering from what has been called ``nature deficit. Sustainability,
Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter said Nature Play SA follows alarming evidence
about the trend for children to spend the majority of the time indoors. He said it would raise awareness
of the importance of outdoor play, and to give parents and carers advice, ideas and access to events and
programs to reconnect their children with nature.
Upcoming Youth led organisations such as Diaspora Youth empowerment utilize skills of the Diaspora
Youth to provide welfare in the form of food, clothes, gifts and entertainment to children directly in
third world countries. Simple programmes that facilitate global citizenship and cultural awareness
which give young people the opportunity to improve upon the lives of others are able to significantly

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change the mindset of both parties. Giving purpose and raising cultural intelligence in society to
contributors, and improving the quality of life of recipients.
When attempting to undertake aspects of social, environmental and economic change it is essential the
correct policies infrastructures and mechanisms of change are examined. Individuals representing
exceptional young leaders of all nations need to be provided with the knowledge and the ability to
contribute to policies and provide direction that will benefit their own as well as future generations.
Schemes such as the 33fifty programme which is based around a complex global challenge, What role
does the youth of the Commonwealth need to play in progress toward low-carbon economies? brings
together 100 exceptional young leaders from the commonwealth that will allow the delegates to learn
from each other and begin to lead change and expand their networks throughout the commonwealth,
this provides opportunity for extraordinary young adults to take their place in the commonwealth
society as future leaders today as well as giving them the knowledge and resources needed to tackle the
fight for sustainability.
As the target date of 2015 draws close and we as a species strive to reverse the loss of environmental
resources it is imperative that we integrate strategies and policies keeping in mind that approximately
one billion youth live in the world today. This means that approximately one person in five is between
the age of 15 and 24 years It is crucial that we identify potential talent that will become the mainstay of
green economic and social development as well as equipping upcoming generations with the
information needed to mould positive behaviours and attitudes towards environmental sustainability
and protection before its too late.

Author: Stessy Nyaga
References
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Hasna, A. M. (2007). Dimensions of sustainability. Journal of Engineering for Sustainable Development: Energy,
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Karen Ellis, A. L. (2013). Summary policy brief on low Carbon Competetiveness in Kenya. UK: ODI.
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