Environment & Climate Change
My reflection of the experience from the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27
Last Updated (Tuesday, 06 December 2022 13:44)
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| ↑ COP27 commenced on 7th Nov, 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh | ↑ World YMCA delegate and GS of YMCA of Hong Kong |
Greenhouse gases emissions has reached record high this year and everyone should fight very hard to limit global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels to reach net zero carbon emissions. As an enthusiastic engineer, I am dedicated to driving meaningful and positive change to climate issues in the aspect of mitigation and adaptation.
I feel blessed that Mr. Peter Ho, our General Secretary of YMCA of Hong Kong is fully on board that we should promptly address climate change issues and strongly supported me as one of the youth delegates of the World YMCA Alliance in the 27th Conference of Parties, The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).
Organised in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, COP27 is a meeting of world governments, researchers, IGOs and NGOs, with an aim to address rising temperatures. It provided a platform for me to immerse in different climate conversations on Just Transitions, Innovative Solutions of Future of Energy & Water Security, Food Security, Pioneering Finance for Climate & Development, and The Sustainability of Vulnerable Communities. The theme of the COP27 was Together for Implementation, which was very relevant to the issues all nations have been striving for.
A wide variety of pavilions organised by different nations, NGOs or private sectors were showcased on how each has worked towards climate resilience and stayed relevant to the current situation and conditions. Children and Youth Pavilion, the first ever in the history of climate conference, was of particular significance to me as it highlighted the importance of engaging and empowering voices of youth leaders, and fostering our inclusion in the global climate conversation and policy-making.
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"Transforming our economies and societies to restore our ónly one earth' - Green Ambassadors Training 2022
Last Updated (Tuesday, 01 November 2022 14:50)
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| ↑ Group photo during opening ceremony |
After three years of virtual gathering due to COVID19 pandemic, the Green Ambassador’s Training was finally conducted in-person. Around thirty-five participants from the YMCAs of Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand met in Chiangmai, Thailand last October 3-7, 2022 to learn about climate change and its impact to people and communities; to engage in dialogue on enhancing ‘Green Ambassadors’ capacity for environment and climate change action to secure net zero by 2030 to keep global temperature 1.5 degrees within reach; to share good practices on carbon emission reduction and other green project; and to strengthen cooperation, network and green movement towards a Greener YMCA and communities. The training was also joined by the 30 registered online participants from YMCAs Singapore, Sri Lanka and Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong. The online participants joined and interacted with the in-person daily from 3-5 PM HKT.
The Green Ambassador’s Training aligns with the World Environment Day’s theme, “Only One Earth”. Celebrated annually on June 5, the WED is the United Nations’ platform to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. The theme highlights that the Earth is in “code red” due to climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. It also states that billions of people are short of income, food, shelter, health care and education. Energy and food crises on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic and a spike in conflicts around the world are further causes for concern. Given these realities, individuals, organizations businesses and governments are urged to transform our economies and societies to make them inclusive, fair and more connected with nature.
The training included panel presentations YMCA VISION 2030 Pillar on a Sustainable Planet and our Response by Razvan-Victor Sassu, WAY Head of Strategy and Policy; Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation by Dr. Somporn Chantara, Chiangmai University and GATN and Climate Change by Beng Seng Chan, APAY GATN Coordinator. It also incorporated case studies from Green Ambassador graduates and Green Team members who have successfully implemented climate action in their respective YMCAs. The case studies presented highlighted the works on carbon audit, education and advocacy as tools to combat climate change. The following case studies were presented:
YMCA Mongolia “Green Heroes” project
Last Updated (Monday, 03 October 2022 12:20)
YMCA Mongolia has been organizing environmental projects these past few years. Recently, YMCA Mongolia has been organizing activities against desertification and climate change as part of Green Heroes, an environmental project. In the framework of the project, activities such as sewing cotton bags, planting trees, and training on climate change are being organized.
On September 25, YMCA Mongolia planted around 100 trees in the Green Asia NGO in the Central Province area as part of the “Green Heroes” project. It was a memorable time for us to be close to nature and take action together against climate change.
We watered more than 100 trees. This was more significant to the participants because it also gave us a chance to water the previously planted trees. Our priority is to be part of the green actions with our youths.
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‘National Himalayan Trekking-Cum-Training Expedition to Valley of Flowers’ - July 23-31, 2022
Last Updated (Wednesday, 31 August 2022 17:36)
As recounted by a participant - we started our journey by Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Haridwar and then got a cab to Rishikesh, to reach our destination, Base Camp, Bharat Mandir Dharamshala, Rishikesh (1,031 ft).
The hostel staff was welcoming. A short meeting was held with YHAI & YMCA leaders,
Next day, we were able to enjoy sightseeing during the long journey from Rishikesh to Joshimath Camp (6,150 ft). When we arrived, we were welcomed by friendly staff. The camp afforded a breath-taking view of the hills around us.
The following day, from Joshimath to Govind Ghat (5500 ft) and then Govind Ghat to Ghangaria, was our first actual trek (10,200 ft).
Next day, the trip from Ghangaria to Valley of Flowers – Heaven on Earth (11,500 ft) & back took the entire day. The hike was incredibly difficult, with a long, steep stone slope and high drop offs on the side of the path. However, knowing that the famed valley was around the corner made for good motivation to carry on.
After we reached the valley, it was a totally amazing exposure to the peaceful environment. We took some wonderful pictures there that will be treasured forever.
Green Ambassadors Training 2022
Last Updated (Wednesday, 29 June 2022 18:19)
‘Transforming our economies and societies to restore our ‘only one earth’.
Green Ambassadors Training 2022
Around sixty YMCA staff, volunteers, and youth from the YMCAs of India, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong participated the Green Ambassadors Training held last 14-17 June 2022. Partners and networks from schools related to YMCA work on climate change also joined the training that was conducted both in-person online. The Green Ambassador’s Training this June aligns with the World Environment Day’s theme, “Only One Earth”. Celebrated annually on June 5, the WED is the United Nations’ platform to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. The theme highlights that the Earth is in “code red” due to climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. It also states that billions of people are short of income, food, shelter, health care and education. Energy and food crises on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic and a spike in conflicts around the world are further causes for concern. Given these realities, individuals, organizations businesses and governments are urged to transform our economies and societies to make them inclusive, fair and more connected with nature.
Read more...
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