How Do the Leaders
at the World Congress
View the Role of Youth
in the Environment?
By Regina Flores, Amber Marsh and Patricia Kotovich,
TG Magazine youth journalists
As youth present in a global conference we have the unique
opportunity to explore our opinions of world leaders on the
environmental interests and actions of youth around the globe. The
youth response to environmental issues seems to depend on the
cultural setting in which an individual is immersed and the
priorities of that society.
Tenneco Boomsma of Belize says that youth in her country are not
aware of environmental concerns. According to her, "survival is
more important". The young people of Belize need first to address
more immediate issues such as where their next meal will come
from. However, Booms ma says "More and more environmental programs
have started in the past several years". An outreach program which
focuses on youth awareness of the global threats to the
environment being developed.
Adan Budder of Jordan has a very optimistic perspective on the
subject. The youth of Aquaba have organised underwater clean up
events stretching from the Saudi border to Black rock in
Aquaba.
In Egypt, Share El-Sheikh held a conference on environmental
protection. There was a beach clean up and a series of other
public awareness campaigns, all the product of youth
involvement.
In Israel , over 1000 enthusiastic youth volunteers participated
in numerous performances and other activities promoting and
stressing the importance of the environment.
In Canada, students are at the forefront of environmental action
largely due to the support from government leaders. The support of
Environment Canada in the
presence and efforts of Canadian youth at this congress has been
invaluable. Over 25 youth were sponsored for this important event.
This is the kind of faith and encouragement youth around the world
need to become involved.
In seeking the opinion of the delegates and participants, a range
of opinions emerged, some of which were negative and seemed to
perpetuate the stereotype of "unconcerned, careless kids". It is
clear that traditionally youth have not been granted the
opportunity to play a significant role in the decisions that
affect their future and this is reflected in the attitude of many
member delegates. However the youth participation in relevant
affairs such as this congress, demonstrate that our role is
expanding and gaining respect.