YOUTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Gender and Climate Change Perspectives

Climate Change Impact

Some effects of climate change are: Rising temperatures Rising sea levels and temperatures Extreme weather patterns

Droughts Floods Hurricanes Cyclones

Endangered biodiversity survival threatened by changing

conditions Water shortages Decreased agricultural productivity –

food insecurity, e.g. dropping crop yields

Health Diseases Malnutrition

Increased poverty

Climate Change is addressed through:

Mitigation: measures taken to lessen climate change; these are usually the reduction of GHG emissions or the increase of GHG sinks.

Adaptation: changes one makes in their lifestyle and work in order to adjust to climate change.

Gender and Youth Dimension of Climate Change

Limited access to resources Exclusion from decision-making

process Dependency on traditional means Environmental and humanitarian

crises

Youth and Climate Change

The importance of involving the youth lies in several elements:

Youth population in Africa is estimated at around 60%

Rightful role to play Threat if neglected Key features

Recommendations

Finance Available financing mechanisms should

take into account the interests, priorities and needs of women and the youth.

Investments for youth and gender-sensitive programmes for adaptation and mitigation.

Information and technology

access to information and technology related to Climate Change

user-friendly new technologies

Mainstreaming youth and gender perspectives Commitments from governments

Youth involvement

Raising awareness and training communities

Engaging in research