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Our voice as the youth is important, because we are the future generation of leaders and civilians of tomorrow. As the youth, there is significant need to unite instead of being divided, and start working together in making all communities a better place. There is a need to stand up and show the whole nation that it deserves to have a say in what is going on.
The youth needs to ensure young voices are heard by principals in positions of power, in conversations that affect the communities and the future of the country. Young people’s future is under threat due to human activities that negatively contribute to climate change, and as such it is possible if the youth pull together and take a positive stance towards climate advocacy.
Everything that is happening in South Africa is showing exactly the things that do not resonate with the future of this country. Every young person yearns for a future of a financially stable country, having no problems towards global warming, and also loadshedding being a thing of the past. In the communities around the country there are many issues that need fixing, such as road infrastructure, dirty water and poor sanitation, and loadshedding and energy security, just to name a few.
As the youth, the vision is to see a decrease in the dependence on coal as the primary source of power, and look at renewable energy as an alternative source of energy. Generating energy from coal should happen less, and renewable energy is the future, because of the many disadvantages that burning fossil fuels have on the environment and our carbon footprint.
Losing the tendency of placing responsibility on the government and starting to take matters into our own hands for the betterment of the country and planet as a whole is crucial. While governmental authorities and leaders should be held accountable, being active citizens in homes, schools, and communities to advocate for climate change adaptation, mitigation measures, and renewable energy interventions is important.
Optimism about the future can be achieved if cleaner environments, decent jobs, and an economically thriving society become a reality.
The renewable energy sector is one of the most dynamic and promising industries in the economy, but also one of the most challenging as we navigate a Just Transition. Looking at the transition to a renewable energy-based economy as an opportunity and gain, rather than a threat or loss, is important. Some examples of these opportunities that renewable energy brings are skills needs, jobs, improved energy supply and security, as well as economic and environmental benefits.
While it might be difficult to fully transition to renewable energy and discontinue using coal, using coal in urgent times could be considered to avoid school children suffering from studying by candlelight or in darkness.
This climate change initiative is co-funded by the European Union, implemented in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, presented by GreenCape and supported by skills development partner WESSA.
