Namibia’s Youth Take the Lead in Fight Against Climate Change

Every generation dreams of having a better life than those who came before them. Rising sea levels, forest fires, heatwaves, droughts, floods and many other catastrophic effects of climate change are burying that dream for today’s youth.

There are more than two million young people under the age 35 in Namibia, according to data, which is a strong sign that young people are the group most at risk from the effects of climate change.

Around the world, natural resources were recklessly exploited for millennia. The young people of today have inherited a planet on the verge of collapsing – a legacy they did not create but are now required to uphold. Despite this injustice, young people are refusing to give up.

Movements like the School Environment Clubs Namibia and countless others are clear signs that Namibia’s youth are willing to fight for the better future they believe in. As the African proverb says, “Rain does not fall on one roof alone,” reminding us that climate change affects everyone.

So the question arises: what exactly is climate change, and what role does the youth play in protecting our environment from further breakdown?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns. While these shifts can occur naturally, human actions have been the main driver of activities that release copious greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming.

The effects are already evident and include abnormal weather events, food insecurity, loss of biodiversity, water shortages and growing health risks. These consequences are already apparent – and mostly affect young people, who will live longer in this changing world.

The youth have a critical role to play. Across Namibia and around the world, young people are standing up – raising their voices, creating awareness, demanding policy change and leading efforts to protect the environment. Many are refusing to sit idly by while their futures are decided by others. Young people are bringing fresh ideas, creativity and energy to the fight against climate change. They are inventing new technologies for clean energy, creating new items through recycling and promoting sustainable practices. The youth are proving that solutions to climate challenges already exist – and that the real solution is to do the right things, and to do them right.

Moreover, young people are showing that true leadership is about action. As a powerful saying goes: “The future generation will not remember who shouted the loudest; it will remember who acted the loudest when it mattered most.” Talking alone will not heal our planet. The youth must lead by example, making real changes in their communities, lifestyles and choices – acting now and inspiring others to follow.

In conclusion, the fight against climate change demands the full energy, creativity and passion of young people. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are the leaders of today. The planet’s future rests in our hands, and our time to act is now.

• – Inomuinjo Kapimbi is the founder and administrator of School Environment Clubs Namibia and a Grade 11 pupil at Ella Du Plessis High School.

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