Youth community leaders from some of the world’s most climate-impacted countries, including Kenya, have come together to co-create strategies and demands for climate action at the third annual Climate Justice Camp. This week-long event, being held in Arusha, Tanzania, is gathering passionate youth from over 100 countries who believe that the future is not inherited but rather created through determination and action.
At the opening of the youth engagement camp, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and a clear commitment to co-create solutions for the pressing environmental issues that affect their communities. Participants expressed their readiness to embrace change, learn resilience, share ideas, and lay the foundation for sustainable solutions while articulating biodiversity restoration as a means to reclaim ecological sovereignty.
Unity in Purpose
Gerance Mutwol, a young Kenyan environmental scientist, activist, and plastics campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, spoke passionately about the potential of empowered youth. “We believe that youth are both the present and the future. When you empower them with the right skills, time, financial support, and space to collaborate, amazing things can happen. That’s the spirit of the Roots Team and the Climate Justice Camp,” he stated.
The camp is a convergence of vibrant change-makers from various organizations, with 80% of participants aged 35 and under. Young volunteers eager to make a difference have also joined the event. The diversity of participants is a testament to the global nature of the climate crisis and the collective responsibility to address it.
Agustin Maggio, program leader of Roots and lead partner of the Climate Justice Camp, praised the enthusiasm of Sub-Saharan African youth regarding climate change issues. “At every previous Climate Justice Camp, we have been impressed by the strength of representation from Sub-Saharan Africa and the incredible groups and young leaders working to drive positive change in their communities. The third edition of the camp in Tanzania promises to be a catalyst for unity and collaboration, empowering participants to build knowledge and networks, share stories and skills, and co-create strategies that will have a lasting impact,” Maggio said.
Voices from the Ground
One of the youngest participants, 18-year-old Hashiatu Ibrahim, a volunteer with Greenpeace Africa from the indigenous Mbororo community in Northern Cameroon, shared her aspirations. She emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge within her community, particularly regarding sustainable practices in cattle rearing. “In our community, we engage in cattle rearing, which contributes to overgrazing and climate change. I feel fortunate to gain knowledge here that I can take back to my community. I plan to empower them and propose initiatives like using cow dung waste to produce biogas, which is a clean cooking energy solution,” she explained.
Ibrahim’s insights reflect the camp’s focus on localized solutions to global challenges. Young leaders like her are at the forefront of innovative approaches to mitigate the impacts of climate change while promoting sustainable development within their communities.
Esther Syombua, regional coordinator for Greenpeace East Africa, emphasized the urgency of addressing the global climate crisis. “The global climate crisis is in the ICU, and we urgently need youth to have critical conversations that must be addressed at COP29 in November,” she urged.
Addressing Social Injustices
The Climate Justice Camp aims to develop better solutions to the social injustices pressing people across the globe. Esther Syombua articulated a compelling message about the need for immediate action: “In short, we need to act now. We cannot continue to discuss these issues without taking action; they must be brought to the forefront because the most affected are the communities without a voice.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the camp as participants seek to elevate the voices of marginalized communities and address the disproportionate impacts of climate change.
The week-long agenda is packed with various workshops on critical topics including the road to COP29, energy transition, adaptation and resilience, plastics pollution, conflict and demilitarization, and gender and climate. These workshops aim to create regional and international networks and alliances that can advocate for long-term political change.
The Bigger Picture
The Climate Justice Camp is the largest in-person platform of its kind for young leaders from the Global South. This year marks the first occurrence of the camp in Sub-Saharan Africa, following its inaugural session in Tunisia in 2022 and subsequent editions in Lebanon and the Caribbean. The camp serves as a vital space for youth to converge, share their experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions to climate-related challenges.
The significance of holding this event in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot be overstated. The region is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, food insecurity, and loss of biodiversity. By bringing together young leaders from these countries, the Climate Justice Camp seeks to empower them with the tools and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.
A Call to Action
The commitment of youth leaders at the Climate Justice Camp represents a powerful movement toward climate justice. As they share their stories and experiences, they are not only advocating for their communities but also contributing to a broader global dialogue on climate action. Their passion and dedication demonstrate that the younger generation is ready to step up and lead the way in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time.
With COP29 on the horizon, the discussions and strategies developed at the camp are crucial. They reflect a growing recognition that climate action must be inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the most affected communities. As these young leaders return to their respective countries, they carry with them not only knowledge and skills but also a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to climate justice.
Conclusion
The Climate Justice Camp in Arusha serves as a testament to the power of youth leadership in the fight against climate change. With the world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, the collaboration and determination displayed by these young leaders signal a hopeful path forward. As they unite to share ideas, learn from one another, and co-create solutions, they embody the spirit of resilience and innovation that is essential for a sustainable future.
As the week progresses, the outcomes of the camp will undoubtedly shape the conversations at COP29 and beyond, reinforcing the vital role of youth in driving climate action and advocating for the rights of those most impacted by climate change. The participants leave not only as advocates for their communities but as part of a larger global movement committed to creating a sustainable and just world for all.
