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