COP23: German youth represents present claims to UN-Climate Conference in Bonn

The younger generation of today will be particularly affected by climate change and the policy decisions made to protect against it. That’s why the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUB) invited young people between the ages of 16 and 25 to participate in a dialogue on climate change and climate policy. Participants of the dialog “Our Climate! Our Future!” presented today the results at COP 23 to UNFCCC and the Federal Ministry for the Environment.

In total, about 200 young people took part in the youth dialogue They exchanged and gained information, formulated opinions, developed new ideas for the future and created a youth report on their results.

Their main claims:

– “Germany needs to stop using fossil fuels. We demand that our politicians put an immediate end to the subsidization of fossil fuels. In addition to the end of our use of coal, we also demand a decisive end to nuclear energy and a ban on fracking. The subsidy funds should instead be used to support areas affected by this structural change. For example, retraining programs for workers affected by this change should be funded.

– At the same time, massive government support should go to the development of renewable energies and energy storage technologies, as well as to an integrated European electricity grid, in order to enable energy independence in Germany. For a decentralized energy revolution to take place, there needs to be more funding programs that support diverse alternative methods like small wind power generators on roofs and zero-energy houses.

– Green Roofs New building projects in the future need to have extensive green roof systems. This should be the responsibility of the federal, state, and local governments. CO2 emissions can be drastically reduced through the use of green roofs. Additionally, sustainable building materials and CO2 reducing plants should be especially promoted.

– Legislation against Food Waste Something must be done to end food waste. We want the Bundestag to pass effective legislation to reduce the amount of food wasted in this country. This legislation should include, among other things, the decriminalization of “dumpster diving” and tools to promote seasonal and regional products.

The full content of the Youth Report “Our Climate! Our Future!” you find here:

Report: www.cop23.de/fileadmin/Daten/PDF/jugendreport_ukuz_en_bf.pdf

Appendix: www.cop23.de/fileadmin/Daten/PDF/jugendreport_ukuz_anhang_en_bf.pdf

Best regards,

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