COP28 is continuing in the UAE, and ECO-UNESCO have sent two of their Youth Delegates, Geo and Cian, who are sharing their experiences and thoughts with us here.
It is a key week where outcomes and decisons need to be made on how we can help to save our planet. But, judging by reports coming from the event things are not going as well as hoped.
Press play on the videos to hear from them and read on to learn more about the young climate activists.
Georgiana (Geo) Teslaru
Geo is from Dublin, and she has participated in ECO-UNESCO since 2018, when she was part of the Youth for Sustainable Development (YSD) group. Through her experience in YSD, she also participated in our Young Environmentalist Awards in 2018 and 2019.
My motivation to attend COP28 is deeply rooted in the significance of this pivotal year, occurring just seven years before the conclusion of the 2030 Paris Agreement. It is clear that the world is not on track to meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement, and as such, COP28 represents a beacon of hope. This gathering of nations presents a unique opportunity to witness and contribute to the negotiations that will hopefully accelerate climate action on a global scale.
Cian Walsh
Cian is from Cork. He is currently studying at University College Cork. Cian first participated in ECO-UNESCO through our Young Environmentalist Awards programme in 2021. Together with his sister, their project 'Hemp for a Sustainable Future' won the ECO Innovation award, recognising its ability to aid in Ireland's aims surrounding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project had a global reach of 1.3 million through various campaigns and media publications.
By instilling a sense of responsibility towards the environment, ECO-UNESCO empowers us to become proactive agents of change in our local communities and beyond. I also believe that ECO-UNESCO plays a pivotal role in promoting Global Citizenship Education. I am super excited to have this opportunity to ensure youth voices are projected and heard at this international conference to fight for Climate Justice.
You can go to RTÉ Climate for more on COP28 and the environment.
