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Youths reflect on the increasing alarming effects of climate change |04 September 2021

Youths reflect on the increasing alarming effects of climate change

Participants of the seminar

Last weekend, I sat as a guest along the Seychelles Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) at the residence of the British high commissioner. Activists, special guests and members of the LCOY thoroughly discussed and educated us on the effects of climate change, what each individual can do to make a difference and what Seychelles has accomplished.

Various local organisations are already encouraging sustainable living, for example the use of solar panels, electric cars, wind turbines and recycling facilities.

However, I’m sure that many of you know about the drastic coral bleaching which has taken place around our waters, leading to a reduction of marine life. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The ocean’s life cycle affects global warming drastically.

To illustrate how important the ocean is for balance in the ecosystem: the microscopic ocean plant called “Diatoms” absorb the same amount of carbon dioxide annually as all the rainforests combined! (10-20 billion tonnes).

Everyday sea levels are rising. Animals are dying and people are losing their homes. How much more damage has to be inflicted on our earth and oceans for us to realise how serious this is? The younger generation needs a better place to grow up, where beautiful polar bears and gentle African elephants won’t become a vague memory in a museum. Sadly, this life threatening phenomenon which is inflicting pain and suffering on millions of lives is still perpetual.

So what can you do? Firstly, when you can, stay away from extensive carbon-contributing items, which pollute the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Secondly, try your best to support local sustainable products and businesses. And finally, you can spread awareness. Talk about the effects of climate change and educate people on the reality and severity of this situation. The more people who devote and commit to slowing this down, the closer we get to change.

 

Contributed by participant Erin d’Offay (Aged 15)

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