CARICOM to empower youth to address climate change and health issues
A four-day workshop aimed at empowering Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) and other youth leaders to confront the global challenge of climate change will begin in Guyana on Wednesday.
The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that the “CARICOM Climate Change and Health Orientation and Training for CYAs and Youth Leaders” will bring together more than 30 youth advocates and regional stakeholders .
It said that the event aligns seamlessly with the Secretariat’s Climate Change and Health Programme (CCHP) which is aimed at deepening awareness of how climate change affects health and disseminating knowledge on prevention and adaptation measures to reduce greenhouse gasses.
The workshop is being supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the European Union (EU) and the Caribbean Community Forum (CARIFORUM).
Deputy Programme Manager, Youth Development, at the CARICOM Secretariat, Michele Small-Bartley, said the exercise is intended to elevate youth leaders’ awareness of the health impacts of climate change and enhance their engagement in identifying and implementing effective strategies to mitigate these impacts.
“The workshop will provide these young leaders with the requisite knowledge, skills, and tools for identifying and addressing climate change-induced health issues within their respective countries and communities.”
She said the workshop is also intended to extend support in developing national and community projects geared towards bolstering efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on health and address community needs.
Mitigating the effects of climate change in the region has already been a priority for the CYAs under the CCHP.
In St Kitts and Nevis, CYAs implemented a six-month project in which young people were engaged in implementing household waste management techniques to reduce methane emissions and the effects of climate change.
In Trinidad and Tobago, there was “The Eco Restorers Project”, allowing participants to learn about the recycling process and how it helps mitigate the effects of climate change and how to convert recycled products into sustainable business ideas.
