Today's guest blog is by Dr Stephen Martin, WWF Fellow and Policy Advisor to the UK National Commission for UNESCO.
George Monbiot (Guardian 20 February) is right to support and celebrate the global movement of young people who have begun a series of climate strikes in response to the inertia of political leaders. But, this movement and its success is dependent on many things, not least a recognition by politicians and society that in many parts of the world there has been a growing and committed youth involvement in these issues, most of which explore ways to develop regenerative sustainability practices, which include simultaneous improvements in human and environmental sustainability, not just reductions in damage or harm. And, they play a role in implementing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs; sometimes referred to as the Global Goals)
Here in the UK, the National Union of Students sustainability programme has pioneered new and innovative projects on university campuses across the UK, delivering over 70,000 greening actions a year. Students in the 12,000 Eco-schools in the UK have increased their awareness of climate change and ways to mitigate its impact. Above all young peopleneed to see immediate action and committed political leadership which creates a movement for change and celebrates and supports young people’s actions as well as their contribution to the implementation of the Global Goals. They will undoubtedly respond to political leadership with the qualities needed to promote sustainability: humility, respect for all forms of life and future generations, precaution and wisdom, the capacity to think systemically and challenge unethical actions?
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Steve can be contacted at: esmartinone@gmail.com
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