The World Waits for the Planet's Future

By: José Jara @josema923 and Denisse Peduzzi @denipeduzzi (Argentina)

Today the COP21 has begun in Paris, where world leaders meet to discuss the future of climate change. Since early in the morning, young people have come together to witness the first negotiations of this process that will take two weeks.

The United Nations Conference of Parties started this morning with the presence of 172 representatives of the world. The objective of these 11 days of negotiations will be to reach an agreement to reduce emissions that damage the planet.

In the corridors of the COP, there are also those who are interested in the subject, who have come to Paris looking for an answer. We thus talked with young visitors and they told us what their expectations are:

Juan Diego, Ecuador, 27 years old:
“I hope there will be a real agreement among countries and not just another meeting where no solutions are found. I hope that there will be realistic expectations where the rights of indigenous peoples and forests are also respected, especially relating to the situation in Ecuador. Presidents need to be aware about our situation because it will put the future of young people at risk.”

Ambrioggio, Italy, 23 years old:

“One of my expectations for the COP21 is that an agreement will be signed because it's a huge event for the future of our planet. We are a lot of people who work for sustainability and it would be very sad if the countries involved do not reach a deal. I also think it is a great opportunity to get to know other people who work in civil society and exchange ideas about our own sustainable projects.”

Digna, United States, 17 years old:

“I hope States can reach a new agreement and fulfil their responsibilities. I am glad that the presidents recognize that climate change affects the whole population and also recognize their own errors.
I was born in New York but my parents are from Honduras. That’s why I think that the United States, as a developed country, must fulfil its responsibilities, and Honduras, a country that suffers so much from climate change effects, needs help from developed countries to adapt.”

Aviral, United States, 25 years old:
“I hope the majority of countries reach the goal of not letting global temperature increase more than 2°C. I think that is all that young people are waiting for. I think that everybody, especially Indian people, believes it is a very ambitious objective but I hope for the best possible solution.”
The presence of young people at the COP21 was remarkable, with a strong commitment to the future of the planet and interest in a favourable agreement. The world wants a change and young people are raising their voice for it.