SALALAH, AUGUST 21
The Local Youth Climate Change Conference, a pioneering event that marks a significant step forward in Oman’s ongoing efforts to empower young people in addressing the critical issue of climate change, kicked off on Wednesday.
Organised under the auspices of the "Madad for Development" initiative and in collaboration with the "Youth Centre," this conference has garnered strong support from key government entities, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering a generation of environmentally conscious and proactive leaders.
Running over the course of two days, this conference is designed to amplify the role of youth in combating climate change, a global crisis that poses unprecedented challenges to the environment, economies, and societies worldwide. By creating a forum where young people can come together to discuss, innovate, and strategise, the event aims to generate fresh, sustainable solutions that will contribute to reducing the negative impacts of climate change at both local and global levels.
The conference has attracted a diverse and dynamic group of young participants from various governorates across the Sultanate of Oman. These individuals, selected for their dedication and commitment to environmental and climate issues, represent the future of Oman’s efforts to address and adapt to the evolving climate landscape. Throughout the event, they will have the invaluable opportunity to engage directly with leading experts, academics, and professionals in the field of climate science and environmental management. This interaction is expected to spark a rich exchange of ideas and foster the development of innovative approaches to the challenges at hand.
A key highlight of the event is the focus on sustainable planning and the importance of teamwork in addressing environmental challenges. The organising committee has emphasised that young people, with their creativity, energy, and unique perspectives, are crucial to driving the global response to climate change. They noted that this conference is more than just a platform for discussion; it is a vital stepping stone for youth to develop and propose actionable initiatives that can be implemented at both local and national levels. These initiatives are expected to play a significant role in shaping Oman’s climate policies and strategies in the years to come.
Hafez al Shukairy, head of the Madad Development Team, underscored the crucial role of youth in shaping climate action. He highlighted that empowering young people is not only essential but imperative, given their inherent creativity and innovative potential. "Young people have the ability and creativity to develop solutions that can meet climate challenges, Al Shukairy remarked. He further emphasised that the conference aims to forge a network of Omani youth who are passionate about climate issues, thereby fostering collaboration on sustainable projects that could significantly mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Dr Said al Sarmi, a meteorologist, brought to light the existential threat posed by climate change — a phenomenon that transcends borders and impacts every corner of the globe. "Climate change is not just a passing natural phenomenon but rather an existential threat that endangers our planet and our future," he stated.
Dr Al Sarmi stressed that while climate fluctuations have been a constant throughout Earth’s history, the current pace and severity of these changes are unprecedented.
He attributed this alarming acceleration to human activities, particularly the relentless burning of fossil fuels, which has led to an unprecedented rise in global temperatures over the last two centuries. "These activities result in an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, acting like a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping heat and causing temperatures to rise," he explained.
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