Is Containing Global Warming under 1.5°C Still Possible?

This event has raised the level of international climate ambition, through serious and precise commitments. The effect of the voices of Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate at the opening of Youth4Climate was felt. After two days of work, today four representatives of young people, one for each working group, presented their proposals to national delegates attending the preCOP26.

Italian Climate Network, as an association representing the Italian civil society and, together with WWF, part of the advisory board of the Youth4Climate event, draws the most important outcomes.

Table 1 – Youth Driving ambition

Young people are urgently asking for significant youth representation within decision-making processes and in the drafting of climate policies, as well as concrete funding to support youth participation at all levels by public and private actors.

Table 2 – Sustainable recovery

At this table they reaffirmed the goal of containing emissions by 1.5 °C and a robust regulation of carbon emissions with particular attention to the most vulnerable communities and weak actors.

In this regard, Marirosa Iannelli, Climate and Advocacy Coordinator of Italian Climate Network and Youth Advisor at the Youth4Climate event, said: “As Italian Climate Network, we agree with young people that containing temperatures under 1.5 °C by the end of the century is still possible with a decisive energy and social transition. But, we add, only if there is clear political will at the international level and the involvement of all players in the field: governments, international institutions, the private sector and the media. Today’s meeting is essential for preCOP26 representatives to receive and process the requests that come from young people. “

Table 3 – Non-state actors’ engagement

The under 30s leave no alternative to the entire industry sector (fashion, sport, art, and entrepreneurship): a
complete phase out from fossil fuels by 2030.

Table 4 – Climate conscious society

Climate change education is the main goal for the emancipation of all people. Education must involve not only
children, but also teachers, the private sector, communities in general and the media. The role of journalists and
communicators is key in facilitating the scientific community through the understanding of environmental policies.

“Climate change is not a challenge of the future, but of the present. Our hearts are with those countries that are
already living the climate emergency. – adds Marirosa Iannelli – Negotiation processes must be effective in protecting the most vulnerable communities, already afflicted by the climate crisis. As President Draghi underlined, the issue of social justice is key, especially when discussing policies concerning the least developed countries. As civil society we expect a more concrete commitment to ensure that all countries will be able to participate to COP26 in Glasgow and be equally represented. “

Regardless of country and region of origin, each youth delegate brought a clear message: their requests are strong and ambitious, to really push the process forward starting from their local experiences. To make national delegates, governments, and “big names” understand that young people are experiencing an irrepressible urgency and are ready to do anything to make themselves heard

Italian Climate Network is an association committed to solving the climate crisis and ensuring a sustainable future for Italy. We work to build an extensive and impactful movement, leading to a positive change in society, for the transformation towards a lowcarbon economy and energy model. We collaborate with all stakeholders, from private companies to individuals, from non-profit organizations and local groups to public authorities: we believe that what unites us is more important than what divides us, and that our society needs everyone’s ideas and commitment to promote the change we need.

Italian Climate Network has attended all UNFCCC climate negotiations since 2011, and was officially recognized as an “observer” in 2014. The association is affiliated with two of the UNFCCC constituencies: “YOUNGO”, which includes youth climate movements around the world, and “Women and Gender”, made up of organizations working to promote the interconnection between climate change, women’s rights and gender equality in politics and policies.

At conferences, our delegates:

● participate in negotiation sessions open to observers;

● draft technical reports and informative articles for our “COP Bulletin”;

● participate in the activities and actions of the constituencies, including interventions in plenary and drafting of policy proposals;

● organize of side events and participation in meetings with institutions.