3 From Empathy to Action


• focusing on well-being and inclusiveness • establishing long-term GHGs emission reduction goals


• strengthening resilience to climate change • developing policies to reverse biodiversity loss and restore ecosystem services, including through nature-based solutions,


• increasing circular economy practices • fostering innovation to trigger behavioural changes.


We are now faced with a unique opportunity to rethink the systems, behaviours and principles that define our societies, and thus it is imperative that we engage in a critical self- reflection process that places the caring of our planet and the environment at its core. As the world recovers from the impact of a devastating pandemic, let it also start shifting away from these destructive patterns towards more environmentally sustainable practices.


The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres proposed six climate-related actions to shape the recovery, including the


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need to deliver new green jobs through a clean, green transition and ending fossil fuel subsidies, but also the need to work together as an international community to leave no one behind. The stimulus packages and economic measures planned by the governments to help with the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis need to invest in this green transition, be inclusive, pro-poor and gender responsive (Guterres 2020a; 2020b).


The only way to effectively achieve these goals, to “build back better”, is to work together. We, as youth, have an opportunity to raise our voice and showcase our innovative ideas, participate in climate discussions, change our lifestyles, the markets and the policies in place. We are already in the front lines of climate action and should now gain more space through collective action and activism. The actions and initiatives mentioned in this chapter can help you get an idea on how you can contribute to the “building back better” effort.


personal commitment


sustainable


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