Fostering intergenerational equity in climate action

Hi everyone! My name is Jessica and I work as a youth coordinator with UNEP in Nairobi. I will be moderating this discussion and am very interested to learn about your views when it comes to intergenerational equity and the climate crisis.

Please share your thoughts on the topic and the questions! What concrete recommendations do you have on this topic?

Je suis Monsieur Peke koukou Léon C'est la vie de nationalité Centrafricaine coordonnateur national de l'ONG national Groupement Agropastoral pour le Développement de Yongoro travaillant dans les domaines de la protection de l'environnements de renforcement des capacités des jeunes leaders communautaires dans les domaines de la protection de l'environnement

Hello everyone!
My name is Ahmed Owda and I'm the Global Focal Point of the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG12) Constituency. I will be moderating this discussion with my colleague Jessica from UNEP and I am excited to see your contributions on the topic of intergenerational equity and the climate crisis.
Please share your thoughts and insights. We have provided some guiding questions to help you build your intervention easily.

Fostering intergenerational equity in climate action involves ensuring that present policies and actions consider the needs and rights of future generations. This includes implementing sustainable practices, investing in renewable energy, preserving ecosystems, and advocating for policies that prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains. Additionally, involving young people in decision-making processes and education about climate change is crucial for fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment among future generations.

Greetings. In summary, prioritizing intergenerational equity in climate action requires a holistic approach that involves:
1. Meaningful youth engagement
2. Innovative finance mechanisms
3. Legal frameworks that safeguard the rights of future generations.
By taking concrete steps to address these issues, we can work towards a more sustainable and just future for all.

Prioritization of the intergenerational equity is to develop and share information, education and Communication materials in language and.contect as per the target set of populations. Integrate Socio Event and activities with Climate Action on in relation to the better good of the environment, health and the population involved

In my candid opinion, intergenerational equity largely depends on legacies the current generation institutionalise. Climate Action is a contemporary decision. The impact we make today would go a long way on the next generations.
For us to foster intergenerational equity on climate action, deliberate policy frameworks must be domesticated in national laws. Climate change should be enshrined in international human rights framework.
Climate change mitigation and adaptation should be part of national schools curriculums.
With these frameworks in place, CSOs can leverage technology and other instruments to accelerate the implementation of intergenerational equity in climate action

Hi all,
Interesting topics here to ponder on and discuss!

Fostering intergenerational equity in climate action involves a number of actionable steeps, top on this list includes ensuring a fair and responsible use and consumption of resources by the current generation with a consciousness of the needs and rights of future generations.

Making sacrifices and policies that considers or takes into account the needs of the future generation.

In my candid opinion, in Fostering intergenerational equity in climate action is essential for ensuring that the needs of both current and future generations are met in the face of climate change. Here are some key points to consider in this context:

1. Long-term perspective: Intergenerational equity in climate action requires decision-makers to consider the long-term consequences of their actions on future generations. Policies and investments should prioritize sustainability and resilience to benefit future populations.

2. Fair distribution of resources: It is important to ensure that resources, such as clean air, water, and natural habitats, are managed sustainably and equitably to benefit both present and future generations. This includes addressing environmental degradation and climate change impacts that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.

3. Education and awareness: Educating current and future generations about climate change, sustainability, and the importance of intergenerational equity is crucial. By raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards future generations, individuals are more likely to support climate action and sustainable practices.

4. Youth engagement: Involving young people in climate action and decision-making processes is key to fostering intergenerational equity. Youth bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a sense of urgency to the climate crisis. Empowering youth to participate in shaping policies and initiatives can help ensure that their interests are represented and that future generations are taken into account.

5. Policy coherence and continuity: Governments and institutions need to develop coherent and long-term policies that prioritize intergenerational equity in climate action. This includes setting ambitious emissions reduction targets, investing in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, and integrating climate considerations into all levels of decision-making.

6. Intergenerational dialogues: Encouraging dialogue and collaboration between different generations is essential for fostering understanding, cooperation, and shared responsibility in addressing climate change. By promoting intergenerational dialogue, knowledge sharing, and mutual support, we can work towards sustainable solutions that benefit all generations.

By prioritizing intergenerational equity in climate action, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future for all, ensuring that the impacts of climate change are minimized and that resources are managed in a way that benefits both current and future generations.

My Response to the Question ( A) on
intergenerational equity?

Intergenerational equity in the context of climate change simply means a fair share of resources and benefits between the present and the future generations. Its can also be emphasize as the responsibility of our current generation to ensure that our actions doesn't compromise the ability of the future generations to meet their needs and enjoy some kind of high quality life benefits .

It is important for current generations to consider the needs and rights of future ones because the future generations have a share right to inherit the planet as to sustain their livelihoods and well-being. Also Ignoring this needs can lead to environmental degradation and resource depletion making it harder for the current generation to thrive.

We need to consider our moral obligation Just as the past generations have passed down resources and knowledge to us, we have a duty to preserve and protect these resources for future generations. Failure to manage this reasources would be an immoral action against the future generation.

Then looking at the issue of Long-term consequence posed by Climate change and environmental degradation, this long-term consequences might not be fully realized until decades or centuries just like what we are experiencing now, So considering the needs of future generations, we can mitigate these consequences and create a more sustainable future for all.

lastly The actions of one generation can have profound effects on subsequent generations by prioritizing intergenerational equity, we can acknowledge our interconnectedness and recognize that our choices today impact the well-being of the future generations.

In conclusion, to prioritize intergenerational equity in climate action, we must ensures that we uphold justices, sustainability and responsibility for the well-being of both the present and the future generation

Effiong Innocent
Nigeria 🇳🇬

Jessica Antonisse, Edutainment activities, incorporate Health outreach with environmental activities such as tree growing or cleanup, regular aexhibitions on climate Action, Life skills among the youth, seminars and conferences for Climate Action, creative and performing arts for climate action

Representing zambia thanks for the opportunity: intergenerational equity in the context of climate change means what the current government plans to achieve interms of economic growth and industrialization agenda the future generation should be considered as the beneficiary of all that effort where the environment they live should be good, find right policies inplace and a sustainable economy on which them will build upon.
There situation where future generation find a harsh environment all because of past government the climate change we discussing started as a result of past industrialisation activities and economic agendas , nuclear testing in oceans ,on land these affected ecosystem that even up now are can't be restored ,the steel industry was the major contributor to CO2 emissions and other .
Therefore intergenerational equity can be achieved engage youths in various climate change programs and let government have a clear goal if its achieving net zero by 2035 or2050 .
Then policy makers can't be the implementers youth or future generation through innovation initiatives should be engaged to implement what the current government plans to achieve.

Climate change takes time to happen, science as clearly shown how unsustainable economic growth agendas and bad policies have contributed to climate change.
For example the Amazon forest at some point was on fire , uncontrollable deforestation happenings the government paid little attention.
Climate change may not affect the generation but future generation.hence it's call for youths engage governments in policy formulation process and economic agendas .

@Moderator Jessica Antonisse
Providing Answer to your question on how to convince larger groups of people of their responsibilities towards intergenerational equity, I will state the following few points to strengthen my previous contributions on this discussion, which is are:

1. Education: Providing comprehensive education on the concept of intergenerational equity which is of great importance, and also the consequences of it negligence. This education concept can be done through school debates, media campaigns, community workshops and Youth di thealogues to build a sense of knowledge for intergenerational equity and inclusion.

2. Highlight impacts: Showcase real-life examples and case studies demonstrating how actions today can affect future generations negatively in the future if intergenerational equity is not considered.

3. Appeal to values: Frame intergenerational equity as a moral imperative, appealing to shared values such as fairness, justice, and compassion for future generations.

4. Engage leaders: Encourage policymakers, businesses, and community leaders to prioritize intergenerational equity in their decision-making processes and policies, leading by example for broader societal adoption.

5. Foster dialogue: Create platforms for open discussions and debates where young people can share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas related to intergenerational equity in fostering understanding and consensus-building.

6. Empower youth: Involve younger generations in discussions and decision-making processes in relation to intergenerational equity by also providing empowerment advocacy platforms for them to Speakout for their own future.

7. Collaborate globally: Highlight the interconnectedness of global issues and the importance of international cooperation in addressing intergenerational equity, fostering a sense of shared responsibility across borders.
Please my submission.

Thanks
Effiong Innocent
Nigeria 🇳🇬

Nous entendons les activités qui vont nous aidez à lutte contre le réchauffement climatique car ça touche notre continent d’Afrique ; mais aussi les activités concrètes nous permettront de lutte contre les réchauffements climatiques .

Pour mieux comprendre les différentes perspectives sur l’intersection entre le changement climatique et les générations futures, voici nos points de vues :
a. Que signifie l’équité intergénérationnelle dans le contexte du changement climatique, et pourquoi est-il important que les générations actuelles prennent en compte les besoins et les droits des générations futures ?
R/ L’équité intergénérationnelle dans le contexte du changement climatique consiste en répondre aux besoins des générations présentes sans compromettre la capacité de générations futures de répondre aux leurs. Donc les générations présentes doivent travaillées de sorte que le climat soit stable ou vivable présentement et qu’il reste (climat) ainsi pour les années avenirs afin que les générations futures puissent hérités ce bon climat et non un de climat déjà changer ou perturber suites aux activités des générations présentes. Il est important que les générations actuelles prennent en compte les besoins et droits des générations futures afin de permettre à ces derniers de vivre aussi dans les bonnes conditions climatiques comme eux. Les générations présentent ne doivent pas faire hérité qux générations futures un climat non vivable suites à leurs activités non respectueuses de l’environnement…
b. De quelle manière les principes d’équité intergénérationnelle peuvent-ils éclairer le financement climatique et les décisions politiques pour donner la priorité à la durabilité et à la justice à long terme ?
R/ Les principes de l’équité intergénérationnelle peut éclairer le financement climatique et les décisions politiques pour donner la priorité à la durabilité et la justice à long terme de manières que le politique prenait de décision de faire payer à celui qui cause les dommages à l’environnement puis payer le coût de réparation de ces dommages causer et que ces fonds devraient servir pour les actions climatiques. Nous faisons allusion au principe du pollueur payeur afin de préserver l’environnement le plus longtemps possible.
c. Quelles stratégies et mécanismes existent pour garantir un engagement significatif des jeunes dans la gouvernance climatique, au-delà d’une représentation symbolique ?
R/ Pour garantir un engagement significatif des jeunes dans la gouvernance climatique au-delà d’une représentation symbolique serait de mettre en place une stratégie pouvant permettre à ces jeunes d’accéder aux Fonds climat afin de leur permettre d’améliorer leurs interventions ou activités en faveurs du climat.
d. Quel rôle les mouvements dirigés par des jeunes peuvent-ils jouer pour tenir les gouvernements et les institutions responsables de leurs engagements climatiques et garantir la justice intergénérationnelle ?
R/ Les mouvements de jeunes peuvent jouer le rôle de sensibilisateurs pour la conscientisation de la population et des dirigeants, la mise en place des activités de terrain en faveur du climat et de faire les plaidoyers auprès des différentes instances décisionnelles dans le secteur climatique ou environnemental
e. Quelles mesures pratiques pouvons-nous prendre en matière de financement afin de sauvegarder les droits des générations futures dans le contexte de la crise climatique ?
R/ La mesure pratiques en prendre en matière de financement afin de sauvegarder les droits des générations futures dans le contexte de la crise climatique est de mettre en place de règlementations stricts en matière de seuil des pollutions que les uns et les autres émettent dans l’environnement et que le seuil qui sera tolérable puissent être compenser par un payement des fonds de réparation de préjudices causer en faveurs des actions climatiques…
f. Comment pouvons-nous renforcer le financement climatique adapté aux enfants et aux jeunes ?
R/ Le financement climatique adapté aux enfants et aux jeunes peut être renforcer en mettant à place des financements flexibles de plusieurs dimensions selon les différents niveaux des mouvements et capacités des structures de ces jeunes et les enfants. Il faudra évaluer les conditions favorables permettant donc à ces structures des jeunes et enfants d’accéder directement à ces financements climatiques sans passer nécessairement par les organisations internationales qui en consomme plus dans leurs administrations au détriments des activités du terrain.
g. Comment consacrer ces principes (institutionnaliser, légaliser, etc.) ?
Ces principes institutionnaliser doivent être vulgariser ou au besoin ratifier par les différentes parties prenantes et revêtue d’un caractère contraignent.

Hello everyone! I'm Kenneth Obuya from Kenya. Youth organizations are very important in ensuring that governments are committed to fulfilling and implementing their environmental agreements and commitments such as NAPs, NDCs etc. These organizations can engage with government officials and influence environmental policy outcomes for the current and future generations by providing inputs, recommendations to policy drafts and statements or through direct discussions and consultations.

Thank you [~7658]. Would you have any examples of policy recommendations on climate finance specifically?

Hi @Jessica Antonisse. From my experience, climate-related disasters keep arising even before full implementation of international climate agreements by countries. Some countries are more affected than others. Due to economic disparities in such countries, marginalized communities/groups always suffer the most. A policy to develop climate risk insurance for financial protection to the vulnerable communities against climate-related disaster would be impactful. Thanks!

Jessica Antonisse , I am Stephen Loolel. On intergenerational and equity question. Let embrace green behaviour through practically embedding sustainability principles and environmental consciousness within educational systems to instil sense of green behaviour and attitude to our children at an early age including parents creating along term impact on attitude and behaviour.

I believe it will all fall to our ability to create financial and educational systems that suports climate faceted notions so as to ensure climate knowledge nolonger remains just another sideline topic

Hi everyone there,
I am Mohamed Ismail based in Sudan and live in Egypt, Cairo.
Intergenerational equity is equity responsibility of all humans that affected or not by climate crisis over the world to take action to save the planet by participating all stakeholders locally, nationaly or internationaly to create and make climate justice.
Future generation are affected by our daily activities in the future and if we create barries and inequalities due misusing or negative impact the ecosystem, they are blame each others' because do not know how actually cause these crisis. they are many ways intergenerational equity inform climate finance and policy descision by create initiatives, write projects and tacke action, provide their opinion and voices in public, participated in policy making and sustainable financials..
The strategies and mechanisms to engage youth are: have access to finance and instititions; participation in policy and descision making; obtain bank account; and secure jobs and internships opportunity in climate change. The youth should lead the movement as monitoring and evaluation, policy and descions making, financial managers, cultural developments and experinces exchange. To safeguard the rights of future generation we should teach them about human rights and climate change, and provide insurance to children. we can strengthen the child and youth by teach them about climate finance and human rights, create activities that make positive impact in climate change by adopting and enshrine these principles in education curriculum and policies.

Hello, Kitzia here! Happy to engage.

B) In what ways can intergenerational equity principles inform climate finance and policy decisions to prioritize long-term sustainability and justice?
Sustainability itself implies to prevent the mis-use of resources in order to provide for the future generations, that said, a good way to ensure this could be to ask for studies of any long-term policy or project that prove the longevity of it, as well as justifies the use of resources and identifies the environmental and social trade-offs. Policies and projects in many countries often require environmental studies, but many of them only focuses in pollution in operation, and left outside the long-term effects and life-cycle footprint.

C)What strategies and mechanisms exist to ensure meaningful youth engagement in climate governance, beyond token representation?
First of all, love the upfront mention of token representation. Secondly, although representation and diversity of young people still an issue and more diverse spaces are needed, I personally believe that on an international level there already are many platforms and international forums, but very little local knowledge of them. For instance, at least in Mexico where I am from, the invitations to this spaces and information would only reach private schools, and rarely public ones. Additionally, many youth people lack the skills and confidence to participate even when presented the opportunity. If this spaces would be procured focused in local communities and public spaces, it would reach and help more youth to be aware of this topics and participate, rather than feeling inadequate.

D) What role can youth-led movements play in holding governments and institutions accountable for their climate commitments and ensuring intergenerational justice?
This is where civil associations and ONG of youth people held an incredible power! there´'s plenty cases around the world of legal action taken by youth groups that have had good coverage and results, or at least brought the topic to the table.

E) What practical steps can we take when it comes to finance in order to safeguard the rights of future generations in the context of the climate crisis?
Create more funding for climate, environmental and human rights education, either formal (through universities) or informal (meaning workshops, summer trainings, etc.) . I know UN has open platforms to take courses, but further materials and mentors are needed, along with scholarships and courses to bring this knowledge to all levels.

G) How can we enshrine these principles (institutionalize, legalise, etc.)? Talking about climate finance, the best place to start is with the GEF and GCF fund, adding criteria that ensures that the money will benefit youth population in green jobs, or have some activities to engage with universities.

Hope it is clear, happy to keep participating!💚
Kitzia Oribe Aguilar

Society can benefit from intergenerational roundtable exchanges. One idea is a 2- hour lunch with tables of 10, and a placecard in the center of each table with a topic such as methane, climate finance, carbon credits, nature-based solutions, etc. Attendees pick topics they feel most comfortable discussing, and sit at that table. 5 youth sit with 5 adult leaders and exhcange thoughts. At the hour mark, everyone switches tables to another topic of their choice. Adults can hear youth perspective, and youth can gain tools and information needed to be a bigger part of the solution. If possible, adult leaders should be those in the highest positions that have the most influence to make change. Youth have brought the climate conversation to centerstage - we are now reaching an age to move from advocacy to action. We need guidance from adult leaders who can provide the tools, financing, education, and job opportunities we need to be solutionists. This is an idea for the Summit of the Future.

• In what ways can intergenerational equity principles inform climate finance and policy decisions to prioritize long-term sustainability and justice?

Intergenerational equity is the foundation for the advocacy of ecological action. This forward-looking principle is already reflected as inherent to the concept of sustainable development. The issue is that the current finance and policy decisions that supposedly aim to address climate issues employs a reverse framing, such that the needs of the now should be prioritized in an excessive manner over the needs of future generations. It is shown through many decisions in governments and businesses that seek short-term growth in the guise of development, often times without proper consideration of the well-being of many vulnerable sectors, especially the children and youth of the current generations, let alone the future ones.

To better integrate intergenerational equity as a means for prioritizing long-term sustainability and justice in relevant climate decisions, a human rights-based approach in both climate finance and governance must be employed. There are already existing international human rights instruments to ensure that the government and private sectors abide by human rights standards, from policymaking to financial decisions. This also strengthens policy coherence and improved coordination in terms of enforcement, which is especially a problem in governments in developing countries. It also ensures that environmental and social safeguards will be given the proper importance in relevant decision-making processes, while enhancing participation, transparency, and accountability throughout said processes.

• What strategies and mechanisms exist to ensure meaningful youth engagement in climate governance, beyond token representation?

Any strategy or mechanism to ensure meaningful youth representation must consider the concept of sustainability. While this term in current climate discourse usually refers to ensuring the synergy between climate action and sustainable development, any intervention must also include the other interpretation: the perspective of long-term continuity of operations and activities beyond one-time occurrences. In the context of meaningful youth engagement, this ensures that there is a long-term plan for youth engagements, building on the gains of previous occurrences.

It is also the responsibility of those involved in climate governance to ensure that the proper youth representatives are involved in the decision-making process. From recent experiences, I have seen policymakers include people that happen to meet the age range for youth as sectoral representatives, despite not having the necessary track record of being heavily involved in youth-related issues. Young people to be engaged by policymakers must reflect the expertise and experience in climate-related, youth-oriented work, to be selected through an inclusive, fair, and just screening process.

Consultations for the youth should not just be limited to getting content as part of an initiative's objectives and/or for the sake of being able to claim meaningful youth involvement. Inclusion should be reflected throughout the project's life cycle, from developing the youth-responsive indicators as part of the planning stage to further consultations and updating said indicators during the monitoring phase.

• What role can youth-led movements play in holding governments and institutions accountable for their climate commitments and ensuring intergenerational justice?

Youth-led movements can influence how institutions live up to their climate commitments and uphold intergenerational justice in two fronts. Firstly, they can trigger or help build the external pressure that is needed to push policymakers to enact the necessary reforms to accelerate the implementation of climate solutions. This is also crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability of both public and private institutions and their activities that have implications on the climate crisis and intergenerational justice.

Secondly, they can help spread awareness to, educate, or mobilize different sectors, resulting in greater public involvement in the implementation of climate solutions. They can present the case of upholding the moral responsibility and obligation of current leaders in the public and private sector for ensuring sustainable development, which inherently involves addressing the climate crisis and ensuring the well-being of future generations. They may also provide other angles to familiar issues relevant to the climate crisis that current institutional leaders are not properly addressing.

• What practical steps can we take when it comes to finance in order to safeguard the rights of future generations in the context of the climate crisis?

A practical step would be a stronger integration of the "polluters pay" principle into existing and new climate financing mechanisms, especially those more oriented towards children and youth. For example, the establishment of an Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) Fund, which corresponds to knowledge and capacity-building aspects of climate action under the UNFCCC, is timely and necessary, considering the focus of COP29 on addressing climate finance. An ACE Fund would be dedicated to activities aligned with education, training, awareness-raising, public participation, access to information, and global cooperation, all of which are significant to youth empowerment for addressing the climate crisis. This fund should be forward-looking and prioritize youth-led activities, with a sizeable portion of its funding coming from penalties and taxes imposed on big polluters.

As mentioned above in a previous question, youth inclusion on climate finance should be reflected throughout programs, projects, and activities, from planning to monitoring. As an example, a global financial instrument specifically targeting young entrepreneurs should also be established. In the event of its creation, it is vital to consult sectoral representatives to tailor the mechanism to urgently and adequately respond to their needs and barriers that hinder their activities. The youth should also be given voting representation in decision-making of financing mechanisms as a means to strengthen inclusivity, transparency, and accountability that is critical to climate action.