Raising Latin American and Carribean Youth Voices
Building Bridges for Climate Action (BB4CA) advocates for the strengthening of the global climate movement. In this, underrepresented groups are to be brought into the spotlight. Accordingly, 25 unique young climate experts* from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) came together. This was done through a 5‑week online program. There they shared their knowledge and experiences on the climate crisis. They expressed their concerns about the current impact of the crisis. They also focused on the impact on young and future generations.
They also explained their demands and approaches to climate protection. All this took place in the context of discussions with the political, scientific, business and social communities in Germany.
BB4CA was organized by young volunteers from all over the world. The project was financially supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and legally supported by the Klimadelegation e.V..
Any question?
bb4ca-info@klimadelegation.de
Press inquiries here:
bb4ca-press@klimadelegation.de
What is the project about?
The climate crisis is an urgent problem that must be thought of globally. Young people around the world have long been involved in a wide range of initiatives at all levels. In their work, they face various challenges that depend strongly on their environment and circumstances. This includes their origin and ethnicity and other aspects.
Despite the fact that the climate movement is a global movement, some voices are underrepresented — for example, those of youth living in the Global South. These include young people of color and indigenous youth (BIPoC). This is because their voices are significantly less present in media coverage of the climate crisis.
Yet it is they who are on the front line of dealing with the consequences. As a result, they have the most experience and knowledge of what is happening and what needs to be done. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an awareness of the very different realities of these young people. The fact that climate conferences have been held three times in a row on the European continent is serious. This is because it makes it difficult to have equal representation of key actors from the most vulnerable areas of the climate crisis.
What is the aim?
The 25 young climate experts completed a 7‑week preparation program. In this program, they prepared themselves in groups for the virtual climate journey. Additionally, they also further developed their knowledge and skills and prepared project results. After that they completed a 5‑week virtual program.
BB4CA aims to build bridges between Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe — bridges for accelerated awareness and empowerment of ambitious, youth-centered and global climate action. This is about the voices of young people living in the global south and especially the voices of indigenous youth because they get lost in the discourse about the climate crisis. Therefore, BB4CA is willing to contribute to a paradigm shift. By making visible the knowledge, perspectives and experiences of those who have been ignored for too long. Thus, the project sets a sign of unity, empowerment and global partnership to achieve the Paris goals.
BB4CA aims for a momentum of global cooperation and commitment for climate action which is desperately needed: the international climate policy processes have been postponed and all eyes are on Germany and the EU to lead the ambition raising process during the German EU Council Presidency and globally.
In conclusion, the project highlights the importance of uniting action within the LAC region. Therefore, we believe that it is necessary to come together globally and locally in order to act successfully.
Legal Entity:
Klimadelegation e.V.
