More than ever, we need a Global South perspective on the fight against the climate crisis
Youth voices from the Middle East, Africa and beyond must be heard at COP27.
A few weeks ago, more than 400 youth climate leaders came together in Tunisia to work together and share skills and experiences to strengthen the climate movement. Right now, some of them are sailing on board the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in Egypt to highlight the need for climate justice for the Global South.
Countries from the Middle East, Africa, and beyond are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, experiencing droughts, floods, famine, and soaring temperatures as well as desertification and rising sea levels.
Meanwhile, rich countries bearing historical responsibility for the climate crisis are not providing the financial support needed in efforts to address the unavoidable impacts of climate change that countries cannot adapt to.
Are you concerned about the climate crisis? Have you already suffered from climate impacts? Please fill in this international survey!
“We have a responsibility to speak up for those who are on the frontlines of the climate crisis”
The young climate leaders taking part in this United for Climate Justice ship tour have one goal in mind: delivering a message of hope, solidarity and solutions ahead of COP27.
Ayisha Siddiqa – Pakistan/US
“The fight for climate justice is at its core a fight for love. It comes from a place of deep love for humanity. Without humanity, laughter ceases to exist. And how incredibly rare and beautiful it is that we even exist. And all of this is at risk.
Every little twig that has created the collective concept of this nest we call home is disappearing. We are connected to every human that ever stepped foot on this planet, that ever spoke, that ever shed a tear. We are being asked to love humanity and keep it alive.
That’s all this is: devotion to the billions of stories that got us here. I am supporting the United for Climate Justice ship tour to learn from the many people who are working hard to help us live more sustainable lives so that we are able to collectively preserve our home.”
Ghinwa Zeenni – Palestine
“It’s time for our world to reimagine climate justice and climate action as we move forward. As a young woman, I’m eager to join other changemakers on the United For Climate Justice ship tour in the fight and call for a liveable planet.”
Fatima Yassine – Lebanon
“We had the chance to live on earth, but what kind of earth will future generations inherit? It is our responsibility. I joined the Climate Justice Camp in Tunisia, and I’m now joining the Greenpeace ship sailing to COP27 to show the importance of being united for climate justice.”
Tariq Al-Olaimy – Bahrain
“Small Islands are at the frontline of multiple global crises — despite their limited contribution to it — from biodiversity loss and food insecurity, to a vicious cycle of climate emergencies and taking on exorbitant debt just to adapt.
From the Greenpeace ship to COP 27, we need to raise the volume for the call of climate justice in the Small Islands, SWANA, Africa, and beyond – for those most vulnerable, for those least responsible, and for those most powerful. One and the same.”
Watan Mohammad – Sudan
“Climate justice, for me, means an inclusive climate movement where those who are affected the most, and those who are marginalized aren’t forgotten.
Being part of the Greenpeace ship tour is a life experience that I’m looking forward to. Meeting with youth from my region, from Africa and from the Middle East will be a great opportunity to reflect and share our nations’ climate issues and discuss possible solutions.”
The climate crisis is impacting millions around the world unequally and catastrophically threatening future generations. Young climate leaders from the Global South and beyond are working tirelessly for environmental justice.
At COP27, world leaders must heed their words. Protecting the right of future generations to a dignified life means transitioning away from fossil fuels and delivering climate justice.
Are you concerned about the climate crisis? Have you already suffered from climate impacts? Please fill in this international survey!
Nouhad Awwad is a Greenpeace MENA campaigner on board the United for Climate Justice ship tour.