UG youths raising awareness of climate change

YOUNG people, who are part of the University of Guyana (UG)’s Eco-Trust Society, are seeking to increase awareness of the effects of climate change in Guyana and how citizens can adapt to these changes.

“Although we might have a small economy that does not generate large amounts of greenhouse gases, it is important for us to adapt to the effects of climate change because these effects disproportionately affect society and different vulnerable groups,” head of the Eco-trust society, Michael Morson, said.

Member of the society, Tricia Braithwaite, explained that climate change is said to be responsible for some of the adverse weather phenomena Guyana has been experiencing in recent years.

She reminded that the dry spell experienced last year affected the country’s agricultural sector and individual energy consumption since persons were forced to find ways of “keeping cool” during the exceptionally hot days.

Braithwaite also indicated that climate change also causes extreme rainfall, storm surges and increased wave action, which all places the low-lying coast of Guyana at risk of flooding.

While the country has to contend with the effects of climate change, she echoes Morson’s sentiments, saying that each citizen must become more environmentally conscious.

“We can all make a change in many ways by being mindful of our carbon footprints,” the young woman said.

She highlighted that citizens can begin using more renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels (such as diesel and gasolene); reduce or outright stop using single-use plastics, which include black plastic bags, straws and plastic spoons; and build houses that allows natural ventilation.

“The network believes that everyone has a role to play in promoting sustainable practices that will reduce the impacts of climate change,” the Eco-Trust member said.

To raise awareness on the matter of climate change, the society, which is part of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at UG, will be organising a ‘climate walk’ and rally on Saturday, July 27.

“We’re doing the walk because we want to raise awareness of the potential threats of climate change to our society, as well as its effect on our economic development,” Morson explained, adding that it is imperative for each citizen to understand their role in mitigating the harmful effects of climate change.

The group also hopes to engage Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that share similar interests such as the private sector, government agencies and civil society.

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