Young people from across the world are utilizing the mobile application of Voices of Youth Maps to publicize local issues and promote positive change in their communities.
In the lead up to COP21, 800 young reporters from communities in France, Ireland, Guatemala, Malaysia, China, the Kiribati Islands, Tanzania, Zambia, Niger, Chad and Zimbabwe documented such issues as:
- climate issues linked to health
- environmental degradation (pollution, deforestation)
- disaster risks
Young mappers not only shed light on local issues; they interact at the community level with leaders, businesses, and local groups to address the impacts of climate change and other issues relative to the Global Goals.
More often than not, we believe that we are too small to bring about change or that what we do does not make a difference. That is simply not true. Every single action has a consequence, and, because of that, we should choose carefully.
That is why I want to share a short list of realistic, achievable changes that we can make in our daily lives to improve the environment and our communities:
1. Carry a reusable bottle and a reusable bag.
2. You can buy something to drink and/or eat for a homeless person.
3. Turn off any electronic devices when you are not using them, this way you will save energy.
4. Get involved in a charity that works on a cause that is important to you.
5. Educate those around you on the significant impact that the waste we create, the products we buy and the companies we give our money to have on the environment. Youth Mapper belenfernnandez
Every day is an opportunity to better the world.
“I don’t think it’s too late to stop climate change,” says Halima, a youth blogger in Niger.
