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Scouts attend UN Climate Change Conference
08/12/2009
Monday saw the start of The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Scouts have joined scientists, environmental activists and members of the general public to put pressure on attending politicians to agree on a way forward to deal with the threat of climate change.
Representing UK Scouting at the conference will be Scout Network Member Katie McCreadie from Sevenoaks in Kent.
When asked about her thoughts on what Scouts can bring to the negotiations Katie commented, 'Across the world Scouts are seeing the impact of climate change on their everyday activities and can provide useful insights into the very real effects.
‘It's important that young people are involved in ensuring politicians recognise what's at stake if action is not taken. Scouting represents over 30 million girls, boys, men and women worldwide and is in an ideal position to empower young people to do this. Hopefully Copenhagen can help us progress towards ensuring climate change does not continue to be a threat to our Scouting way of life.'
Danish Scouts have transformed Højbro Square in downtown Copenhagen
into an activity centre. Marked with a ten metre tall globe from the Danish One
Tonne Less Campaign, which aims to encourage Danish citizens to reduce
their CO2 emissions, the Scouts are providing fun, educational activities for young people focussing on what individuals can do to help combat climate change.
The impact of climate change on Scouting
Over the past few years, Scouts have been witnessing the direct impact of climate change on their adventurous outdoor activities.
In Australia at the start of the year intense fires burnt out forests traditionally used by Scouts, devastating wildlife in the process. These areas are now completely off limits.
The Philippines have recently been battered by cyclones and floods, with Scouts helping their communities in their time of need.
Snow cover in Sweden is becoming less reliable and impacts upon traditional Scouting, with Scouts having to travel further to reach the snow.
Scouts in Ghana are concerned that the extra burden of climate change will further impact on the environment in areas already being threatened by pollution and mismanagement. Climate change could impact upon the local community vegetable gardens Scouts have established across Africa.
For the Scouts of the Maldives, it is not only their Scouting activities at risk, but their entire way of life as rising sea levels threaten to wash over their small island home in the Indian Ocean.
Show your concern
Since 2007, The UK Scout Association has run the Green Footprint Award. The award enables Scouts to explore the effects of climate change, our own impact on the environment and learn about practical steps we can all take in our everyday life. You can find out more about it by visiting the Green Footprint Award website.
The World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) has established co-operative partnerships with a number of organisations committed to tackling climate change. You can find out more about these organisations by visiting the WOSM website.
Further information
United Nations Climate Change Conference
Met Office guide to climate change
The Green Footprint Award
WOSM climate change partnerships
WOSM picture gallery of Scouts at the UN Climate Change Conference
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