WEBINAR REPORT
Climate Change and Our Choices
Date and Time: Friday, June 30th, 2023, 21:00 (Korea)
Location: Online (Zoom)
Topics: Climate Change and Our Choice
Host: HWPL, IPYG, Kenya Model UN
Speakers:
John Green Scott, Secretary General of Kenya Model UN
Yeng Sopheng, Program Manager of Khmer Youth Association Charles Odour, Director of Lubao FM
Thomas Kim, Director of Int’l law Dpt of HWPL 12th Branch
The Webinar was held for the following purposes:
To show the importance of DPCW and peace with the explanation on the relationship between climate change and warfare expense with 2 article of DPCW, War potential
To inform that our small choices and attitudes to climate change can accomplish the peace through the peace education to teenagers and the youth according to 10 article of DPCW, Spreading a culture of peace
To inform that the one of solutions to the climate change is the support DPCW by citizens in Kenya, Uganda, and Cambodia in accordance with SDGs
Introduction Webinar
On June 30th, the webinar under the theme of ‘Climate Change and Our Choice’ was held by international peace NGO, Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light, IPYG, and Kenya Model UN in order to raise awareness of the climate change in the global society.
Journalists, representatives of NGOs and several figures from IPYG and IWPG sector in Kenya, Uganda, and Cambodia attended and participants shared the current situation and countermeasures against the climate change in each country as an individual, an organization, and a nation. Besides, participants had a time to comprehend DPCW as one of the solutions for the climate change and register HWPL’s membership.
Background Information
According to a report released last April, scientists have analyzed that global warming has made the dry climate conditions in the Horn of Africa region about 100 times more likely. In other words, the severe drought in this region is concluded to be an event that would not have occurred “if there had been no climate change.” The analysis by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) reaches the same conclusion. If there had been no climate change, there would have been no drought in the rural areas of southern Ethiopia, southern Somalia, and eastern Kenya. Joyce Kimutai, a climate scientist at the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), explains that the intensity and likelihood of drought are exacerbated mostly by moisture evaporation from the soil and plants, and that the severity and likelihood of drought in the Horn of Africa region have increased “significantly” due to higher temperatures than normal.
Points of discussion
Many countries are experiencing significant damages due to climate change, with a particular emphasis on countries in Africa and Southeast Asia where agriculture is a key industry.
In this webinar, the speakers shared the current situations in each country caused by climate change and discuss the activities undertaken by youth organizations, journalists, and NGOs.
Furthermore, they also discussed the policies implemented by each country in response to climate change.
Additionally, we will explore the relationship between climate change and the DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War), which we support. We will examine how conflicts and wars are interconnected with climate change.
The theme of this webinar, “Climate Change, and Our Choices,” highlights the urgency of the situation, as climate change is impacting us directly and will continue to shape our lives based on the choices made by individuals, organizations, and even nations. Please note that the translation may not be exact, but I have tried to capture the essence of your message.
Highlights
John Green Scott: Through such international cooperation, Kenya is enhancing its ability to respond to climate change issues. More cooperation and support are needed, but Kenya is continuously striving to work with the international community. Climate change requires collective action globally, and is particularly concerning in Africa.
Especially, the activities with HWPL is always encourage us and great work. I promise to work together with HWPL like as a co-host in this webinar.
Yeng Sopheng: KYA organize Angkor Youth Camp: Theme “Youth Action for Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Management”
As part of the collaboration with HWPL, KYA is a high commitment to being a part of the initiative on peace and climate change through online and office approaches. In addition, KYA would like to thank the HWPL team who always engaged with KYA in order to raise youth voices and share responsibility for a better human community.
Charles Odour: To address climate change in Kenya, I propose a partnership between HWPL and local communities, government agencies, and NGOs pulling all available resources within our reach and making revert together as a combine force towards Peace and Climate change revolutionarily. Together, we can develop comprehensive climate change education programs that raise awareness and empower individuals to take action. By promoting sustainable practices, advocating for renewable energy adoption, and encouraging nature conservation, we can foster a greener and more resilient Kenya. I think that HWPL, the Kenyan government, civil society, and NGOs should make it together.
Thomas Kim: Conflicts and weapon use have a significant impact on the environment and contribute to climate change, causing serious harm to all living things. To address these issues, the DPCW proposes various solutions, such as building a cooperative platform for sustainable development, using third-party institutions to deal with problems, and promoting peace education and awareness.
Article 2 of DPCW states the agreement on the gradual reduction of arms production. These financial can be distributed to be focused more to benefit for clean environment, leading to better climate.
Article 10 of DPCW states the importance of Peace Education. Climate awareness through the peace education can be implemented to our curriculum by sharing that practicing PEACE will better the CLIMATE.
Suggestions and opinions from the participants
Participants wanted to keep working with HWPL, an international NGO, as well as communities and government agencies. They hoped to be one and make innovative work by having partnership with HWPL.
Results of the event
Overall, participants had an interest in this webinar because they are from different fields and countries. We drew the positive responses from the participants as they could associate the climate change with DPCW and have new perspectives to climate change. We had nice time for additional questions and answers.
Next Steps
We will continue to hold more webinars with diverse topics to deal with social issues in various sectors. And they can be the platform of communication as a practical activity for the peace in Kenya, Uganda and Cambodia. Furthermore, there will be various activities for the peace with HWPL and IPYG.
