GCA Launched the First Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day
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otterdam, the Netherlands, 6th June 2024 –The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), in collaboration with young people, governments, educational institutions, and civil-society organizations, is proud to announce the inaugural Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day. Scheduled for 12th October 2024, this event will mark the largest ever mobilization of youth driving local climate adaptation solutions globally. Young individuals are encouraged to initiate their own adaptation actions within their communities or engage in raising awareness online. GCA will facilitate hubs of activity in Bangladesh, Kenya, China, and the Netherlands.
The Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day was announced during COP28 in Dubai as an initiative to unite young people globally, channeling local adaptation actions into a cohesive global movement. The day aims to engage youth in climate adaptation and drive practical solutions worldwide.
“Young people are at the forefront of climate change impacts, yet they are often left out of the decision-making process,” said Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation. “With the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day, we are empowering the next generation to lead the charge in creating resilient communities and a sustainable future.”
The Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day aims to increase knowledge among young people about climate adaptation; promote youth-led adaptation initiatives across Africa and the world and strengthen the youth adaptation movement through collaboration with schools, universities, and youth organizations.
Young people can participate in the day by:
- Raising Awareness: Host sports, art, cultural, or virtual events to raise awareness on climate adaptation, or participate in the adaptation action photo contest.
- Supporting Nature: Plant trees or create local gardens.
- Managing Water: Organize community clean-ups or set up rainwater harvesting systems at homes or schools.
- Protecting from Heat: Raise awareness about heat-related health risks or establish community disaster shelters for vulnerable populations.
- Demanding Action: Send template letters to local or participate in design and implementation of National Adaptation Plans.
The past two decades have seen nearly a doubling in the number of climate-related disasters. In response to the escalating impacts of climate change, urgent adaptation action is required. Climate adaptation involves preparing for and adjusting to current and future climate impacts. With the increasing frequency of heatwaves, floods, and droughts, young people play a critical role in reducing community vulnerability and enhancing resilience through adaptation efforts. Despite being disproportionately affected by climate change, youth are often overlooked in adaptation strategies. Their involvement is essential for the success of these measures.
To participate in the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day, register your interest on our website. Share your involvement using the hashtag #Youth4AdaptationActionDay. Join us in making a global impact through local action.
Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent. Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.
