Cayman’s youth took centre stage, representing the islands at the latest international climate change conference in Egypt over the past month.
While no senior political figures were able to attend the COP27 summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Cayman was well represented by its youth ambassadors.
The National Trust, secured passes through the International National Trust Organisation, and sponsors helped fund the trips.
Aleigha General, Bella Rooney and Reon Porter represented Cayman at the conference.
Both Rooney and Compass scholar General, have written columns on their experience for the newspaper, which you can read here.
Cathy Childs, environmental programmes manager for the Trust, said the experience was helping inspire Cayman’s next generation.
She said building the passion and interest of Cayman’s young people was key to the islands’ fight against the impact of climate change.
Having responsible, engaged advocates for a more sustainable Cayman will help make the island more resilient in the long term, she added.
As the most severe impacts of climate change are likely to be faced by the younger generation, she said it was encouraging that the youth of Cayman were interested, prepared and ready to face the challenge.
“What we are trying to do is expose young people from the Cayman Islands to what is happening around the world in the effort to slow down climate change, adapt and be ready,” she explained.
“We have seen this conference have a profound impact on the students that have been involved.”
She said the three delegates were able to share what they had learned and spread the impact in Cayman. Others, who were not able to attend, talked to them via video conferencing and saw the energy and excitement of the conference second-hand.
“It is great for them to see other young people with similar concerns and realise they are all connected.”
Related Videos
