A University of Ottawa graduate student in geography will be one of 32 young Canadians representing Canadian youth at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia, from December 3 to 14, 2007.
For Genevieve Gilbert, a master’s student working on climate change impact and adaptation under the supervision of Professor Robert McLeman, this conference will create a roadmap for a future climate change treaty once Phase I of the Kyoto Accord expires.
“The Canadian Youth Delegation is setting an example for international world leaders, and specifically the Canadian government by coming together to achieve meaningful action on climate change and a greater understanding of the issues,” says Gilbert. “Canada’s youth are stepping up to fill the leadership gap of our government.”
With representation from across Canada, the delegation is working to hold the Canadian government accountable to its international obligations and to see Canada accept deeper emission cuts in this next round of negotiations. The delegation would like to send a clear message that youth are inheriting the decisions made in Bali and have a right to meaningful participation in the events that will shape their future.
With the excitement of preparing for participation in the conference palpable in her voice, Gilbert and her fellow delegates have plans in place for sharing their message both during and after the conference. Results will be available by blog, video and audio podcasts. A number of filmmakers will also be in attendance and a documentary will be produced. Members of the Canadian Youth Delegation from Ottawa will present their experiences at Green Week, organized by SFUO, at the end of January.
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