The impact of climate change is becoming more pronounced by the day. Scientists from the World Meteorological Organization and the European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Change Service say July 2023 was the hottest month in world history. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, even said in his speech at the UN Headquarters that the world is no longer facing global warming, but has entered global boiling. Therefore, the urgency to take a series of actions against the climate crisis is important. It is time for Indonesian youth to work together to overcome the climate crisis.
“We have felt the impact ourselves. Our anxiety about the negative impact of climate change was the background we prompted the initiation of the Young Action to Protect the Climate,” said Yolanda Parede, National Coordinator of the Penjaga Laut at the Aksi Muda Jaga Iklim (AMJI) media discussion on October 24, 2023 in Jakarta.
The global warming has impacted directly to Indonesia climate. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said that the El-Nino phenomenon was predicted to continue in Indonesia until the end of the year. Quoted from VOA Indonesia, El-Nino is a weather phenomenon that occurs due to an increase in sea surface temperatures, thus reducing wet air and decreasing rainfall levels. The prolonged El-Nino phenomenon eventually became a climate problem, where many areas face draught and impacted many aspects of our lives.
On the same occasion, Pina Elkapita, Head of the Citarum Ciliwung Watershed Management Center (BPDAS), said that a well-maintained watershed plays an important role in maintaining climate stability. “If the area around the river is lush, the river flow is also maintained, the climate around there will also be well maintained. Land cover is the key,” said Pina.
Pina Elkapita also explained that we need to encourage agroforestry as one of the solutions to the climate crisis. By planting trees and valuable crops, we will not only get food sources but also economic benefits. Pina also stated that BPDAS Citarum Ciliwung is ready to support various actions of the younger generation who want to conduct reforestation, such as mangrove planting which is one of the actions in AMJI 2023.
In line with the support given by BPDAS Citarum Ciliwung, Asep Senjaya from Forest Stakeholder Union (KPH) also expressed his support for AMJI 2023 which will be held on October 28, 2023. “We welcome Aksi Muda Jaga Iklim as a movement of young people to contribute to driving the zero emission target, one of which is by planting trees, and obviously this is very helpful for us to achieve the zero emission target,” said Asep.
“Environmental issues are the most popular issue for volunteers. This gives us hope that we can face the issue of climate change together, because this is our collective problem,” said Gresy Kristriana from Indorelawan. Gresy also said that climate change is our common issue, and the younger generation in the spirit of volunteerism has realized that, so they are moved to work together to seek a better and sustainable future for the earth.
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For AMJI 2023, there will be various actions carried out at more than 350 points by young people from Sabang to Merauke as a joint efforts against the climate crisis. Some of these actions include mangrove planting, coral reef transplantation, cleaning up action, environmental discussions, implementing health-based environmental education, distributing plant-based meals and cycling movement. The target of this activity is to involve 40 thousand young people, so that the echo of the climate crisis is getting louder and more people are willing to take actions.
Fakhri N. Syafrullah from Jejakin explained that carbon absorbed of the various actions carried out simultaneously in AMJI 2023 can be counted. “From the actions in AMJI this year, we can calculate the emissions absorbed and how they contribute to the environmental problems. For example from planting trees or mangrove, how will it impact our air quality,” said Fakhri.
Highlighting the important role of young people, EcoNusa Foundation has actively engaged the young generation to take part in nature protection. In addition to initiating AMJI, EcoNusa also collaborates with Indonesian Scouts Movement to create mangrove badge challenge as part of education and efforts to protect mangrove ecosystem, especially in Indonesia. In the future, mangrove badge will be encouraged as one of the skills that can be owned by Indonesia Scouts Members at various levels, from Siaga, Penggalang, Penegak, to Pandega.
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“Starting this year, the collaboration between EcoNusa and Pramuka has created this mangrove badge to introduce Indonesian mangrove to the world. We aim with this mangrove badge to encourage mangrove sustainability, so that the net zero emission target can be achieved, our air quality improves, and we can answer the climate crisis problem that we face together,” explained Nina Nuraisyiah, Director of Communication and Youth Mobilization, EcoNusa Foundation.
Overcoming the climate crisis and creating a sustainable future for the planet is a big job that many parties have to participate. As the next generation, the role of young people is needed, so that it can be ensured that the life inherited can meet all human needs, from the clean air, freshwater, food sources, and of the other needs.
“AMJI is a reminder. It won’t stop here. We will continue to make actions together with various parties until what we achieve what we aspire to ensure that we can live proper, safe, and free from environmental disasters caused by the climate crisis, on the planet earth that we live in today,” Yolanda concluded.
Editor: Swiny Adestika
