GLM forum acts on climate change for CopenhagenNovember 2, 2009
BEIJING, CHINA-In the prelude to next month's global climate change talks in Copenhagen, student volunteers from the "Green Long March" environmental movement gathered to lead youth action on climate change at a landmark forum in Beijing on Saturday, October 31st.
"Copenhagen is not just another global conference," says Green Long March volunteer Zhang Longshuai. "CO2 emissions are already past 350 parts per million in the atmosphere, the safe limit for human life. Our government needs to engage with the public to take action on reducing emissions."
The Green Long March forum features results from a year-long campaign on reducing energy consumption and increasing use of renewable energy. Green Long March volunteers from 50 universities across China participated in leading a combination of public education campaigns, student research, and community environmental action.
"Alternative energy options such as solar-powered hot water heaters already exists," explains Green Long March volunteer Meilin. "We want to help raise awareness of the importance of these new technologies, and also show that they can be cost effective."
Highlights of the Green Long March forum include new student research on straw gasification systems, energy-efficient CFL lightbulbs, and the use of biogas in rural areas. Student volunteers shared best practices in promoting energy alternatives, and discussed effective strategies for cooperating with local government bureaus, environmental groups, and the program's key corporate partners, Goldman Sachs, Swire Pacific Limited and Suzlon Energy.
Organized by the Beijing Forestry University and NGO Future Generations China, the Green Long March is China's annual movement of youth-led environmental action. The program spans 17 provinces and has been awarded China's "Mother River Award," which is given once every two years for excellence in environmental conservation.
"Through the Green Long March, students across China are becoming involved in solving climate change issues and urging quick action to reduce energy consumption," says Yu Jishun, Secretary General of the Beijing Forestry University Youth League.
The Green Long March forum represents youth unity in the final lead up to the COP15 Copenhagen talks in December 2009, when global leaders will meet to discuss an international climate treaty to curb world emissions of greenhouse gasses.
"As college students we must use our energy and enthusiasm so that more people can join us in the immense challenge of saving energy and safeguarding the environment," says volunteer Liu Shiyi. "China is a country of so many people. If we all join together to work together for a better future, there's no way we can't succeed."
