Two students from the University Austral of Chile (UACh), Nicolás Letelier and Konstantine Vergara, recently made the journey from Valdivia to Brazil for the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP30 in Belém do Pará. This city, often called the gateway to the Amazon, has historical significance, especially for women’s rights in Latin America.
At COP30, young voices were crucial. They brought fresh ideas and a sense of urgency to the discussions about climate change. Events like workshops and artistic displays were all led by youth, shaping dialogues both inside and outside the conference rooms.
Nicolás, who studies Language and Communication Education, represented the Institute of Equality. During the Youth-Led Climate Forum, he highlighted the importance of explicitly including children’s rights in climate discussions. “Studying at UACh is about embracing life,” he noted. He emphasized the need for knowledge and science to support community well-being, urging for dialogue and respect to transform political decisions.
Konstantine, a geology student, attended the conference as part of the Lutheran World Federation’s Climate Justice Action delegation. He described the chaos at COP30: “Thousands of people and countless conversations make it a whirlwind of activity.” Despite the hustle, he found it essential for governments to negotiate for environmental rights, emphasizing that young people must take every opportunity to participate.
Both students expressed their hope and motivation after attending. They learned a great deal from seasoned activists fighting for climate justice, and they returned eager to advocate for the environment both in their communities and at UACh.
Andrea Pino, director of the Transdisciplinary Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Human Development at UACh, shared her pride in these students. “They are academically distinguished and are truly dedicated to social and environmental issues,” she stated. Their participation not only benefits the Honor Program but also sets a precedent for future students to engage in global discussions on climate.
The Honor Program in Environment, Society, and Climate Change has been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of environmental challenges for over two decades. Students can earn a diploma in addition to their undergraduate degree by completing specific accredited courses focused on sustainable human development.
As climate change becomes an ever more pressing global issue, the insights and experiences from young leaders like Nicolás and Konstantine are vital. They also reflect a broader trend of increasing youth involvement in climate activism across various platforms, including social media, where hashtags like #YouthClimateAction highlight their important roles in shaping the future.
For additional details on the impacts of youth-led initiatives and their significance in climate policy, you can check recent reports from trusted sources like the United Nations Environment Programme.
