The CANSA Annual Regional Meeting 2024, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was a pivotal moment for climate action in South Asia, with over 40 delegates, including an inspiring number of youth leaders from across the region, gathering to address key issues like loss and damage, urban resilience, and climate finance. Marking a shift towards youth-driven activism, this year’s meeting emphasised intergenerational solidarity and the importance of youth in leading climate solutions. Key discussions included #ModernSlavery‘s connection to #ClimateChange, the ongoing execution of the CANSA #ColumboStrategy, and the significance of ensuring climate justice and equity for marginalised communities.
At the CANSA Annual Regional Meeting in Colombo, five remarkable youth climate activists took the stage to share their inspiring work, highlighting their unique contributions to climate action across South Asia.
Achintya Ghosal’s Journey with IYCN India
Organisation- Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN)
Achintya Ghosal’s path to climate advocacy took an unexpected turn. A former competitive swimmer for Team India, Achintya’s interest in climate issues was sparked by Yuval Harari’s book Sapiens during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book’s exploration of humanity’s impact on the environment catalysed his shift from sports to climate activism. However, he found that many climate discussions were laden with complex jargon and lacked practical insights, such as the Keeling Curve, which tracks rising carbon emissions.
Joining the Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN), Achintya has been involved in two significant projects. The first, “Agents of Change,” focused on mapping and promoting circular economy initiatives and supporting startups driving environmental innovation. The second, “Youth for COPs,” addresses the need for informed youth engagement at international climate conferences.
During the COP meetings, Achintya observed a concerning trend: many #Youth attendees were engaged in superficial #Activism rather than substantive policy discussions. This led to the creation of Youth for COPs, a project aimed at equipping young people with a deep understanding of climate issues and the skills needed to engage effectively in formal negotiations and policy dialogues.
It has been a remarkable journey for Achintya, and he looks forward to sharing more about these initiatives and offering recommendations for improving youth engagement at CANSA:
