Jakarta, November 24, 2023 – The impact of the climate crisis is increasingly felt as the earth’s temperature rises. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report states that the earth’s temperature has increased by 1.1°C in 2011-2020 compared to 1850-1900. Serious mitigation and climate action efforts must be carried out to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep temperatures from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius. One is transitioning energy from carbon-intensive energy, such as coal-fired energy, to renewable energy.
The Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) believes that the energy transition process needs to involve future generations, especially children and young people. Young people have a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development can run amid the challenges of climate change. They will also build a future that prioritizes using more environmentally friendly resources and economic growth that prioritizes environmental sustainability.
Farah Vianda, Coordinator of Sustainable Financing, IESR, at the Road to Youth Climate Conference (23/11), said that reducing fossil energy use requires government policy. Still, young people can also take individual actions that impact reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Every individual, especially children and young people, can be involved in taking concrete steps to mitigate the climate crisis. One of the main steps is to change daily habits, from using electricity and freon more wisely to reducing dependence on motor vehicles and buying products wisely. With these simple steps, young people can make a significant positive impact in mitigating the climate crisis,” said Farah.
Farah explained that the energy transition involves a fundamental shift in how we produce and consume energy. According to her, a strong foundation for the earth’s sustainability will be formed by emphasizing the use of more environmentally friendly resources. It is about technology and involves understanding and active participation from children and young people as future agents of change.
Rahmat Jaya Eka Syahputra, Program Officer of Energy Transformation, IESR, highlighted energy efficiency in energy transition by reducing unnecessary energy consumption. According to him, a strong understanding of carbon emission reduction will form the habit of calculating emissions and lead to low-carbon daily activities.
“Energy efficiency not only provides environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions but can also provide economic benefits by saving individual energy costs. By actively participating through energy efficiency measures, individuals have taken part in their portion in addressing climate issues,” Rahmat explained.
