SDSN Youth Looking for Contributions to Thematic Paper on Climate Change

Youth, Peace & Security

Our thematic paper will investigate the impact of climate change on the security and development prospects of young people across the globe, as well as promote the case for youth-led development. We are currently conducting interviews to feed into the conclusions we will provide to the UN General Assembly and Security Council. Please reach out if you think you could contribute!

Celebrate World Environment Day: Pledge to do #OneLess

On June 5, World Environment Day will be kicking off--but what will you do to help protect our planet? The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) will be kicking off this celebration by asking girls to pledge to do one less thing in their life to reduce their environmental impact and share their pledge on social media using the hashtag #OneLess and #WED2015 (also be sure to tag @wagggs_world on Twitter!). 

What are some ideas that you can give up and make a difference? You can work with your troop to do an environment-related activity or badge (find a list here under "Use these resources") and, based off the activity, reflect on how you can make a lifestyle change that has impact. Not able to do it with your troop? Check out the EPA's student guide for global climate change, which gives some great suggestions on what you can do: http://www.epa.gov/climate/climatechange/kids/solutions/actions/index.html

After you've decided what difference you can make, write on a paper or dry erase board what you will you and share on social media (don't forget to include #OneLess #WED2015 @wagggs_world). Like this example:

In order to make real impact, everyone needs to be involved. Therefore, WAGGGS has also released a social media tool kit with other cool ideas on how you can spread the word about #OneLess and get your friends involved: http://www.wagggs.org/en/grab/25872/1/wed-2015-social-media-toolkit.pdf

Be sure to check out the WAGGGS page for other resources, more background info, and ideas here: http://www.wagggs.org/en/internationaldays/worldenvironmentday

Educational Resource: Two Minute Videos on Our Oceans

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) has recently released a series of short two minute videos on ocean habitats. These short videos provide excellent information designed specifically for children, thanks to cartoonist Jim Toomey. According to a press release from UNEP, "Using animation and humor, the six videos in the Toomey series, provide in clear and simple language, information about cutting-edge science and policy issues regarding our oceans, their importance to human well-being and the challenges facing our oceans. They address a wide range of ocean topics including: blue carbon, the true value of our oceans, the impacts of climate change, as well as threats such as marine litter."

Check out the UNEP website here for the full list of videos and information.

International Schools Essay Competition on "Sustainable Living"

2014 International Schools Essay Competition & Debate

What does 'sustainable living' mean to you?

FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT

There are just two weeks left to register for the 2014 International Schools Essay Competition.
Enter now for your chance to win a fantastic trip to the UK for three people to attend the International Schools Debates (7-10 July).
Teachers/Parents/Legal Guardians of children around the world (aged 7-17), please register here (until 10th February). Each Teacher Champion can submit up to 30 essays online until the 10th February deadline.