As the 200 years of the carbon era comes to an end and a new era approaches, the transition that happens in different ways in different countries needs to be analyzed. The support of the younger generation is crucial in this process and young leaders need to be trained adequately for driving advocacy. When looking at developing countries and economies in transition, China and India have seen double digit growth when it comes to renewables which is much higher than the OECD countries. Developing countries are disproportionately vulnerable to global warming, particularly in the context that they already have a warmer climate, and all of this will put pressure on the government budgets of these countries. Considering these circumstances, urgent collective climate action is required. Visionary leaders possess the strength to change the existing structures in countries to address climate change, while at the same time, persuading other leaders to work together and with all communities. Given the current state of lack of consensus in the international political community and also the lack of visionary leadership, people and their knowledge are disconnected from their leaders which is worsening the situation. However, some small countries like Montenegro, Bhutan and Costa Rica have set up great examples of inclusiveness in tackling climate change. It is important to choose leaders wisely given the fact they represent people and will take climate action on their behalf. A range of values and strengths is vital for a visionary leadership that would be required to address climate change and the young generation can craft such a leadership, considering that they are the
• Post-carbon development must be inclusive and should have clarity of purpose.
• There should be willingness on the part of leaders of the developing world to contribute in addressing climate change.
• Young activists and youth in other various spaces can generate synergies and exchange their ideas so as to propel collective action on climate change.
Proceedings from WSDF 2020: https://worldsdf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/WSDF-2020-Report.pdf
WSDF 2020: https://worldsdf.org/events/durango-mexico-march-2020/