Denise E Antonio, UNDP Resident Representative

Launch of Climate Change Text Book

Tuesday, February 25, 2022, 9:00 a.m.

Salutations

• Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams
• Prof. Dale Webber, Principal, The UWI, Mona
• Ms. Claire Bernard, Deputy Director General, The PIOJ
• Representatives of the media
• Other distinguished attendees on location and watching via livestream

Good Morning.

I am extremely happy to join you this morning to formally launch this important textbook entitled, "Let’s make a Difference - a Caribbean Primer on Climate Change", that simplifies for young people crucial issues related to climate change adaptation in the Caribbean. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) joins in celebrating this initiative, made possible with the contribution of a USD93,000 GEF SGP grant under the “Resilience Strengthening to Climate Change Impacts through Youth Education in Primary Schools” project.  I am pleased that this activity directly supports the Government of Jamaica’s initiative dubbed ‘Renewed Jamaica’, geared at climate action in homes, schools, churches, and communities, and that sustainability is ensured by integrating the text into school curriculum.  

This book is an excellent example of how to better understand the science of living things, the science of climate change in the Caribbean, implications for possible future changes in the climate and the urgent need for us to make a difference

 How can environmental education help to combat and strengthen the global fight against climate change? It helps young people to understand the consequences of global warming, encourages them to change their behaviour, and helps them to adapt to this climate emergency through innovative youth friendly initiatives.

The evidence from a UNEP survey taken in 2011 is clear, 84% of young people surveyed agreed that they need more information to prevent climate change, while earlier studies from a GlobeScan survey indicated that 89% of youth polled globally say young people can make a difference on climate change. By 2015, close to half a million youth around the world had taken action on climate change through joint SGP UNDP projects.  

UNDP is convinced that by educating children and young people, we can nurture a new generation of change agents capable of encouraging their peers to adopt positive behaviours that combat the varying impacts of climate change. Through environmental literacy, we can cultivate a culture of care for the planet.

 I wish to acknowledge Professor Michael Taylor and his team for the excellent work that led to the production of this important new knowledge product. I am grateful to all who contributed, whether as writers, editors or publishers, and for keeping this important issue of Climate change on the agenda.

You have our word that UNDP and GEF SGP will continue to be responsive to the vision of adapting to the impacts of climate change, and to ensure that young people are suitably integrated and empowered to lead this movement in the future.

Our commitment is anchored on UNDP’s corporate mission to help countries end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Projects designed to secure SDG number 13, Climate Action, are of particular importance at this time.  Together, we can produce a stronger and more honest form of partnership and nation building to make this goal a reality in our lifetime. Thank you.