The workshop is dedicated to the theme "Climate emergency and the Ocean", with the objective of involving young people in the debate on the climate crisis - through non-formal and participatory methods. Before the workshop, the participants will receive a brochure with some relevant information to be aware of what is to take place.
Addressing a topic like climate change in an accessible and engaging way for young people requires adapting information to their level of understanding and using interactive methods. In this regard, the following things were taken into account:
1. Using concrete examples – presenting real and tangible examples of the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events or impacts on animal species. 2. Use of images and graphics – these elements help clarify complex concepts. 3. Explanation of technical terms – in the created brochure scientific or technical terms have been explained in simple terms to ensure understanding of the content. 4. Encouraging questions – throughout the activity, young people will be encouraged to ask questions if they are curious about a certain aspect.
All the details of the activities you will find in materials for trainers / To download below
Talking about climate change in a way that is empathetic, interactive and relevant to young people's interests and experiences can help them better understand the importance of the topic and feel motivated to act on it.
Some useful information for trainers – in addition to the booklet created to be distributed to participants before the workshop (which trainers can also refer to), below is some information on some of the topics of interest related to climate change: biodiversity – and how its loss affects us humans, but also general data on pollution and waste management.
Global biodiversity refers to the variety of life in all its forms, from microorganisms and plants to animals and complex ecosystems. It is the result of billions of years of evolution and represents a complex web of interactions between organisms and their environment.
KEY ASPECTS OF GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY:
Species diversity: This refers to the number and variety of species of organisms living on Earth. Each species has a unique role in the ecosystem and contributes to the ecological balance.
Genetic diversity: This refers to the variety of genes and genetic traits within a species. Genetic diversity is essential for the adaptation of species to environmental changes and the development of new characteristics.
Ecosystem Diversity: Ecosystems include a variety of habitats and interactions between organisms and abiotic factors. From forests and oceans to deserts and swamps, each ecosystem has a unique role in maintaining global balance.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY GLOBALLY
Ecological stability: biodiversity contributes to the stability of ecosystems and their ability to cope with changes. Diverse species and ecosystems are more resilient to disturbance and the introduction of invasive species.
Ecosystem services: biodiversity provides a number of essential human "services", such as plant pollination, water purification, soil improvement and climate regulation.
Food and Medicinal Resources: Much of the food and medicine consumed by humans comes from natural sources and diverse species. Biodiversity provides resources for food, medicine and materials.
Scientific research: Diverse organisms provide opportunities for understanding evolution, genetic functioning, and ecological interactions.
Ecological disaster: Biodiversity reduction can lead to accelerated degradation of ecosystems and changes in their structure and functioning, which can cause ecological imbalances and even collapses.
Loss of scientific and medical opportunities: Diverse organisms are rich sources of information for scientific research and drug development. Losing species can mean losing important opportunities for innovation and medical breakthroughs.
Aesthetics and mental health: Biodiversity provides a variety of landscapes and aesthetic experiences, contributing to mental well-being and human connection with nature.
Impact on indigenous and local communities: Many indigenous and local communities are closely linked to their environment and depend on natural resources. Loss of biodiversity can affect the traditions and sustainability of these communities.
Exacerbating climate change: Diverse ecosystems can play a role in sequestering carbon and regulating climate change. Biodiversity loss can contribute to intensifying climate change.
Global biodiversity faces significant threats from climate change, habitat destruction, pollution and overexploitation of resources. Protecting and conserving biodiversity is essential to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring a sustainable future for all life on Earth.
POLLUTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT They are important global issues that have a significant impact on the environment and human health. Here are some relevant facts about pollution and waste management globally:
1.CO2 Emissions: Global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from energy-related sources, such as burning fossil fuels, are the main cause of global warming and climate change. 2. Air Pollution: Air pollution is linked to poor human health and globally, causes millions of premature deaths every year. Fine particles (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone are some of the main pollutants. 3.Water Pollution: Water pollution is caused by chemicals, industrial and domestic waste, as well as pesticides and nutrients from agriculture, and can seriously affect aquatic life and drinking water supplies. 4.Soil Pollution: Soil pollution can be the result of improper disposal of toxic waste, excessive use of pesticides and other chemicals in agriculture, impacting soil fertility and plant health.
WASTE MANAGEMENT 1.Plastic Waste: The problem of plastic waste is serious, with millions of tonnes of plastic ending up in the oceans every year. Plastic persists in the environment and can cause serious damage to marine ecosystems and human health. 2. E-Waste: The increase in the consumption of electronic devices has led to a significant increase in e-waste. Many components of this equipment contain environmentally hazardous substances. 3. Food Waste: Approximately one third of global food production is wasted or lost, contributing to environmental degradation through greenhouse gas emissions and waste. 4.Waste Management in Developing Countries: In many developing countries, the infrastructure for waste management is limited. Unsupervised and improperly treated waste can cause soil, water and air pollution. 5. Recycling and the circular economy: In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on recycling and the promotion of the circular economy, which involves reducing, reusing and recycling resources to minimize waste generation and environmental impact.
It is important to take collective action globally to address these challenges and promote sustainable waste management and pollution reduction practices to protect the environment and public health.
WORKSHOP STRUCTURE I. Introduction – brief presentation of the organization, the project and the workshop (10 min) II. Ice breaker (10 min) III. Presentation: Climate crisis – what it is, causes and effects (20 min) IV. World Cafe (approx. 1:10 h) V. Break – 15 min VI. Energizer – 7 min VII. Debate – 1:40 h