Oxfam Global

Citizens, 2009

Over 5,000

young people

take action on

climate change.

Oxfam Active Global Citizenship Conferences 2009

In October 2009, Oxfam hosted four Active Global Citizenship Conferences for schools in Birmingham, Bristol, London and Manchester.

Over 60 schools and 300 young people came together to learn about the human impact of climate change, shape their message to world leaders, and explore how they could lead their communities in tackling this huge global issue.

Students met Elvis Sukali, an Oxfam programme officer from Malawi and saw the very real effects of climate change on ordinary peopleʼs lives, learning how climate change threatens to push more people into poverty in some of the poorest countries of the world.

They had the chance to questions experts on how they as young people can take action on climate change and harness their power as agents of change.

In the workshops they learned more about the links between climate change and poverty, different countries' perspectives on agreeing a deal, and how successful campaigns have changed the world.

Students formulated action plans at the conference, which they are now using to inspire their peers and communities to take action on climate change.

Contained within this book are messages from young people, urging you to reach a fair, ambitious and binding deal for the worldʼs poorest at Copenhagen next month.

A Term of Action

The conferences are part of Oxfam's Term of Action and Learning on Climate Change

All over the UK young people have been learning about the human impact of climate change and exploring how they can make a difference.

They have been exploring the issues, taking part in youth-led events, bringing the negotiations alive in model U.N conferences, undertaking challenges to cut their own emissions and inspiring others to take positive action on climate change.

So far this academic term there have been over 5,000 actions by young people in the UK.

This generation cares about the world and wants you to go to Copenhagen and fight for a Fair & Safe Deal, that puts poor people first in the fight against climate change.

Your car is melting the world Wake up and smell the Co2!Get on your bike and save the earth!! Don’t be shy or tell a lie, make them see the truth of climate changeMake a difference don’t be scared, be sure the burden of climate change is shared.Make a change stop the Planet melting away. Don’t be a fool you silly old mule and cut them fumes by 40%Stand up for me poorer countries, don’t let them die because of US! Bargain and banter, a deal for the best, Cut Britain’s Carbon emissions and so will the restAre you thinking only about you? You need to think about others too! Cut CO2! Save the world and Share the money! PLEASE!!

Joanna, Kye, Daniel & James - Bourneville college,Charlotte, Amrit, Jessica - Pool Hayes Arts & community school, Katie, Sophie, Emily, Luke, Sam B, Freya, Daniel & Sam H – Mill hill School

Forget nuclear & Coal, encourage solar wind & hydroelectric POWER!!Amelia, Sir John Laws

What is happening to the world? Brooke, Year 8, Hyde Technology School

Set an example to the world” Barack ObamaBaldeep, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar

It isn’t just one or two countries at fault, it’s all of us. Jamie, Year 10, Stockport Academy

People are saying they want to cut carbon emissions by 20% will you consider taking this action? Matthew, Kings Norton Boys School

Everyone has a carbon footprint, even you do! We all need to try and cut down on it! Ifra, Year 9, Abraham Moss High

We need to change our climate for the future ahead. Oliver, Year 9, Upton-By-Chester High School

Limit everyone to 500 flight miles each year. If people want to fly more they should buy more miles. This will reduce carbon emissions and help climate change! And help the recession as well. Ciaran , Year 11, Blessed Thomas Holford School

If the sea rises over Britain, you’ll die or get blamed or killed.Callum, Bydales School

What we can do: wash at 30 degrees Celsius. If the heating in your house is not needed, don’t use it. Recycle. Bobbie-Lee, St. Peter’s

Rain is less, the ocean is less, but we can do more to make it more and more. Duwatosin, Year 9, St. Peter’s High

Why are we ruining other’s lives? Help now! Zainul, Pleckgate High School

Provide funds for a low emission car! Lucie, Francis Bacon School

It makes poor countries very sad. Jenny, Great Sankey High School

Can two birds not be hit with one stone if we create more renewable power stations, reducing unemployment and combating climate change? Alex Larimer, Xaverian College

No-one can blame you for global warming… except your children. Uzma, Tottington High School

People are dying so [climate change] should stop. Rebecca, Year 9, Ellesmere Port

Let’s stop climate change today! Jade, Year 9, Ellesmere Port Catholic High

Go and live in Africa for three weeks then decide if it’s a problem!

Cut our emissions by 40%, and people in other countries will sleep safely in bed! Jamie, Year 9, Upton-By-Chester High

I can’t do it! You Cant do it! BUT WE CAN!Fadime & Yemisa, Royal Docks community school

Climate change is causing huge amounts of malnourishment in third world countries, if we do not do anything about it soon this could happen to us. Lauren, Bydales School

Everyone should do their bit to save our planet! Laurie Lee, Year 7, Hyde Technology

Time will not wait on countries that need it most. Daniel, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar

Cars and factories are de-railing our climate. Use alternative fuels and make factories safer by adding flue gas desulphurization devices. Amber, Hazel Grove High School

Climate change ruins the earth. Ikram, Year 8, Hyde Technology School

The old days are in the past! Time for a change! Renewable energy is the way forward!! Sophia, Swanwick Hall school

For all your promises do you really expect to help ordinary people live ordinary lives Alex, Kings Norton Boys

You could use biofuel to fuel the nationWe need to recycle more. Liam, Nottingham Emmanuel School

We caused the problem so lets solve it as wellClimate change is out of control, we need to act right now!Amanda, Nottingham Emmanuel school

The US has only 4% of the worlds populations yet produces 25% of the world’s carbon emissionsJack, Kings Norton Boys

Why waste our money destroying our future when we could spend it saving it! Invest in energy for tomorrow – renewables! Immediate action is needed! Anna, Xaverian College

Climate change is very bad. Anthea, Year 9, Great Sankey High School Act now before its too

late! Help climate change.

Blow away climate change before it blows us all away! Carl, Tottington High School

Before you go out turn electricity OFF!

Make the roads safe for cyclistsPhoebe - Francis Bacon Climate Change affects

the world. Your decision can change that!

Mr Brown, Should you not be willing to compensate for the effects the UK is having on poor countries?

Look after the poorest and the richest will look after themselves Sam, Nottingham

Fuel is running out, luck is running out, time is running out. Richmal, Prudhoe

There was a young man from TanzaniaWho had a bad farm career.Along came Elvis with half a grand,He gave the man a helping hand. Caprice, Mary, Lewis and Michael, St Damians College

The world’s drowning in poverty and economically. What you gonna do rich world, when the ice caps melt and there’s no oil left to make helicopters fly? Davis, Year 9

You cannot point a finger at a nation, without taking

action yourself. Sachia Perera, Hendon

Take responsibility for your actions and how they affect others.

MR BROWN do you want to be responsible for the suffering of poorer countries who do not

produce the carbon emissions they are suffering from. Effects

which cripple their economy every day. Ali Abdisalam. Fairfield

L.E.D.C.s need our help. Do something

about it!!! BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!! We will

only get this chance once…

India Martin,

We need to stop carbon emissions by getting more efficient. Ricci, Year 10, Abraham Moss High

Make individuals more aware of their impact on climate change. Every little helps…

Rushini Karandawala, Lady Eleanor Holles

Fix up and realise you need to sort it

out! With your needless greed this problem you caused

and now future generations will be left struggling dying and still there’s no pause

Maria Olajida, Chestnut Grove

I think climate change is important because other

countries are suffering and mostly it is not their fault. Amber Bailey age 13.

The Ridings Federation Yate International

Academy

Please agree to stabilise at 350 ppm of carbon dioxide. Emily, Izzie, Clara, Shebbear College

Continue with the UK’s climate change goals. Let’s make a CHANGE

NOW! Nida Khan, The Lady

Keep on helping defeat climate change and save

our future! Carrie Day, Lady Eleanor Holles School

Keep fighting the “good” fight! Remember the people without

a voice. Lead by example!!Susan Ostrander, Lady Eleanor

Holles School

I think you need to invest more in

renewable resources of energy and show more

support for fusion Please do something about climate change before its too late!!!

Jake Brown, Backwell School

Pay Attention to Climate Change Zach,12yrs, Sir John Laws

Stop making the poor pay for the problems you have caused, you made the problem, SO YOU SOLVE IT!!Sarah, Woodford County high School

Give the world some care…save a POLAR

BEAR!!!Ewan Hall, Sir John

Lawes

Save this planet please, because we need it to live on! Act now. Georgina, Honley High School

Do you know what climate change is doing to us all? Kamilah, Pleckgate High School

Stop and think, look at the world, listen to your people, act now. Jack, Bydales School

Why should we ruin our world? It’s the only one we have! Kathryn, Year 10, Hyde Technology School

How much are you willing to drop your C02 emissions?Araf, Kings Norton Boys

There may be an ‘I’ in emissions, but there isn’t one in global harmony. Olivia, Xaverian College

Cut the Carbon. And care for people less fortunate than youChristabel, Nottingham Emmanuel School

Don’t care about your hair so curled, for the damage you’re causing our world/Alicia, Nottingham Emmanuel school

Save the planet for future generations. Luke, Ellesmere Port

We should be looking into renewable energy sources. Germany is leading in the development of solar power. Why aren’t we looking into new technology for renewable energy? Alex, Blessed Thomas Holford School

Have you got any ideas about how the UK can help other countries who are affected by climate change. As we are one of the biggest producers of C02 don’t you think that we should help solve it? Becki, Pocklington School

All the children aspire to be like the president.Kings Norton Boys

It’s not too late, but we’ve got to act NOW!!! Amy, Hazel Grove

You won’t shut your face while the world is ablazeKirsty, Nottingham Emmanuel school

I believe we should look into more energy efficient ways of making energy. We could find a more efficient way to power street lights, this would save a lot of energy and help the climate. Joseph

You have the power, now commit to some targets and see it through George, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Open your eyes Gordon!

It is our duty as a civilised and wealthy society to ensure that those whoa re not able to exercise their fundamental rights are given the means to. We must wipe away the tears of those mourn silently and open their eyes to see the long-desired opportunities around them. Lyinoluwa, Woodford County High,

World leaders work together, our actions now affect others forever! Jemimah, Year 9, Upton-By-Chester High

Now is the time to act, so act now before its too late! Emily, Hatch End High School

Why don’t we help other countries who are affected by climate change. We are the 5th richest country in the world so we won’t be affected by climate change as much as other countries who won’t be as fortunate as us because they will get diseases such as malaria and Cholera from dirty flood water etc. So Why not make a change?! Joachin, Nower Hill

I think you should make political and economic development classes compulsory so the next generation will not be apathetic, and will be informed. They’ll create better change than today’s political leaders. Seema, Woodford County High

Its your foot-print, its your future, reduce your carbon footprint NOW!Charley

No-one can blame you for global warming… except your children. Uzma, Tottington High

Do something now before it is too late to reverse the problem. Holly, Round wood Park School

Mr Brown, Should you not be willing to compensate for the effects the UK is having on poor countries?Samira, Northolt Hiigh school

Dear Mr Brown, Act on climate change now! – before its too late. Olivia, Nower hill

Why are we ruining the lives of others? Hanzah, Pleckgate High School

Do you know the consequences to climate change and your country producing too many emissions? MEDC should help LEDCs and make the world a better placeNikisha, Longford Community School

STOP CLIMATE CHANGEAfrida, Bishop David

Mr Brown You can make a difference to the World! Please do it before it is too late!Abigail Sancto, Barking Abbey

Climate change is Killing innocent people. It is only you that can save people’s lives! Clare, Barking Abbey school

Act now, before it’s too late! Global warming is too big an issue to ignore. Jessica Lynch, Roundwood park School

Put the change into climate change Gordon.

Please can you help before we can’t do any more!!! Joe Mecer, Backwell

“No man is an island” It is the duty of wealthier countries to help those who are less fortunate ESPECIALLY if the wealthier country contributed to making the problem. Siobhan Louise, Yr 12, Woodford County High

Keep listening to people – even those as far away as

Bangladesh. EVERY VOICE COUNTS!Sarah Perkins, Lady Eleanor

Holles School

Don’t let people suffer for something they haven’t done. Rebecca, Year 9, Upton-By-Chester High School

Climate change doesn’t just kill polar bears, but

us – human kind too. Are we helping them?

Charis Parker, age 16, Sir John Lawes School

Together, we can save the world. Kylie

Help everyone, not just yourselves. Jake, Year 9, Abraham Moss High School Climate change, it’s happening

here and now and we’ve got to find a way to stop this spreading out. It affects me, you and all that’s why we the world is going so dull. Everyone is in danger, so watch your back cuz you’re the next target for the changes. Become involved to change all. Yemidayo, Year 9, St. Peter’s RC High School

If you have the power, accept the responsibility that comes with it & do something about it please. Nadine, Hatch End high School

Act now and slow down climate change before its too late! Chloe, Hatch End Sixth Form

When you go show your pride in our country

Chill out Gordon Brown, stop making the world hotter! Danielle, Xaverian College

Climate change is not a problem for the future it’s a problem now. So act now. Valerie, Hatch End Sixth Form

Have you ever thought for 1 minute of your life about what it would be like to live in an LEDC? Knowing that the UK is causing climate change but yet LEDCs are being affected! THINK!Lydia, Longford community school

Why don’t you set an example and reduce your carbon emissions first, other countries will soon follow. Rudo, Blessed Thomas

Don’t forget the outspoken ones. The countries who can make a change, should do so.

Climate change puts the earth’s people and ecosystem in danger. Please act on it and save the Earth. Ifama, Barking Abbey School

Turn down the heating, turn off the lights, tell the Prime Minister to ride his bike! Jade, Year 10, Stockport Academy

Help LEDCs now and prevent Global warming. Why should LEDC suffer. Think Gordon. Scott, Longford Community School

The rich are rich at the expense of the poor. Sally, Tottington High School

We have overcome all other challenges – we can overcome this too! Kristian, Tottington

Don’t let people suffer for something they haven’t done. Rebecca, Year 9, Upton-By-Chester High School

Climate change kills, so why don’t we solve it? Lauren, Bydales School

The UK is one of the higher emitters of greenhouse gases, what are you going to do to prevent this from being the case? Hannah, Xaverian College

Mr Gordon Brown, I would like you to help china to stop emissions in china and give them an eco energy resourceGordon Brown, don’t wear a frown, about climate change do something about it at Copenhagen, and change the world today Climate change effect the world more than any other issueIt may not affect us now but in a few years we will be affected too, Mr Brown the rich people don’t care, the poor live in despair, Act now and make a difference. Mr Gordon Brown We should be helping developing country’s at Copenhagen. The developed countries could put our money in a pot for poorer countries. We should be helping everyone through the developing world. Save us not just the polar bears.Act on climate change today to help the adults of tomorrowCopenhagen is the key to world peace and harmony ! :) and the world will too! :( and the world will collapseAct now not later! Act now or suffer later- stop climate change now I think you should act now! We only have one world. Don’t waste it! Thanks

Joe, Heloise, Sam & Amber – Gilbert Inglefield Middle SchoolApril, Jenny, Daniel, Alex, Will, Max & Abi- Harrold Priory Middle school Sophie, Freya, Jonathon & Tom – Ercall Wood Technology College.

With special thanks to:

Schools: Backwell School, Badminton School, Broadoak College, Brockworth Enterprise School, Fairfield School, Shebbear College, South Wilts Grammar School, Winterbourne International Academy, Yate International Academy Nower Hill High School, Priory School, Hendon School, Sir John Lawes School, Francis Bacon College, Roundwood Park School, St Albans Girls School, St James Catholic High, Woodlands School, Northolt High School, The Charter School, Barking Abbey College, Lady Eleanor Holles School, Royal Docks School, Longford Community School, Chestnut Grove School, Hatch End High School, Bishop David Brown School, Bentley Wood High School, Woodford County School, Honley High School, Hyde Tecnology School, Stockport Academy, Great Sankey High School, Pocklington High School, Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, All Saints Catholic College, Xaverian College, Tottington High School, Blessed Thomas Holford School, Chesnut Lodge School, Loreto RC High School, Hope [Special] School, Abraham Moss High School, Prudhoe Community High School, Bydales Foundation School, Turton high school media arts college, Pleckgate High School, Hazel Grove High, Upton By Chester High, St Damian's R C Science College, St Peter's High, Swanwick Hall School, Gilbert Inglefield Middle School, Harrold Priory Middle School, Kings Norton Boys, Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, Bournville College, Pool Hayes Arts & Community School, Ercall Wood Technology College, The Nottingham Emmanuel School, George Dixon International School and Sixth Form College, and Mill Hill School

Volunteers:Gemma Bending, Kate Weiler, Nadya Herrera Catalan, Kerri Bleeker, Ann Bagert, Beulah East, Claire Anholt, Beth Hearn, Roger Hook, Ron Wilson, Anne Hillier David Handley Michael Fisher Vivien Hamilton Jane Attar, Emily Jones, Jenny Hunt, Karen Lindsay, Catrin Morris and Stephanie Hubbard

Speakers:Sabino Miranda – CCYDT, Rob Bowden - Life worlds Learning, Dr Alice Bows - The University of Manchester, Elvis Sukali - Oxfam (Malawi), Rebecca Gowland Oxfam GB, Adam Askew - Oxfam GB, and Stephen Williams MP

Photography credits: Matt Williamson, James Cracknell, Chris Worrall, and Jane Baker (Greensnapper photography)