A joint statement of environmental youth calls for a stronger commitment to combat climate change
On 07 June 2019, environmental organizations, associations, and youth issued a joint statement calling on the government, private sector, youth, and the public to engage actively in the fight against climate change through the environmental protection and reduction of carbon emission. In the statement, they concerned about the adverse effects of climate change on Cambodia that presently affect the health and livelihood of the people, especially on the agriculture sector and socio-economic development. They also noted that the loss of forest and natural resources, rivers and seas pollution from development projects, and improper waste management have all been affecting the environment, contributing to the Cambodian people’s climate change and the resilience to climate change. They called on the government to strengthen law enforcement, monitor local officials responsible for law enforcement, stop granting economic land concessions, increase education on the environment, create a waste processing plant and create a policy to increase the tax on plastic. In the other hand, a joint statement applauded the government’s efforts to create protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries, protect natural resources and to increase investment in solar energy. They further call for social responsibility for society and the environment by the private sector. They also encourage civil society to increase budget and activities in environmental protection. Last but not least, the statement also noted the youth and the public’s involvement in decreasing plastic consumption and increasing the use of public transportation.
Cambodian Youth Network
