A new film, showcasing the views and voices of 16–30-year-olds drawn from 35 countries will be screened at COP26 on Thursday 11 November calling on world leaders not to miss the unique opportunity to act now on climate change.
The ActNowFilm – an official COP26 Universities Network project produced by student volunteers, Cambridge Zero and the University of Bath’s Institute for Policy Research - will be shown in the Green Zone at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) on Thursday between 13.30-14.30 GMT.
In the film, young people from around the world share their experiences of climate change; their hopes and ambitions for the future; and their 'asks' of climate change negotiators, as well as their own climate pledges. They share, in their own words, why stopping climate change is important to them: the future generation.
Following the film’s successful trailer premiers at Climate Week NYC and the UN Biodiversity Convention COP15 in Kunming, ActNowFilm debuts at COP26.
Head of Policy Programmes and Communications at the University of Bath’s IPR, Amy Thompson, explained: “We are delighted that the ActNowFilm will showcase at COP26. This youth voices project has been such an incredible film to work on. By listening to and watching the fears and experiences of these young people, and the actions they are taking and pledges that they are making to address climate change, you hear and feel the collective power and determination of young people from around the world.
“Young people want a safer and more sustainable world – they are clear on that. It is our hope that the negotiators and leaders at the COP26 summit listen to these voices and take action to enable this future.”
Lizzie Coney, an MA Wildlife Filmmaking student at UWE Bristol who was involved in the project added: "We, the global youth, want global leaders to act now on climate justice to ensure a healthy future for everyone. I want global leaders to take action on the climate crisis, listen to the voices of the youth - we are demanding action on the climate crisis - and see solutions to the climate crisis as opportunities for future jobs and prosperity."
Director of Cambridge Zero Emily Shuckburgh said: “This film brings the voice of youth to COP26. Cambridge Zero is pleased to have supported this initiative as part of the COP26 Universities Network and GAUC.”
A recent study from researchers at the University of Bath found that eco-anxiety among young people to be at record levels. The global study based on 10,000 responses from young people aged 16-25 found that nearly half (45%) said climate anxiety and distress were affecting their daily lives. The study called for urgent action to address young people's climate concerns.