Our Youth Our Future

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 Table of Contents

Group Message 3
The Team 4
The Climate Change Imperative 5
COP16 Overview 6 Activities Undertaken 8
Coverage by the Team 13 Pre-COP16, COY 8
Climate Change
Policy 14 10
Communication Forum
Media and Oceans Day 11
15 World Climate Summit 12
Communications
Capacity Building 16
Reflections 17
ECO‟s Perspectives 18
Beyond COP16 20
Appendix 21
Appendix A: About ECO 21
Appendix B: Team Profile 23
Appendix C: ASEAN Statement 27

© Photo credits: Wen Yun, LJ, Logesh, and the other amazing people we met 

Our Youth Our Future

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 { Group Message }
As youth who are passionate about their environment, 7 of us from
ECO Singapore have participated in the United Nations Climate
Change Conference that took place from the 29th of November to
10th of December 2010, in Cancun, Mexico. We had the
opportunity to work with youth, media personnel, and interact with
scientists and members of government delegations around the
world. The ECO Singapore delegation also participated actively in
YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the UNFCCC, to join in allowing
the voices of the youth to be heard for action to tackle climate
change.

In this report, the COP 16 team from ECO Singapore will be sharing
their experiences about COP 16, the side events that occurred
alongside it, YOUNGO, the Conference of Youth and how they will
apply what they have learnt to aid them in their efforts to promote
green lifestyles, initiatives and movements. We hope you will
continue to show your support to the green movement.

the ECO COP16 team

Judy × Logesh × Wen Yun × Yi Ying × Zhe Yu × LJ × Wilson

Our Youth Our Future

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 { The Team }
In line with the organisation‟s mission to engage Singaporean youth on global efforts to
curb climate change, 4 youths were selected to attend the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP16) held in Cancun,
Mexico from 29 November to 10 December as part of the ECO Singapore delegation.

Along with 3 other volunteers at ECO Singapore, they worked with other ASEAN youth in
producing and pushing forward an ASEAN statement, which has been presented to
respective governments. The delegates were all actively engaged in the experience,
helping out with the UN Youth Constituency (YOUNGO), attending the Conference of
Youth (COY), various side events such as the Climate Change Communication Forum and
Oceans Day, and also volunteering at the World Climate Summit.

OBJECTIVES AT COP16

1. To gain a better understanding of climate change on the international scale and

political aspect, and thus understanding Singapore‟s place in the big picture
2. To network with other Asian youth and understand their countries‟ perspectives on
climate change, and analyse it to see if it could be applied to the Singapore
context
3. To be as actively engaged as possible in the activities organized by YOUNGO
4. To speak to the people who are at the root of the controversies and those
representing minorities in the climate change issue e.g. small island states and
coastal communities

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{ The Climate Change Imperative }
“Climate change” can be defined as a change in weather patterns over an extended
period of time, spanning decades to millennia. These changes can manifest themselves in
various forms, be it melting glaciers and icecaps, changes in vegetation cover and
distribution, collapse of ecosystems unable to adapt sufficiently for survival, or even rising
sea levels, which very certainly threaten the existence of many coastal and island
communities.

There is irrefutable evidence of the existence of a causal relationship between human

activity and the worsening condition of climate change, as elaborated by the 4th
Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Pointing
towards the cyclical occurrence of natural phenomena as a reason for this global problem
on such an unprecedented scale simply does not answer any questions or solve the many
resultant and outstanding issues we face today.

Global greenhouse gas emissions have continued along an upward trend, increasing by a
staggering 70% since 1970 to 2004. And it is definitely still growing today. It is predicted that
global temperatures will rise by 1.8 to 4.0°C by 2100, and a forecasted increase in 2°C is
already sufficient in causing catastrophic, irreversible impacts on our climate and many
ecosystems.

In this regard, climate change will have a profound impact on human rights enshrined in
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights such as the right to life, security, food and health.
At the same time, efforts to mitigate the causes and effects of climate change are raising
complex questions on the economic rights of nations to prosper and improve the lives of
their people.

In addition to the pressing concerns of coastal communities and small-island states that
face possible and permanent inundation, the proliferation of climate-sensitive diseases has
increased with the rising temperatures which have enabled disease-carrying micro-
organisms to expand their geographical reach. Weather patterns have also become
increasingly erratic, unpredictable and violent. Hurricane Katrina, Cyclone Nargis, and
other hurricanes of increasing intensity and frequency have all claimed many victims for
their own and devastated the human landscape. Many prolonged heat and dry spells in
various parts all over the world in the last few years have also been attributed to climate
change.

Climate change presents a profoundly new challenge to us in this age where all countries
are so closely interlinked and interdependent on one another. Ultimately, it is a challenge
that calls for the recognition of common, yet differentiated responsibilities towards ensuring
basic human survival, an element that has been somewhat forgotten in the swathes of
paperwork, scientific facts and steadily burgeoning battle of national interests. Decisive
action with greater resolve is thus imperative in a major shift towards a completely new
global world order, which demands greater coherence and compromise in global
governance, before the precipitation of a global crisis.

So which story will you want to tell in 2050 - a story of triumph and redemption, or a story of
fruitless struggles and failure?

Our Youth Our Future

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 { COP16 Overview }
With the failure of the Copenhagen
Accord still fresh in the minds of many,
expectations were low in COP16. It
was a given that a legally binding
agreement would not be derived from
Cancun and consensus reached
would only act as building blocks
leading up to COP17 in Durban, South
Africa..
These low but realistic expectations
did nothing to push the process
forward and it ambled along slowly
which explained why there was little
sense of urgency that climate change
demands in the first one and a half
weeks. It was only in the last few days,
when the high-level segment began
with prominent leaders from the
various countries, that the negotiations
started to show signs of bearing fruit.
The Cancun Agreement that was
agreed upon by 191 countries in the
wee hours of the morning of the 11th
of December has been receiving
mixed reviews. Some view the Cancun
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Agreement as a step in the right
direction and one that restored faith in
the UNFCCC process. Many are of the
view that no deal is better than what
they view as a backward step from
the Copenhagen Accord. Time will tell
as COP17 draws closer. Emerging from
this conference, many felt that the
lesser media attention was a blessing
in disguise, as people saw how tension
and high expectations at
Copenhagen were
counterproductive, having led to the
drafting the Copenhagen Accord by
a small group of countries, excluding
most of the parties, and eventually
resulted in much loss of faith in the
multilateral UNFCCC process.
However, much media attention will
be inevitable as expectations are
piled high on COP 17. This is especially
the case for the AWG-LCA track which
has already extended its initial
mandate by 2 years.
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Still, COP16 saw the increase in
legitimacy of YOUNGO, no less due to
its role in the success of Article 6.

The proposal for a decision on Article 6

of the Convention, which concerns
itself with “Education, training and
public awareness about climate
change”, was approved under the
leadership of the Dominican Republic.
This proposal is ready now to be
adopted by COP 16. The youths played
a large role in this. Originally, Article 6 of
the Convention was to be raised only
as an informal consultation to obtain
conclusions under the Subsidiary Body
for Implementation (SBI). However,
youths drafted a policy paper and
approached many negotiators,
seeking their agreement. A contact
group for Article 6 was then established
when the G77 + China raised the
motion at the suggestion of the
Dominican Republic. Youths rejoiced
when several clauses in the policy
paper draft were adopted, namely the
promotion of the participation of
young people and all the major
stakeholders in the processes of climate
change, the development of national Still, COP16 saw the increase
and regional projects of Article 6 as
in legitimacy of YOUNGO,
well as the promotion of formal, non
formal and informal education. no less due to its role in
the success of Article 6.
There was also an increased
recognition of youths as legitimate
stakeholders in the proceedings. Many
youth delegates were accredited as
Party representatives such as those
from the Philippines, which granted
them access to meetings that civil
society members would be barred
from. Finally, this year, 2010 also
signalled the second and last year of
YOUNGO‟s provisional status as a
constituency officially recognized by
the UNFCCC.

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{Activities Undertaken }
ECO Singapore was actively engaged in the planning of, and participation in the 6th
Conference of Youth (COY) held from the 27th to 28th of November 2010. It was
held at the Universidad Del Caribe and aimed to educate the youth who were
attending on environmental issues, the UNFCCC process and how they can help to
bolster environmental initiatives back in their home countries.

Jang Leong Chia was heavily involved in the

planning of COY and had contributed greatly to
increasing the efficiency with which the
Conference was held. Online discussions with
other members of the international YOUNGO
community had allowed had allowed for the
development and introduction of new ideas at
this year‟s COY. Tan Wen Yun, Teh Yiying and
M.Logaswari were the first members of the newly
formed Arts Working Group. They had outlined
the roles and goals of the Arts Working Group
and participated in street theatre workshops to
introduce the concept to other participants at
the COY.

Meeting youth from all over the world allowed us to broaden our views on our
actions, initiatives, and approaches taken to mitigate climate change. To enhance
the effectiveness of the contribution of ideas on youth-led environmental initiatives,
the regional breakout sessions were held, and ECO Singapore delegates joined the
Asian breakout sessions. Through this, we were able to communicate our successes
on ground-level initiatives as well how to better improve and collaborate with each
other on existing initiatives. This had allowed for more relevant ideas to be
contributed towards effective climate change action in Asia.

An important message that the ECO Singapore delegates will take away from these
sharing sessions is the need for the local context and culture to be infused into public
education for climate change action. An interactive sharing session by the New
Zealand Youth Climate Coalition allowed for drama, movement and song to be
integrated into climate change education, reminding us of the need to make
climate change more relevant and interesting to the youth in Singapore.
ECO Singapore prepared extensively for Young and Future Generations Day(Yo-Fu-
Ge Day). Yo-Fu-Ge day is dedicated to youth and aims for further recognition of
their role in the UNFCCC negotiation process. During COY, Teh Yiying worked on
preparing the Yo-Fu-Ge Day banner as well as planned the action for our
delegation.

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 { Climate Change
Communication Forum }
3 Dec 2010, Grand Velas Resort

As a pressing global issue with severe consequences

on an unprecedented scale, the need for urgent,
decisive climate change action must be
communicated effectively and convincingly to the
global community. Climate change has often been
communicated through the media as the hottest
scientific topic of the day, or even a foreboding sign
of the end of the world, yet it has still failed to instil a
sense of responsibility in the majority of humankind.

About Simon Anholt

As an independent policy
advisor, author and
researcher, Simon Anholt
specialises in national
identity and reputation,
public diplomacy and the
public perceptions of
nations, cities and regions.
„Competitive Identity‟,
„Brand America‟, „Brand
Recognizing the need for more effective publicity New Justice‟ and „Another
and awareness on climate change education, the One Bites The Grass‟ are
Climate Change Communication Forum was held in just a few of the books he
Cancun, Mexico alongside the 16th Conference of has written. Anholt
Parties (COP16). The forum invited distinguished developed the concepts
speakers and experts in the field from around the of the 'nation brand' and
world to converge on a singular, international 'place brand' in the late
platform and share their ideas, reaching out to 1990s, and today plays a
government and civil society delegates. leading role in this rapidly
Conceptualised by Simon Anholt, a British expanding field.
government advisor who specialises in nation
branding, topics discussed at the forum ranged from
the communication of climate change science, to the role of new and alternative
messengers with the rise of new media, as well as engaging an indifferent public, a
topic presented by the man behind it all himself. Other speakers included Eileen
Claussen (President of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change), Nick Nutall
(Head of Media, United Nations Environmental Program), and Rajendra K. Pachauri
(Chair of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change/IPCC), with COP16 president
Patricia Espinosa Cantellano closing the forum.

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 { Oceans Day }
The second Oceans Day in the
UNFCCC context, the Cancun Oceans
Day featured various speakers
specialising in the research areas of
ocean acidification, coastal and
wetland conservation, coral
bleaching, adaptation and mitigation
in relation to oceans. The event also
included group discussions on various
strategic thrusts of ocean conservation
and climate change action.
Oceans are critical to our survival –
beyond livelihoods, oceans,
mangroves, sea grass and salt marshes
serve as massive carbon sinks,
capturing what is called „blue
carbon‟. These slow down the increase
of atmospheric carbon concentrations
and thus, temperatures. However,
there has been little emphasis on
ocean and wetland protection in
comparison to forests, which have the
REDD+ mechanism acting as a means
of protection.
10
4 Dec 2010, Now Jade Riviera Hotel
Therefore, Oceans Day serves a
platform to reinforce the need for a
comprehensive strategy on oceans
and climate, working on the various
arms of capacity building, mitigation,
adaptation and financing. With
progressively greater global attention
being placed on the impacts of
ocean acidification, coral bleaching
and other problems, the persistent and
enthusiastic efforts of the oceans
community are sure to succeed.
By clearing wetland ecosystems, other
problems like the loss of land due to
coastal erosion, coastal barriers that
protect against storm surges, natural
filtration systems for underground
water, marine biodiversity and massive
carbon sinks, are sure to arise. Hence
the ECO Singapore delegates have
recognized the important role that
they can play to conserve Singapore‟s
mangrove swamps and wetlands and
are now well-equipped to perform
that role.
This is what we’re here to
protect. What about you?
Our Youth Our Future
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{ World Climate Summit }
4-5 Dec 2010, The Ritz Carlton

The inaugural World Climate Summit is

a new, open and collaborative 10-
year global framework that brings
together businesspeople, the finance
sector and governments to engage
one another in providing sound
solutions in rising up to the climate
change challenge. As the starting
point of this global collaboration and
transformation, leading companies,
investors and government leaders will
join hands in accelerating solutions to
climate change, tracking concrete
progress in the scaling and
implementation of these solutions in
reaching national, regional and global
2020 emission targets.

Our team had the privilege to

volunteer for the organisation of the
Summit on 5 Dec 2010, covering work
in new media publicity as the event
progressed, scribing for workshop
sessions and also providing logistical
support when needed. In addition, we
gained the opportunity to attend
sessions with speakers such as Sir
Nicholas Stern, a prominent economist
at the Graham Research Institute on
Climate Change and the Environment,
Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Group,
Sarah Severn of Nike, and Ted Turner
of UN Foundation, hearing their views
on various topics such as
communicating climate change,
climate change as a market failure,
carbon trading, and the importance
of partnerships in tackling this
challenge. It was indeed an eye-
opening and rare opportunity for the
team.

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{ Coverage By the Team }
The team sought to reach out to viewers back home through social media
and their well-established blog, http://unfcccecosingapore.wordpress.com
which received an average of 400 views daily at the time. With posts
ranging from reviews and insights gathered from side events at
Cancunmesse on adaptation and mitigation, to an overview of the day's
plenaries and progress of negotiations, the team worked around the clock
to provide their viewers in Singapore with accurate information and
pictures, also interviewing youth and prominent figures such as Yvo de Boer.

They also operated the ECO Singapore Twitter account (@eco_singapore)

to give timely updates through the mobile web, thus connecting those at
home with the actions happening in Cancun. Youth who did not get the
opportunity to witness the negotiations first-hand had access to the ECO
SmugMug and Youtube, which provided them with pictures and videos of
the negotiations, venues, various side-events and exhibits.

Judy Goh of the ECO Singapore team joined the YOUNGO Media and
Communications Working Group to provide Asian perspectives on
messaging. She wrote the press release for the youth intervention in the
SBSTA plenary, which was delivered by New Zealand youth delegate Emma
Moon. She also managed the International Youth Climate Movement Twitter
account (@IYCM) for the duration of the conference.

One of her tweets in response to Bolivia's official Twitter was featured in the
Guardian (online version) http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/
2010/dec/10/cancun-climate-change-summit-final. In her tweet, she
voiced the Youth's views that the Cancun Agreement is an obliging step
towards "what the world really needs" in response to @Bolivia_UN which felt
that the document was "no victory for humanity".

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{ Media & Communications }
Prior to COP16, media coverage on this conference was scarce to say the
least. In a bid to boost media attention, the team put together an official
press release that was sent to the Online Citizen, an online community for
alternative Singaporean viewpoints. The press release on the team‟s
purpose and mission at COP16 was published online at
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2010/11/singaporean-youths-at-united-nations-
climate-change-conference/.

During the second week of the conference, the team met up with
environmental correspondent Jessica Cheam from The Straits Times to give
an exclusive interview on their activities and work with YOUNGO as well as
with the Asian community. The resulting article was published in the Straits
Times on 14 December 2010 in the Home section, to coincide with reviews
of the United Nations proceedings at COP16 and the resulting Cancun
Agreement.

Logaswari was interviewed by Voice of America on the role that youth play
in cliamte negotiations and the paradigm shift that needs to occur before
much-needed climate change action is taken.

Wen Yun and Yiying were interviewed by fellow youth activist Australian
Linh Do on their views at Klimaforum, the alternative venue for participants
without accreditation to the official United Nations venues at
Cancunmesse and Moon Palace and this can be viewed at
http://www.symnews.org/.

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 { Policy }
ECO Singapore contributed extensively
to policy initiatives at COP16. Firstly, we
were involved in the drafting of the
ASEAN Youth Statement. With climate Asian Regional Breakout Session!
change being such an important issue
to our region, we took this opportunity
to collaborate with a number of
Southeast Asian Youth to develop key
perspectives on a variety of themes
that were relevant. A copy of this can
be found in the Appendix. Once the
statement was finalized and had each
person‟s approval, it was placed in the
receptacles where individual
governments could retrieve the
document. In addition, the statement
was emailed out to a number of government officials including the ASEAN
secretariat. Finally, those who had the opportunity to personally engage
with their governments with the statement also did so.

One of our members

also coordinated
the formulation of
the official YOUNGO
stance on forestry
issues that consisted
both on REDD
(Reducing Emissions
Action for forests! from Deforestation
and Forest
Degradation) as well
as LULUCF (Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry) The position papers
were mainly a consolidation of different viewpoints and perspectives of the
many youth delegations that were present at COP16. Past policy initiatives
were also used to aid its formulation. Once the draft was completed, the
documents were put online for approval by the entire YOUNGO
community. It was then officially adopted at a YOUNGO meeting in the
second week and now can be used as resource material for any YOUNGO
activities in the future.

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 { Capacity Building }
While in Cancun, the ECO Singapore delegation sought to develop,
strengthen and equip ourselves with the skills and resources needed to
cope in the world that would soon be devastated by the effects of climate
change.

This was first done through the introduction sessions at COY, where
delegates from the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, The Philippines, Nepal and
Australia shared their experiences on educating the public on
environmental awareness and working with their respective governments.
These provided those at COY with the inspirations, contacts, valuable
advice and experience needed to motivate them to continue on their
path of tackling climate change.

♥ COP16 World Cafe ~

Jang Leong Chia of the ECO Singapore delegation was instrumental in

organizing a World Café session with other youth from the United States,
Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia. There were further opportunities for
interaction and sharing between the delegates. By discussing a wide range
of topics from conservation methods to our environmental inspirations,
closer bonds were fostered between the diverse mix of delegates and
these encouraged more opportunities for collaborations and sharing
between delegates.

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 { Reflections }
For all us youth, understanding the UN process and
negotiations made the experience more unique and unlike
any other. Witnessing the deadlock on the international level
emphasized the importance of domestic pressure on the
national governments before they put forth their specific
agendas at international conferences like COP. These lessons
really impressed upon us the power of the individual for they
are able to impact governments, potentially changing their
stances, and thereby having a positive effect from bottom-up.

The various side events and exhibits

allowed us to learn about new and
innovative climate initiatives as well
as scientific concepts to obtain a
greater understanding of how the
climate is changing and what can
do to minimize it. We have all
drawn out valuable lessons from
the professors, delegates and
speakers that we have met, to
apply to initiatives back home, enhancing the effectiveness of
climate change action in Singapore.

An important message that we all

take away from our newly gained
knowledge, is the paramount
importance of extending climate
change from a purely
environmental issue to one that
encompasses economic, health
and security concerns as well.

We were all inspired and motivated by the awareness that

many youths were passionate about this cause as well. Their
actions and relentless efforts toward the climate movement
were recognized by the government delegates at COP who
had repeatedly made special mentions to save the Earth for
their future generations during the last few hours of COP 16.

This awareness will continue to spur us on to contribute more

to the environmental movement back home, and to
relentlessly „green‟ up our lifestyles, as well of those around us.
This trip was definitely worthwhile and to have met like-minded
people was truly an honour.

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{ ECO’s Perspectives }
Global Negotiations on Emissions Reductions
In line with well-substantiated climate science, ECO is a proponent of deep
emissions cuts to reach the aim of stabilizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions much
below 450 parts per million (ppm) and stabilizing the increase of global temperature
rise at less than 2 degrees Celsius.

ECO believes in the core principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’

wherein the developed and developing world should be bound to differing
emissions reductions targets based on factors such as their financial capability to
adapt. In relation to this, we recognize that agreement on emissions targets could
not be reached without the financial assistance rendered by the developed world.

We are of the opinion that the developed world can and should accept the target
of reducing GHG emissions by 80% by 2050 and believe that it is absolutely essential
for the developing world to be party to emissions reductions targets through a
phased approach. We advocate innovative solutions through joint actions such as a
reformed Clean Development Mechanism, technology transfer and capacity
building, while recognizing the importance of maintaining a level of autonomy for
countries to decide on the best utilisation of carbon pricing systems.

To achieve these ends, ECO intends to galvanise the support of government leaders
from both the developed and developing countries to reach a consensus through
our collaborations with the global youth, promote CDM and technology transfer
amongst the business community and issue a draft statement endorsed by all youth
on the youth perspective on climate change.

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Singapore and Climate Change
Singapore is one of the world‟s highest per capita emitters of GHGs and is ranked
around 50th in the world in terms of absolute emissions.

Negative Repercussions

More crucially, Singapore will bear the negative brunt of climate change. Climate
change will have an impact not only on our environment and ecosystem, but on our
livelihood and cost of living. Climate change threatens biodiversity, causes
reductions in the availability of liveable land, sea-level increases and an increase in
the number of heat waves. These lead to decreases in crop yields and numerous
repercussions to the health of our population.

Singapore’s potential

We believe in Singapore‟s immense potential to be a leader in efforts to curb

climate change. With our robust capabilities in Research and Development and
innovation as well as our position as a leading trade and financial hub, Singapore
has the potential to spur the development of new technologies and financial tools
to help us, the region and the world at large to mitigate and adapt to climate
change.

Private-Public Partnerships

This could be vary from championing the development of solar energy catered to
tropical climates, energy efficiency and alternative energy test-bedding and the
development of a regional/global emissions trading market. By promulgating
policies that assist companies to develop their capabilities in these sectors,
Singapore will be able to profile itself as an example of low-carbon growth while
allowing Singapore companies and MNCs based in Singapore to gain significant
first-mover advantage in the nascent Environmental Goods and Services industry,
worth an estimated US $650 billion, by the World Bank. Through an active
participation in regional and global platforms such as ASEAN, APEC, WTO, the UN
General Assembly, Singapore can play a lead role in galvanizing support for the
development of these clean technologies and innovative financial solutions.

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 In conclusion, we believe that greater government efforts should be focused in the
following areas.

1. Further reduction of carbon emissions beyond the 16% level below BAU
levels the Government has proposed and set out defined plans to peak
our carbon emissions in context of our economic development plans
2. To act on the above without the condition of a legally binding global deal
if an agreement is not reached at the end of COP 17.
3. Introducing a regulatory framework and checks promoting minimum
standards in reducing emissions and increasing efficiency especially in key
industrial sectors
4. Assistance towards funding for green technology adoption for all key
sectors of the economy
5. Support regional initiatives in the form of sharing of best practices,
technology transfer and capacity building.
6. Taking the lead to ensure that the needs of small island states are not
overlooked by major players like China, India and the US
7. To promote the creation of a common voice among South East Asian
states so as to strengthen focus on our interests as a region during
negotiations
8. Greater focus on technology research in the area of environment
sustainability to better adapt Singapore against climate change
9. Raising awareness effectively among the people, private and public
sectors on the impacts and opportunities arising from climate change

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{ Beyond COP16 }
Empowered and motivated by our lessons and experiences from COP 16, the ECO
Singapore delegation will continue to engage the Singapore public and
government to effectively increase awareness and action against climate change.
We will continue our active participation in YOUNGO and in environmental initiatives
with renewed enthusiasm and greater expertise.

ASIAN YOUTH NETWORK

Through the Asian Breakout sessions and World Café held throughout the two weeks
of COP 16, we were able to meet and draw up ideas for future collaborations with
our new Asian friends. We will continue to engage with them through meetings at
future events like the World Leadership Conference organized by ECO Singapore. A
forum will be created to allow for the sharing and contribution of ideas pertaining to
climate change education and actions. Through the ASEAN youth statement, which
was jointly written by youth from Singapore, The Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand,
we were able to engage the ASEAN youth and speak as a unified ASEAN voice.

PUBLIC EDUCATION
Prior to COP 16, the ECO Singapore delegation had participated in many events
and effort to increase public education and knowledge of climate change.
Following our return to Singapore from COP 16, we will continue to follow-up with the
institutions that have graciously allowed us to educate their students on climate
change. With our experiences from COP 16, we will look toward providing more
interactive and engaging talks and seminars to local schools and tertiary institutions
like Temasek Junior College, Victoria Junior College and Raffles Junior College.
We have also planned a sharing session with NTUC to allow us to share our
experiences on COP and how we can move forward from COP to increase the
receptiveness of youth perspectives towards climate change.

POLICY
We hope that the ASEAN Youth Statement that was crafted in Cancun can serve as
a starting point with regards to enhanced youth engagement and involvement with
both governmental and non-governmental actors. In the coming months, we aim to
coalesce into community of concerned youths in the ASEAN region to engage in
multi-faceted activities together as well as in our individual countries. These activities
may range from climate change education, tree-planting, public awareness talks,
consultations with national governments as well as strategizing for effective youth
participation at future United Nations Climate Change Conferences and other
related forums.

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{ APPENDIX A }
About ECO
Background
Environmental Challenge Organisation (Singapore), or ECO Singapore, is the leading
non-governmental youth environmental social enterprise in Singapore promoting
sustainable lifestyle.

ECO Singapore has established an active environmentally-oriented voluntary youth

foundation, creating leadership opportunities for Singaporean youths, and instilling a
sense of commitment and ownership in local and global environmental issues and
solutions.

By providing youths a holistic approach to environmental issues, ECO Singapore‟s

mission is to encourage youths to make environmentally-sustainable lifestyle choices.

Operational since end 2005, ECO Singapore aims to challenge youth of age 17-35 to
adopt a sustainable lifestyle and embrace environmental issues holistically. ECO
Singapore actively drives and supports local and global environmental initiatives
involving other environmental stakeholders. Besides receiving support for our
activities and programmes from the National Youth Council, we also work closely
with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, National Environment
Agency, Public Utilities Board, local environmental group and international
environmental groups.

Our Vision
To be the leading environmental body advocating sustainable lifestyle for youth

Our Mission
1. To challenge youth of age 17-35 to adopt a sustainable lifestyle and
embrace environmental issues holistically*
2. To drive local and global environmental initiatives
3. To support environmental activities/initiatives as a resource platform involving
other environmental stakeholders
* Holistic – in ECO Singapore, we categorise human consumption issues into six areas.
They are Food, Energy, Water, Shelter, Waste and Biodiversity.

The organisation is mainly run and managed by volunteers. The volunteer pool
stands at 120 and growing. The organisation does its empowering and engaging
outreach through its 5 departments. Each department consists of five to six core
committed volunteers who steer their respective department projects/initiatives.

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Departments
Publication & Research;
Policy Department;
Marketing and Communications;
International Affairs; and
Volunteers Management and Development

Apart from relying on the kind donations and sponsorships from the public and the
corporate, the organisation offers a range of services through its service/enterprise
arm to generate income to support its current overheads.

Services/Enterprises
ECO Training
Provides customised environmental training programmes.

ECO Travel
Provides customised eco-cultural and interactive experience in Asia region.

ECO Publications
Publishes “ECO-Express”, a magazine written by youth for youth. These are available
in both PDF and hard copy.

ECO RE:Store
Selling reusable, recycled and eco-friendly products that supports fair trade and
cottage industry in the region.

ECO Consultancy
Provides technical consultation on how to improve an organisation‟s environmental
practices.

ECO Agriculture
Working with developing countries to do organic plantation as job creating to help
alleviate poverty.

For more information, please visit www.eco-singapore.org.

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{ APPENDIX B }
Team Profile
Name: Wilson Ang (Team Leader)

Having seen the state of the environment in many

developed and developing nations after the World
Summit in 2002, Wilson believes that the only way to
create a better planet for human survivability is for
every individual to take responsibility of their own
actions by being more conscious about their daily
choices in consumption habits as global citizens. He
left his job as an Officer in the Air Force to start ECO
Singapore in 2006 and has since reached out to over
2,000 youth leaders and 310,000 members of the
public both in Singapore and the region. More
recently, an office in Indonesia was being setup to
further the cause in the region.

He strongly believes that environment plays a very vital

role in society that his life mission can simply be
phrased into one sentence, “To create and maintain
a sustainable lifestyle and culture”. At current, apart
from bringing ECO international, he is also building
several small green businesses to be able to create
green jobs with the goal of creating 10,000 green jobs
by the age of 35.

Name: Leong Chia Jang

Born in Europe, raised in Singapore, educated in

Australia & USA, worked in Asia and the Middle East;
Leong Chia Jang a.k.a. LJ is a water treatment
engineer who is interested in investigating global
“green technologies” that improve the quality of life
without adverse impact on the environment.

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Name: Lee Zhe Yu

Zhe Yu has been a passionate greenie (and

humanitarian) since young. Concerned with the
current ills of global (economic) development
especially with regards to the massive inequity that
exists in the world. Realizes that climate change is the
most severe global issue affecting mankind and
yearns to find solutions that will promote true
sustainable development for all. Desires for a new age
of multilateralism, internationalism and global
citizenship to solve the many interrelated global
problems ranging from biodiversity conservation to
chronic poverty, overfishing, deforestation, hunger
and fair trade.

Name: Kenneth Wong

Kenneth started volunteering since 13 years old. Since

then, Kenneth has been actively champions the
environmental cause, sharing best practices and
engaging the views and participation of his peers,
both in the local community and overseas.

Kenneth was also selected as Singapore‟s

representative for the British Council East Asia Youth
Delegation at the Copenhagen Climate Change
Conference. With his previous experience from
COP15/CMP5, Kenneth hope that this upcoming
COP16/CMP6 in Cancun, Mexico will be a more
engaging and fruitful experiences for him.

For his contribution to the environmental conservation,

Kenneth was awarded both the National Environment
Agency Ecofriend Award 2010 and HSBC/NYAA Youth
Environmental Award 2010.

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Name: Logesh

Logas is a 17-year-old with a keen interest in biology,

environmental conservation and how they are
intertwined where climate change is concerned.
Having seen the effects of climate change upset the
delicate balance of ecology, she believes that even
the smallest actions by both individuals and the
government to reduce the causes and effects of
climate change will go a long way and preserving
both the endangered species of the Earth, and
ourselves. The prospect of working with other youth of
a similar mindset to achieve the same goal and bring
about laws and legislation that can help save our
planet drives her and provides her with endless energy
and enthusiasm.

Name: Tan Wen Yun

Wen Yun‟s enduring love affair with the environment

and nature began during her childhood, influenced
by her parents‟ strong concern and views regarding
environmental conservation, as well as their
meticulous care for the potted plants at home. She
strongly believes in the potential to integrate
economic possibilities with environmental protection,
and also how youths are key to shaping a better
future for the environment. She enjoys working with
similar-minded youth on environmental causes and
hopes that in sharing her experience at COP16 she
can inspire her peers to become more pro-active and
motivated towards environmental change. Currently a
Year 5 student in Raffles Institution, the avid
Geography student enjoys music, reading and visual
arts.

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Name: Judy Goh

An avid explorer, Judy was first inspired as a child by

the first full photograph of the Earth from space to
embrace the environment. She is a third-year student
at the Victoria Integrated Program with a passion for
foreign policy, the sciences and geography, but
strongly believes that legislation is only a fraction of
the solution to climate change. As secretary-general in
the organizing committee of the futuristic Victorian
Model United Nations 2010, she pushed for vital issues
geared towards sustainable development. At COP16
in Cancun, she hopes to drive real change from the
bottom up to world leaders, representing the voices of
the youth and the concerned next generation. When
she‟s not writing articles for local newspapers and
blogs or sorting out recyclables at home, she dreams
of discovering innovative breakthroughs in green
technology, something she hopes to make a reality
one day.

Name: Teh Yi Ying

Watching the 2007 Climate Change Conference from

afar in Bali, Yiying felt something stir within her. 2 years
later with the initial passion taking the form of a fiery
conviction, Yiying is now proud to be the President of
Victoria Junior College‟s environmental club,
Earthwatch. Knowing that revolutions always start with
small steps, she goes meatless once a week, has
stopped using styrofoam completely and encourages
others to follow suit. She feels that climate change
transcends into every area of society and is also a
social issue, taking its toll on developing countries
especially which she feels inclined to sympathise with.
Yiying strongly believes that at the upcoming Climate
Change Conference, youth will be empowered to be
that voice for a voiceless Mother Earth. When she‟s not
running about saving the earth, Yiying likes to read,
listen to indie music, and enjoy picnics with friends.

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{ APPENDIX C }
ASEAN Statement

ASEAN Youth Climate Statement at COP 16

Introduction
We are a group of South East Asian Youth who are participating in the United Nations Climate
Change Conference as members of civil society. We are committed to bringing back insights to
our respective countries to catalyze actions on this extremely urgent issue in different ways,
including public awareness, mitigation, policy development and government consultations.

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 Rationale

The ASEAN, with its population of over 600 million, has a huge stake in ensuring climate change
is addressed effectively. Considering the different circumstances in each member country,
ASEAN cannot tackle climate change on its own. However, ASEAN can no doubt enhance its
efforts to ensure a robust low-carbon economic region and its climate resilience.

ASEAN has been gaining increasing political clout around the world. Its effectiveness and
credibility as a regional bloc will therefore have to be more acknowledged from within and by
other actors.

ASEAN contributes to approximately 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions and therefore has
much potential for mitigation, while taking into account the principle of common but
differentiated responsibilities. ASEAN countries must have a clear vision of developing low-
carbon economies, with appropriate strategies for short-term and middle-term and long-term
goals in order to achieve sustainable development.

Southeast Asia is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, especially due to its rich
biodiversity and extensive coastlines. Southeast Asia is situated right in the middle of the coral
triangle and holds over 30% of the world's coral reefs. Furthermore, the occurrences of extreme
weather within the region have increased, with the number of typhoons in 2004 increasing to
21, above the median of 17.5 for the years 1990 through 2003.

In addition, droughts in Vietnam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and the Philippines have caused
forest fires, crop failures and water shortages. From 2002 to 2007 alone, Southeast Asia
produced 140 million tonnes of grain per year and the Asian Development Bank report on the
Economics of Climate Change believes that there could be a 50% loss in the agricultural output
of ASEAN in the future due to erratic weather and other climatic events. This could pose
problems for economic development, trade, and food security within and between ASEAN and
other countries. Many South East Asian countries also have significant coastal regions with
physical and infrastructural capital at risk from rising sea levels.

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These combined effects will only multiply in the near and long-term future. If no cohesive
strategy is taken to adapt to and mitigate climate change, socio-economic and environmental
stability of the region is much at risk. We have to politically recognize that climate change will
affect ASEAN economically. For example, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam risk
suffering a loss equivalent to almost 7% of their annual GDP by 2100 if insufficient action is
taken.

The ASEAN, with its many vulnerabilities, should advocate limiting warming to 1.5 degrees
Celsius and bringing long term carbon dioxide concentration below 350 ppm. In addition,
ASEAN countries should capitalize on the strengths of respective members in order to create an
integrated, effective approach to tackle regional climate change, be it policy, sharing of best
practices or direct action in local communities. A rights-based approach to tackling climate
change issues should also be discussed about and integrated into decision-making.

With this said, much of ASEAN has an opportunity to avoid conventional modes of development
and transition into an environmentally friendly and sustainable region while effectively
adapting to the inevitable effects of climate change. This will allow the region to achieve
effective and sustained economic integration, ensuring equal opportunities to self-
determination and prosperity for all.

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 Key Concerns and Recommendations

ASEAN Economic Strategy

Given the integrated economies of the ASEAN and its aim to establish a free trade zone, climate
change policies must play a significant role in ensuring socially equitable and environmentally
sustainable economic prosperity for all.

One positive development would be for decisions made by the ASEAN Meeting for the
Environment (AMME) to be effectively amalgamated into the work of the ASEAN Economic
Community. This will allow climate change to be at the forefront of being a political priority year
after year, discussed closely in tandem with any discussion of economic growth and integration.

There should be systematic capacity building, and also emphasis on the interconnectedness and
impact of climate change on other sectors, such as biodiversity, agriculture and fisheries. We
need to mainstream climate change in all sectors of our economies, recognizing that it is an
issue central to our economic future and our livelihoods.

Sustainable energy provision must be a central strategy of any economic plans ASEAN with
energy demand projected to increase by 76% by 2030. We should have a vision of adopting an
ASEAN Renewable Energy Grid that will bring many co-benefits and provide for many economic
opportunities. We also call for governments to recall the Singapore Declaration on Climate
Change, Energy and the Environment which encourages an integrated approach towards R&D
and adaptation. Efficiency, energy security and reducing energy poverty can all result from this.

We call on all nations to develop effective Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs),
differentiating between those that are unilateral actions and those that are supported by
international finance and technology transfer.

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 Forest Conservation
Reducing deforestation and forest degradation is a cornerstone to any ASEAN strategy to tackle
climate change. At the outset, the ASEAN Transboundary Haze Agreement has to be effectively
implemented. Drivers of deforestation both on the supply and demand side must be addressed.
Proper forest governance is required to ensure that corruption which entrenches illegal logging
and forest clearance. Laws enacted must be effectively implemented on the ground at local and
sub-national levels.

Any REDD+ mechanism to be implemented must ensure that its ultimate purpose of conserving
intact, biodiverse, natural forests is maintained. We also emphasize that any programme must
safeguard and enhance the lives of local and indigenous communities and observe the principle
of free, prior and informed consent. Intact and degraded forests must also not be perversely
converted into monoculture plantations. REDD+ programmes must be supported on a fund-
based mechanism and not a market-based system where Annex 1 countries are allowed to offset
their emissions.

Education and public awareness

Governments can play a significant role to raise greater public awareness on climate change and
its effects. This would aid in increasing society's support for the successful implementation of
environmentally sustainable policies and practices. Government intervention alone cannot
successfully address climate change; the active participation of the households, schools,
universities, the private sector and individuals is equally essential.

Climate change education must be integrated into the formal curriculum in nationally
appropriate methods and targeted for different age groups. Financial support and educational
Young people must be empowered to act locally to reduce their own impact but also be able to
think globally and critically on such a complex issue. As such, the existing ASEAN Environment
Education Programme is acknowledged and serves as a good foundation for further climate
change education. Informal means of bringing up the issue of climate change is also essential.
The implementation of Article 6 of the UNFCCC Convention must be enabled in all our countries.

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We need to cultivate and empower a generation of capable leaders that will have different
capacities and different roles to play in the transition into the new green economy, providing
decent work, contributing to their communities and ensuring clean development for all.

Capacity building, regional cooperation and governance

Sufficient information on environmentally sustainable practices as well as their benefits for
both private firms and the environment should be made available and accessible. This would
clearly educate and incentivize citizens on why and how they can choose environmentally
sustainable options.

The undertaking of more extensive research to provide accurate information on climate change,
as well as mitigation and adaptation efforts, could also prove useful in policy making for all
countries within ASEAN. With this, a collective goal can be established in tackling climate
change and build even closer, deeper ties amongst countries and other stakeholders through
cooperation and collaboration.

Regional mechanisms and centres of excellence can be established on varying issues. Adaptation
and mitigation being of utmost priority, would take into account regional and local
circumstances. Information technology and communication can also be seen as an effective tool
in building online databases and become excellent platforms for sharing information and best
practices.

ASEAN as an organization must go beyond mutual pressure and joint declarations on the
commitment to tackle climate change. It must be seen as being more visible in dealing with
climate change in the eyes of the public. We applaud the Vientiane Plan of Action as a step in
recognizing significant areas wherein environmental cooperation can be enhanced. ASEAN can
and should actively participate and lead in international forums in particular in the lead up to
the United Nations Conference of Sustainable Development in 2012 (Rio+20).

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 Involvement of civil society
The involvement of non-governmental actors is key to effective action on climate change in
ASEAN. These stakeholders must be allowed to do their work without restriction, be it being a
watchdog on environmental policies and their implementation or empowering local
communities to adapt to climate change.

Because climate change is an issue of a shared historical and intergenerational responsibility,

the ASEAN youth is also key in resolving this issue. ASEAN member states must cultivate an
environment wherein young people can be empowered to act locally, nationally, regionally and
even internationally on all aspects of climate change.

We hope that the ASEAN+3 Youth Environment Forum can be strengthened and have a more
effective say in developing national and regional policies. In addition, NGOs and CSOs should be
allowed as stakeholders in the newly formed ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change.
Governments should also allow youth delegates to be part of official delegations to international
conferences such as at the UNFCCC.

We call for an enhanced platform for all stakeholders to be part of decision-making processes by
holding regular forums, conferences and consultations within and between countries to discuss
the whole range of issues that climate change encompasses. The involvement of academia is also
essential to provide much needed information provision and research required to deal
effectively with this complex issue.

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 Conclusion
We therefore call the ASEAN governments individually and collectively to ramp up its resolve
with a shared vision to contribute effectively to global efforts to tackle climate change at the
UNFCCC platform and beyond. ASEAN as a region can certainly be a model of success for others
in the international community.

For more information and possible future consultations, please contact:

Zhe Yu Lee (Singapore) international.affairs@eco-singapore.org

Linh Phuong Pham (Vietnam) linh.pham@gratiarecycling.com

Ahfi Wahyu Hidayat (Indonesia) ahfiwahyuhidayat@gmail.com

Desiree Llanos Dee (Philippines) desiree.llanosdee@yahoo.com

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http://www.eco-singapore.org

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