World Scouting gravely concerned by IPCC’s final warning on climate crisis
Statement on behalf of the World Organization of the Scout Movement
Earlier this week, the world’s leading scientists released a sobering report via the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report, a culmination of eight years of scientific study, states that the world is facing its final opportunity to limit global temperature rises to a point where damage becomes irreversible.
The findings of the report are a final wake-up call for individuals, governments, and organizations around the world to take immediate and decisive action to curb greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and preserve the planet for current and future generations.
While World Scouting is increasing efforts to advocate, educate and act to help put the planet on a path to sustainability, we call on all to urgently prioritise climate action and nature-based solutions before it’s too late.
Young people are the greatest advocates and actors for climate action worldwide despite all the hurdles they face. As a global youth movement, World Scouting sees the commitment of young people toward a better world every single day, from community improvement projects that reduce waste, reforest devastated areas, clean waterways, and much more. Scouting also sees young people responding to disasters from extreme weather at an increasingly alarming rate.
Youth representatives from World Scouting have been at the table advocating for climate action at the world’s largest annual climate change conferences, most recently at COP26 and COP27, where they joined their peers in representing the voices of 57 million Scouts worldwide. At the world level, challenges within the Earth Tribe give Scouts tangible opportunities to work with partners, learn and take action for the environment.
Climate action is not a fad, it is an urgent necessity. In light of this report, we call on everyone - from world leaders and CEOs through to community leaders to take action now for a healthier, fairer and more sustainable planet.
World Scouting is committed to supporting its members and all young people in their work toward a better, greener, and more sustainable world. We urge individuals, communities, and governments worldwide to prioritise climate action and take bold steps toward creating a sustainable future for the planet and the people on it. Scouts worldwide have taken a pledge to do their best to leave the world a better place than they found it, and addressing the climate crisis is crucial in fulfilling this promise.
