• THIS month millions of young people around the world have taken to the streets to protest the complete lack of action by governments globally in tackling climate change.

My generation will inherit a planet where water is scarce, food supplies are limited, and many places are rendered uninhabitable.

Millions of people – such as those suffering from now regular catastrophic flooding in Bangladesh – are already facing the devastating effects of climate-related poverty; and each year the suffering deepens. However it’s not too late to change.

Last year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report saying action taken over the next 12 years could limit global warming to just 1.5°C, preventing many of the irreversible changes that would happen with a higher temperature and saving hundreds of millions of lives around the world.

In Holborn & St Pancras Constituency Labour Party we’re proud of our council’s work so far, in particular their engagement with residents to produce a comprehensive clean air action plan, but we want them to go one step further.

That’s why we’re calling on Camden Council to host an urgent citizens’ assembly, with a focus on elevating the voices of young people and those most affected by climate change. This will provide a forum to develop the policies of the future.

In order to avert catastrophe we can’t just rely on the same voices and campaigns of the last generation. Young people need to take control of the agenda. Let’s start that process here in Camden.

MATT COOPER
Youth Officer
Holborn & St Pancras CLP