Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Sustainability: Our Challenge. Our Future.

The United Nations General Assembly declared August 12 “International Youth Day” welcoming the mobilization of youth globally around a common issue and theme annually.

This International Youth Day 2009, as the world continues to feel the impact of the economic crisis, youth respond by looking for solutions under the theme “Sustainability: Our Challenge. Our Future”.

While everyone talks about the need for a more just and sustainable economy, youth in Canada are helping to define it. Through the Canadian Labour Congress’ participation in the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition we are creating a united front for young people across Canada on the climate change issue.

Emphasis is focused on “Our Green Dream” a youth-defined sustainable green jobs strategy. The project aims to establish an active network of young people to influence the direction and debate on green jobs in Canada, the transition of our economy and to realize the potential of a more just, green national community.

Climate change threatens ecosystems and our collective well-being. Climate change will hit developing countries, who have contributed the least to the problem, first and hardest. It will leave a planet that is less inhabitable for future generations. As the world’s youth convey the global catastrophes associated with climate change, they warn of the consequences of climate changes in their lives and the lives of their children.

The biggest challenge of this generation may also be the greatest opportunity for economic growth, and good job creation. Economic and job creation policies must address all the indicators of a good quality of life – the economy, jobs, equality and the environment. As global youth mobilize, we must ensure that everything possible is done to reduce global emissions to a science-based level. There is also a need to promote the ongoing growth of developing countries to secure a good quality of life for all at a global level in a less carbon intensive way.

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) with its 3.2 million members joins in partnership with the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition to help build a sustainable green economy that simultaneously creates new jobs while addressing environmental, economic and social inequalities.