MIRPUR (AJK): Seasoned environmental experts have stressed the urgency of building adaptive capacities among young leaders to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJ&K).
The region is highly susceptible to extreme weather events, glacial melting, and environmental degradation. The experts were addressing a capacity-building workshop, exclusively for youth.
AJK-based Kashmiri NGO/ thinktank – The Centre for Peace, Development, and Reforms (CPDR), hosted the Youth Climate Resilience Workshop, bringing together young climate advocates, researchers, and policy makers, hailing from across Azad Jammu Kashmir. The initiative aimed at developing youth-led solutions for tackling climate challenges in AJK.
The event emphasized the crucial role of youth engagement in climate adaptation and mitigation, fostering innovative approaches to enhance AJK’s climate resilience.
The workshop featured expert-led sessions and interactive discussions, allowing participants to explore and discuss solutions to address climate vulnerabilities in their communities.
Climate change solutions
The participants discussed global climate challenges and the role of youth in shaping climate resilience policies. They urged young leaders to take an active role in addressing environmental challenges.
They highlighted the need for youth participation in nature-based solutions, disaster preparedness, and ecosystem restoration initiatives.
Participants were encouraged to share their ideas and innovative climate solutions.
The workshop also resulted in several key commitments. Experts and participants called for greater youth representation in environmental decision-making processes at both governmental and non-governmental levels.
Additionally, the participants underscored the importance of community-based action, highlighting how youth-led grassroots movements can play a vital role in enhancing climate resilience, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
The event underlined the need for a collaborative, youth-centred approach to climate resilience in AJK, with participants leaving motivated to take concrete steps toward a sustainable future.
The participants said youth are at the forefront of the climate crisis, adding their active participation is key to driving sustainable solutions.
The workshop also featured valuable contributions from climate advocates, researchers, journalists, and student leaders. Speakers termed the initiative another milestone in climate action efforts.
