UNITED NATIONS NEW YEAR MESSAGE
António Guterres, the UN
Secretary-General, highligthed
Climate Change as "a clear and
present danger", but this was also
a message of hope addressed to
the world's youth. 2020 marks the
75th anniversary of the UN and the
beginning of a Decade of Action for
the Sustainable Development
Goals.
Figure 1. Unites Nations New Year Message.
The students watched the video and reflected about this message. They shared their
thoughts on the Forum, where there were great contributions. The students made a great
work and we briefly highlight some of their ideas.
1. Most students agree that "We enter 2020 with uncertainty and insecurity all around".
Berat, Irem B., Mehmet and Fatma higlighted the ongoing armed conflicts - wars. Ömer,
Emine, Lucia M., focused on the Australian fires. Zaida B. draws our attention to how
dangerous our planet might become because of climate change. On the other comments
there is a strong feeling that the students can make a difference and that with so many
crises, catastrophes and problems they don't know what to expect from this changing
world. They do know that it's time to do something about it.
Figure 2. Poll results - Forum.
2. "Climate change is not only a long-term problem but a clear and present danger."
The students reflected about this message and for them our future is in danger (most
students from Portugal), because "our planet became less livable" (Berat A.) and "the
situation is getting worse every day" (Irem B. and Marc M.).
PLANET A! | 13