A group of youth activists formed a “human tree” at the Qatar National Convention Centre to convey messages to COP18/CMP8 delegates.
The “tree” sprouted on Thursday when young people used their arms as branches to hang messages in the shape of leaves. The messages outlined their hopes and wishes for the delegates to read.
The event was organised by YOUTHinkgreen, an international youth movement which helps to organise local sustainable projects in 12 countries, including Namibia, India, Germany and Brazil, the conference website reported.
“We decided to create a tree, which is the symbol of our movement, to represent the fact that we are all connected and also that we need trees for fresh air,” Kora Rosler, the organisation’s project manager, said.
“We wanted to invite people to list their thoughts, demands and wishes regarding the conference. The group really enjoyed the chance to share their ideas.”
Twelve of YOUTHinkgreen’s climate ambassadors, who are mostly under the age of 18, attended the conference, along with four local ambassadors who are trying to set up a project at the German International School in Qatar.
Climate ambassador Louisa Peteis, 17, from Germany said: “We had many different demands and wishes. For example, many people asked politicians to act rather than just talk.”
YOUTHinkgreen works with schools to set up local green clubs which work in the field of sustainability. The organisation works with young people aged 15 to 17 and projects range from setting up a car pooling service in Germany and Namibia to creating a green carnival which focuses on recycling in India.