Platform2 returnee, Tara Jane Seton, came out of the Politics of Poverty session at the Houses of Parliament (on November 9) with as many questions as answers, but with an affirmative action plan for her generation…

On Tuesday November 9, I ventured down to Westminster to attend the Politics of Poverty debate at the Houses of Parliament. I was extremely nervous, I’m not an expert on International Development; in fact I’ve only been active within the issue for the past few months… However, I was also really excited to learn more about it, and of course hear the panel's answers to questions on climate change and the Millennium Development Goals.

The panel consisted of Dan Vockins, Campaign Manager for 10:10; Deborah Doane, Director of the World Development Movement; and Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith.

‘It’s people that lead revolutions, not necessarily pots of money’

My main motivation for attending the debate was to learn more, and that objective was most certainly achieved. Various pressing issues and questions were raised during the debate including:

Is further funding needed to combat climate change/help achieving the MDGs? If so, should the funding come from tax payers or from the corporate world, for example ‘financial transaction tax’?

Should we rephrase how we talk about climate change to the public? Inform people of how we can improve our planet, and what will happen if we do - as opposed to continuous reports on how we’ve ruined it. A more positive and empowering approach perhaps, publicising achievements so far and the impact an individual can have.

Should young people be engaged in topical issues such as climate change? Why is it important that young people do get involved? It was these questions in particular that really got my attention, mainly because I couldn’t believe that they were even being asked - surely the answer is most certainly an almighty, obvious, capital-lettered, bold-text YES?!

‘Surely it’s time for political parties, NGOs, and schools to start putting in the same effort when it comes to encouraging people to think about climate change…’

I think that it is absolutely imperative that young people are educated, involved and engaged in the issues of climate change and the Millennium Development Goals; quite simply it’s the next generation that will be affected most if climate change and poverty aren’t curbed. It’s people that lead revolutions, not necessarily pots of money. Many are pessimistic about the MDGs being reached or the devastating effects of climate change being stopped, but just think for a moment about issues that have been achieved in the past; women given the right to vote, gay marriages legalised in various nations - a lot of change for the better has been achieved in the past 100 years, and it’s important that the culture of ‘positive change’ is continued on into the future.

But whose responsibility is it to engage young people in the topical issues of present, namely climate change… the government, parents, schools, the children themselves perhaps? Well all of these in my opinion. In fact, there is already evidence of some engagement initiatives taking place - but not enough. Multi-national companies spend millions on creating products, brands and advertising campaigns that will attract the attention of young people.

‘… we are the last generation that will be able to solve these problems, and the first to have the technology and resources to actually do it!’

Young people are the most devoted when it comes to brand loyalty, which is why these companies try to inspire teenagers and children from as young as possible. Surely it’s time for political parties, NGOs, and schools to start putting in the same effort when it comes to encouraging people to think about climate change, an issue that to put it plainly - will make or break us.

But until that day, when these peer groups wake up and realise that they hold both the responsibility and resources to make the change through young people, let’s take the initiative and make the change ourselves.

Daniel Vockins made a particularly interesting point that we are the last generation that will be able to solve these problems, and the first to have the technology and resources to actually do it!

Make a start today by getting involved with Ctrl.Alt.Shift actions and campaigns, and by joining the World Development Movement’s local groups.

Words: Tara Jane Seton
Photos: Platform2

For more information on Platform2, please visit www.myplatform2.com

To read more opinions of the Politics to Poverty event, click here.