Youth Climate Action Literacy Event 2024

BANDA ACEH, October 10, 2024 – Amid global concerns about climate change, Aceh’s young generation came together to participate in the Climate Action Literacy for Young People 2024 event to raise awareness and encourage real action on environmental issues. The event, organized by the Physics Department of FMIPA USK in collaboration with BMKG Aceh Climatology Station, occurred at the Multipurpose Auditorium of FMIPA USK on 8 and 9 October 2024.

Several important figures attended the opening ceremony, including Dr. Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan, BMKG Deputy for Climatology and SERCOM Vice President of the World Meteorological Organization. In her speech, Dr. Ardhasena emphasized that climate change is a challenge that cannot be ignored and that collaboration between the younger generation and scientific institutions is crucial to addressing this issue. “We need to educate the younger generation to become agents of change in their communities,” he said, urging participants to engage in actions that positively impact the environment actively.

The event was attended by more than 150 participants, including students from various study programs at Syiah Kuala University (USK) and environmental community members. USK’s Vice Rector for Planning, Partnerships and Business, Prof. Dr. Ir. Taufiq S., M.Eng., IPU, also appreciated this initiative. “The active participation of the younger generation in climate action is an important step towards a more sustainable future,” he said, adding that collaboration between educational institutions and the government is crucial to build awareness among the younger generation.

The event not only focused on seminars but also involved concrete actions. Participants were taught how to sort waste and store it at the USK Waste Bank. Ecobricking was one of the main activities that highlighted innovations in plastic waste management. This activity taught participants that plastic waste can be recycled into useful building materials, thus reducing the volume of waste in landfills. In addition, a digital poster design competition on climate action was held, encouraging participants’ creativity to raise awareness on environmental issues.

As part of the event, a cooperation agreement (PKS) and Implementation Agreement (IA) were signed with the Departments of Physics, Biology, and Chemistry, as well as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with STIK Pante Kulu. The signing demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to work together to address the increasingly pressing challenges of climate change. Through this collaboration, education and research programs supporting Aceh’s environmental action will continue to grow.

Participants also had the opportunity to interact directly with experts in the environmental field. A Q&A session was held after the seminar, allowing students to dig deeper into relevant environmental issues and solutions that can be implemented at the local level. These discussions created an interactive atmosphere where new and innovative ideas could emerge, increasing participant engagement.

As part of the event, the e-Tikbroh.yak app was also launched. This application aims to facilitate waste management through proper and integrated sorting, while providing environmental education to its users. With e-Tikbroh.yak, people can easily manage their waste and contribute to waste processing into environmentally friendly products. Through this application, users will receive information on how to sort waste properly and the location of waste collectors that can be contacted. This application can raise awareness about the importance of good waste management and support environmental conservation efforts.

The Climate Action Literacy for Youth 2024 event is not just an event, but a movement that emphasizes the importance of awareness and real action on climate change. By combining technology, education, and community participation, the event puts Aceh’s youth at the forefront of efforts to maintain environmental sustainability and drive positive change in their communities. Through active participation in activities like this, Aceh’s young generation can become pioneers in climate action and significantly contribute to environmental conservation efforts in the future.