"We can’t address climate without looking at broader social injustices"
21-year-old Emma de Saram will be making an appearance at COP26 alongside the campaign group Green New Deal Rising
Last updated 4th Nov 2021
A student from the University of Exeter is calling on world leaders to listen to young people to tackle the climate emergency.
Emma de Saram has been taking part in high-profile summits held to coincide with the G20 and COP26 meetings.
The 21-year-old is attending the event in Glasgow with the campaign group Green New Deal Rising. She will also be taking part in a panel event organised by the group She Changes Climate, which calls for equal gender representation in climate policy.
She is also part of the delegation of students who will be showcasing University of Exeter climate change research via social media and networking at COP.
Just last week, Emma took part in the Global Progress Summit Session in Rome, travelling there by train.
Young climate leaders, representing Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States who took part in the event discussed the crucial role young people play in advocating for social and climate justice.
Emma answered questions from the panel on what she would do if installed as the next Prime Minster, and how to mobilise young people behind voting for progressive candidates.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Emma tells us that before anything, we have to tackle austerity, working conditions and the day to day realities of the majority:
"I think it's about bringing in economic redistribution and the broader policies need looking at. We've heard a lot recently about how much debt the countries in the Global South are still having to pay back, so it's not just looking at climate change but looking at economic redistribution.
"I think the other problem is who is having the debates and whose voices are being heard. I know at COP there are a lot of Indigenous activists, etc. there which is great, but I think it's the lack of urgency that us in the Global North have in general as well."
She adds: "Broadly, the impact of the climate crisis will disproportionately affect young people, we're the ones having the bear the brunt of it.
"The very nature of policy making and our current economic system means that politicians, policy makers, and big corporations don't look long-term.
"So because of the system and because of the way everything is centred around economic growth, that's not aligning with what young people are going to face.
"This is our future. We’ve all got to make sacrifices and I’m campaigning on behalf of others without same privileges. I see it as my duty as part of communities and help bring people together to fight for the same causes.
"COP will be an important international event and I hope to see important progress being made towards addressing climate injustices.
"I hope world leaders listen to the diversity of activists, people of colour, indigenous peoples, and young people attending COP.
"We are the future and we are picking up the pieces of years of austerity, extractivism and profit at the expense of people. We can’t address climate without looking at broader social injustices. We need to level the playing field."
Emma de Saram - University of Exeter
Emma started campaigning on social issues after starting hospitality jobs, during which she said she witnessed injustices in her local community.
Her actions have included Black Lives Matter solidarity protests, volunteering with local charities, organising litter picks and talks on climate change.
The third-year history student is also campaigns officer for Be the Change and Animal Welfare Society and is currently campaigning for more plant based catering on campus, as well as finding peace by helping at the university’s community garden.
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