The impacts of climate change have gradually intensified around the world with countries experiencing more severe weather conditions, and sea levels rising at an increasing rate. Without urgent action, these are only foreseen to worsen and among those who will bear the most burden is the next generation.
Recognizing this, the youth is taking a stand towards mitigating climate change in various ways such as supporting environmental causes, reducing their carbon footprint, and using their voices in raising awareness on the current climate situation. The United Nations even described them as “agents of change, entrepreneurs and innovators” when it comes to climate action.
As a way to provide the Filipino youth a platform to develop new and workable solutions that can help address pressing climate concerns, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Nestlé Philippines launched “Klimathon: Our Race Towards a Net-Zero Reality” last October 2021. Students and young innovators were asked to send in their project concepts focusing on any of these three pillars: plastic waste management, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and food security.
After receiving entries from participants nationwide, CCC and Nestlé have selected 10 teams that will advance to the final stage of the Klimathon and undergo a mentoring program led by experts in the fields of sustainability, agriculture, energy and technology. The finalists presented their project concepts during the virtual Klimathon Finalist Showcase.