Global climate leaders and youth advocates united at COP29’s China Pavilion this week for the 2024 ‘Climate x’ High-Level Event, hosted by the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC). This flagship gathering spotlighted the rising influence of young leaders in driving carbon-neutral innovation—proving Gen Z isn’t just the future, but the now of climate action.
Attendees included China’s climate envoy Liu Zhenmin, the UK’s Rachel Kyte, and UN youth advocate Felipe Paullier, who celebrated student-led initiatives advancing sustainability. Liu urged youth to “lead by example” in adopting low-carbon lifestyles, while Kyte praised GAUC’s cross-border collaboration: “When students worldwide unite, ideas turn into impact.”
Highlights included calls to link climate goals with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Former Canadian minister Catherine McKenna stressed urgency: “We need every stakeholder—governments, businesses, and you—to act like your house is on fire. Because it is.”
From solar startups to policy advocacy, the event underscored how youth are reshaping climate governance—one viral idea at a time. Ready to join the movement?
