ESU International Public Speaking Competition 2023 - Winner, Mongolia

Summary

In this thought-provoking speech, the speaker emphasizes how traditional practices and cultural wisdom offer solutions to combat climate change. By highlighting sustainable practices like tree-bridging in India and tidal energy pods in the UK, the speaker argues that these age-old solutions are already within reach. They stress the importance of civic engagement, empowering youth, supporting women in agriculture, and fostering community-driven change. The speaker challenges governments' delayed action and advocates for local action, urging people to embrace their roles in shaping a sustainable future for both their local environments and the planet.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mongolian herders face severe climate change impacts, such as heavy winters and dry summers, leading to the loss of livestock.
• 😀 Climate change is not just a future issue; it's already happening, causing significant disruptions in rural communities.
• 😀 The solutions to climate change already exist, often rooted in traditional knowledge and sustainable practices from the past.
• 😀 Examples of successful climate solutions include tree-bridges in India, fish ponds in Kolkata, and tidal energy pods in the UK.
• 😀 Governments and international organizations often fail to act on climate change, despite having the solutions available.
• 😀 Local communities, especially youth, women, and agricultural workers, have the power to implement change at a grassroots level.
• 😀 Civic engagement and education are key to empowering young people to take action in the fight against climate change.
• 😀 Empowering women in agriculture can significantly boost food production, reduce hunger, and improve climate resilience.
• 😀 Collective, community-driven action—such as peaceful protests and sharing stories—can drive meaningful change in local environments.
• 😀 Global climate solutions start with local actions; small changes in communities can have a ripple effect worldwide.
• 😀 The true power to combat climate change lies in blending modern innovation with traditional environmental wisdom.

Q & A

What is the significance of livestock in Mongolia, according to the speaker?

The speaker describes livestock—cows, camels, horses, goats, and sheep—as the 'crown jewels' of Mongolia. They symbolize the country's culture, history, and way of life. The speaker emphasizes how these animals represent both the resilience and vulnerability of Mongolian herders, particularly in the face of climate challenges.

What is the Zud, and how does it impact Mongolian herders?

The Zud is a severe winter phenomenon in Mongolia, characterized by extreme cold and lack of food for animals due to dry summers. The speaker explains that this climatic event can result in herders losing large portions of their livestock, sometimes up to 100 animals in a single night.

How does the speaker address the topic of climate change?

The speaker acknowledges the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, but shifts focus from merely discussing these issues to highlighting existing solutions. They argue that solutions to climate change have already been demonstrated in various cultures and regions, and what’s needed is the implementation of these solutions.

What examples of climate change solutions does the speaker provide?

The speaker offers several examples, including the living tree bridges in the mountainous regions of India, fish ponds in Kolkata that filter water and support agriculture, and tidal energy pods in the UK. These solutions demonstrate how humans have already used nature and innovation to address environmental challenges.

What is the speaker’s opinion on international climate change agreements like COP 27?

The speaker expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of international climate change conferences, such as COP 27. They criticize the lack of concrete action, especially from major polluters like the U.S., and question whether real change will result from these discussions. Instead, they emphasize that practical, community-based solutions already exist.

Why does the speaker believe governments are not solving the climate crisis effectively?

The speaker believes that governments have not taken adequate action on climate change and often fail to address the urgent need for implementing existing solutions. They argue that governments are slow to act, and while they might discuss climate reparations, tangible actions to address the crisis are lacking.

What role do individuals play in addressing climate change, according to the speaker?

The speaker urges individuals to recognize their power in influencing change. They stress that people are part of the government and can take action through local engagement, such as educating youth about environmental responsibility, supporting women in agriculture, and participating in community-driven climate initiatives.

What is the importance of civic learning and youth involvement in addressing climate change?

Civic learning is crucial because it empowers young people to understand their role in governance and environmental stewardship. The speaker believes that youth engagement can help create a generation that is informed, proactive, and ready to address climate change through their actions, not just political systems.

How does the speaker view the role of women in tackling climate change?

The speaker highlights the significant contribution women make in the agricultural sector, particularly in developing nations. They note that if women had access to the same resources as men, agricultural yields could increase by 30%, reducing world hunger by 17%. Supporting women in these roles is seen as a key solution to both climate and global food security challenges.

Should climate change efforts be focused locally or globally, according to the speaker?

The speaker advocates for a local approach, arguing that starting with small, community-level actions is more feasible and impactful. They believe that local initiatives, such as reducing waste or promoting sustainable practices in schools, can inspire wider global change by demonstrating practical solutions and creating a ripple effect.