COP28 Summit: Licypriya, the Young Climate Advocate from Manipur, Calls to End Fossil Fuels

Manipur's Licypriya, a 12-year-old climate activist, steals the spotlight at COP28, passionately urging leaders to phase out fossil fuels. Despite being detained, she advocates for a cleaner planet, emphasizing the youth's right to a sustainable future. COP28's critical draft hints at reducing fossil fuel production, sparking global discussions.

Image Source -www.indiatoday.in

In a momentous occurrence at the United Nations Climate Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai, 12-year-old activist Licypriya Kangujam, representing Manipur, seized the stage with a compelling message: "End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future." The teenager passionately urged global leaders to unite in phasing out coal, oil, and gas to address the escalating climate crisis.

Licypriya emphasized the imperative role governments play, declaring, "Your action today will decide our future tomorrow." Expressing the urgency of the matter, she asserted, "We are already the victims of climate change. I don't want my future generations to face the same consequences again." She criticized allocating funds to wars rather than combatting climate change and urged redirecting resources to end hunger and provide education.

Despite being detained for over 30 minutes post-protest, Licypriya, known for her heroic tales in CBSE English books, expressed frustration at the lack of acknowledgment for her cause at COP28. She highlighted the challenges faced during her demonstration, revealing that even her mother initially opposed her decision.

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Following her impassioned plea, COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi praised Licypriya's efforts, commending her enthusiasm. However, the joint statement released during the climate talks' final hours conspicuously omitted any reference to the "phase-out of fossil fuels." Instead, the draft hinted at the potential agreement on reducing the "production and consumption of fossil fuels," a landmark development in UN climate conferences.

Despite the absence of explicit language regarding fossil fuel phase-out, countries including the EU stressed that a comprehensive deal to "phase out all fossil fuels" would mark COP28's success. Licypriya's bold advocacy and the evolving discourse on fossil fuels at COP28 spotlight the growing urgency for global climate action.