"[October Free Report] The International Climate Justice Camp Experience"by Jean Blaise Seka | 06-11-2023 15:06 |
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The International Climate Justice Camp 2023 Experience (Beirut, Lebanon) Build Community, Demand Justice Introduction: The Climate Justice Camp (CJC) 2023 was a transformative experience that brought 450+ young leaders from 100+ countries to inspire collective action for climate justice. As a participant in the clean energy track, I had the opportunity to learn from esteemed experts and engaged in hands-on-experience learning that expanded my understanding of energy democracy, energy communities and energy policies. My free report for this month will examining my experience at the CJC 2023 and key take aways. Learning from Experts During CJC 23, I had the privilege of learning from 2 expert leaders in the field of clean energy who shared their insight: Nico, a representative of 350 organization in France and Sandy, a Greenpeace representative from Greece. Nico enlightened my understanding on energy democracy and its contributions to economic and social empowerment of the local populations. Through interactive sessions, I had the privilege of sharing my experience on clean energy and discussing the challenges facing energy industry in Cameroon. Nico shed light on the energy potential of renewable energy sources. I was thrilled to learn that all other sources of energy on earth are powered by solar energy. Nico emphasized the need of decentralized energy in the economic, social and environmental empowerment of rural communities. Another expert leader, Sandy; a representative of Greenpeace Africa from Greece who belongs to an energy community comprising 150 members shared her experience with us and how energy communities can contribute towards the attainment of sustainable development goals. Coming from an energy community where she pays less than 15 Euros annually for her total energy consumption, Sandy understands the importance of decentralized energy in reducing energy exploitation. Sandy's experience and expertise motivated me to champion the establishment of energy communities in Cameroon. Networking & Peer-to-Peer Learning Sessions The facilitators in the clean energy track provided ample time for pee-to-peer working sessions. In small groups of 5 - 7, we engaged in hands-on-learning sessions where we applied our knowledge to bring up tangible solutions. My team comprising of 5 individuals from 3 different backgrounds designed and built a solar cooker from recycled materials like fossil paper, cartoons and tapes.  Our solar cooker was tested by placing directly on the sun with a small pot of rice which got ready before our session could come to an end. From our working experience, I saw the power of renewable energy on our everyday activities. It does not only mitigate climate change but can improve livelihoods locally and globally. My Key Take Aways from the Climate Justice Camp 23 Attending the CJC 23 and participating on the clean energy track left me with several key take aways which have graced my life since then. I) First, Energy Communities play a vital role in championing the transition to clean energy. The success story shared by Nico from Greenpeace Africa from her energy community of 150 members in Greece inspired me to initiate similar initiatives in my Cameroonian community. II) Secondly, Energy Democracy is a powerful political tool that can empower communities and drive sustainable development. By decentralize energy supply and empowering local youths on clean energy, we can create a more equitable society where youths are not economically empowered. III) Lastly, hands-on learning activities such as the construction of a solar cooker using recycled materials demonstrated the potential of renewable energy. These sessions proved the power of collaboration and innovation in creating a just and environmentally friendly future.  In the nutshell, my participation in the International Climate Justice Camp 2023 in Lebanon was an opportunity in a lifetime that led me to a roller-coaster journey of purpose discovery. My track on clean energy provided me with invaluable insights into energy communities, energy democracy, renewable energy potential and energy policy. My networking sessions guided by Sandy and Nico were truly impactful. I left the camp on Saturday September 02, 2023, with a rejuvenated sense of purpose to contribute to a more sustainable future in Cameroon and beyond. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Andoh Rex Ashu for the nomination and Greenpeace Africa for granting this incredible opportunity to represent them in the global stage. I am forever grateful!! |
