Say Yes, Summer 2007: Children offer solutions for global warming

Members of Turkey’s child rights committees have made a series of recommendations to stop the planet from heating up.

Members of the provincial child rights committees, sponsored by ice–cream manufacturer Algida, have called for an end to global warming. The children went public with their 40–article declaration at a press conference on İstanbul’s Fener Pier on June 4 — the eve of World Environment Day.

People should not only think about themselves, but should bear future generations in mind in the way they act, the declaration begins. It should be possible to inform all the world about global warming and the dangers which await us, it continues, citing the risks of drought, falling life expectation, an increase in disease and a reduction in fresh air.

The declaration, which was read out by Göksu Oktay and Çağan Kaleli, goes on to make a series of practical recommendations for reducing global warming, ranging from prescheduled power cuts to the manufacture of vehicles which make use of solar energy. The children also call on people to use public transport, turn off taps and lights, use warm water instead of hot, and recycle waste.

Coordinated campaign

The child rights committees were first established seven years ago to publicise child rights and promote children’s participation in decision–making. Coordinated by the Social Services and Child Protection Agency (SHÇEK) and supported by UNICEF, they elect delegates to the annual Children’s Forum.

With the backing of Algida, 25 of the committees are currently taking part in a Rights of the Child Promotion Campaign managed entirely by children themselves. The declaration was drawn up in this context, following a series of regional coordination meetings.

Excellent model

UNICEF Turkey Representative Eddie McLoughney praised the children for their concern about the environment. He also thanked Algida for its valuable contribution both to children and to the work of UNICEF. Now two years old, the cooperation between Algida and UNICEF, Mr McLoughney said, constitutes an excellent model of social responsibility.

How fortunate we are that, in spite of everything, the summer has this year once again brought with it the scent of herbs on the ground, salt along the seashore and blossom in the air, commented Algida Marketing Manager Şükrü Dinçer.

If we are to continue to enjoy these pleaures and to be able to pass them on to our children, then we must pay attention to the warnings contained in the declaration which our children have drawn up.

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