ENVISIONING: A Female Student Leader’s Perspective on Climate Change

Words and Photos by Ma. Karen Capundan

Global problems need global action. In today’s world where patriarchy still prevails and the voice of the youth is continually being silenced, this is enough validation that we should be more engaged when it comes to climate change. Over the years, global political leaders have been trying to make ways to counteract the ramification of humankind's abuse of its environment. Different non-government and volunteer organizations with a common goal of saving the environment through volunteer work and other environmental-driven causes have also sprouted as time progresses, and these have created venues for student leaders and women to participate in discussions and actions to combat climate change.

Being a student leader at the University opened a lot of opportunities for me to allow myself to learn. The most recent, which I considered ‘the biggest thing’ that I joined is the ASEAN Young Climate Leaders Programme last January 17-20. Youth and young leaders across the ASEAN region were called to communicate and exchange ideas on environmental challenges in the region and to foster collaboration to help resolve the problems by participating in crash courses and project proposals at the end of the programme. Over a hundred thousand applied and luckily we were able to secure a spot and got to represent not only our University but also the country.

AYCLP did not only focus on the actions but also discussed other aspects that can be used in creating a project. To name a few, cross-boundary leadership that tackles competencies of communication across cultures, the ASEAN Strategic Plan on Environment (ASPEN) that prioritizes climate change, chemical and waste, coastal and marine environment, environmental education and sustainable consumption and production, environmentally sustainable cities, nature conservation, biodiversity, and water resources management. We were also given the time to interact and work out communication with our group for the project. I am currently working in the Coastal and Marine Environment group and we have proposed a project called 4CleanWaves which promotes marine biodiversity awareness through different social media channels such as Instagram, Telegram, and podcasts.

It is worthy to emphasize that climate change affects everyone from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or social status. As a woman, we must be involved in discussions on the environment. Women are also vital in decision-making and implementing policies as this promotes inclusivity and allows us to contribute practical solutions. Women are more affected by climate change, making the group vulnerable to gender disparities. This is because climate change results in poverty and with poverty, comes unequal opportunities for women such as in education and employment. If we keep ourselves silent and continue to snob the call for action of our Earth, climate change will not only affect Mother Nature but also widen the gap and boundaries between men and women.

Women empowerment also promotes turning their knowledge into action. This can be possible by creating a platform where they can be heard and recognized as part of policy-making. Student leaders are given a voice and can hear their constituents on matters that affect the majority. As student leaders, our power is not only limited to the political aspect but also extends to issues that may affect us outside the premises of the school. As we participate in the environment movement, we become more socially aware and empathetic of our future

Ma. Karen Capundan

FCUSR President (A.Y. 2022-2023) Delegate, ASEAN Young Climate Leaders Programme

generations. I believe that student leaders are smart enough to identify problems and come up with solutions, especially now that the youth is innovative and can easily adapt to changes.

Connectively, as a woman and student leader, the ASEAN Young Climate Leaders Programme allowed me to meet other youth that shares the same vision as mine; a future where everyone can still enjoy what the Creator gifted us. Throughout the programme, we were all given chances to speak. Our ideas were heard and we were also given ample time to express ourselves from different perspectives. The programme also made me realize that we have to look at things from different angles and this cannot be limited only to one approach. Specifically, it is not enough that we implement and develop but also we have to educate our target vicinity.

One thing that I contributed to our project is emphasizing education. I firmly stand on the notion that ‘knowledge is power.’ When one is educated, they are empowered. When one is empowered, they are motivated to influence by creating a ripple effect of education. With this, I am a woman and a student leader that will continually be involved in the discussion towards climate change actions and give out education in regards to environmental causes and for people to do the same. From here, we can expect progress in alleviating the aftermath of our negligence to our home, the planet Earth.

“I am a woman and a student leader that will continually be involved in the discussion towards climate change actions and give out education in regards to environmental cause and for people to do the same.”—Ma. Karen Capundan