180 youth environmentalists from region in Singapore for summit to work for greener world

Nathanael Phang Strait Times 28 Jun 18;

SINGAPORE - Youth environmentalists from the Asia-Pacific region are here to take part in a four-day campaign to learn how they can play a part to protect the natural environment.

The ninth edition of the Actions For Earth - Global Youth Summit, which happens twice a year, is being organised by Hemispheres Foundation, a local non-profit social enterprise run by professionals and volunteers which focuses on issues concerning health and the environment.

Singapore, which is marking 2018 as the Year of Climate Action, also hosted the first summit in 2014.

The campaign started on Thursday (June 28) at National Library Plaza with 180 youth environmentalists from 10 countries taking part.

"Climate change could mean higher or lower temperatures, more intense rainfall or rise in sea levels. These factors may threaten the quality of life and available infrastructure. Hence, we must all pledge to take action against climate change," said Ms Ann Phua, president and founder of Hemispheres Foundation.

Throughout the four days, the youth environmentalists will be discussing waste issues and engaging in community outreach to encourage members of the public to pledge to act against climate change.

Guest of honour Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources, said at the launch that with climate change intensifying over the recent years, global effort is needed to tackle the issue.

She added: "The Government is not able to address this issue alone. Everyone has a part to play in reducing our carbon footprint and leading a more environmentally conscious lifestyle."