Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) emphasized the importance of the young generation’s role in building a future that is resilient to climate change. This was conveyed by the Director of Applied Climate Services of BMKG, Marjuki, while serving as the keynote speaker at the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) at the Aryaduta Hotel, Jakarta, on Saturday (October 12).
The event was the culmination of the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) for Gender and Climate Action, initiated by Plan International with the support of The Rockefeller Foundation. More than a thousand participants from various Asian countries took part, both in person and online.
In his presentation titled “Empowering Youth for Climate-Resilient Futures,” Marjuki reminded that the global climate crisis is becoming increasingly evident, as seen from BMKG’s observation data and reports by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
According to him, 2024 was recorded as the hottest year in history, with a global temperature anomaly reaching 1.55°C above the pre-industrial average—for the first time surpassing the 1.5°C threshold.
“This condition poses a serious threat to water security, food security, and the sustainability of life on Earth,” said Marjuki.
At the national level, Indonesia also experienced a similar trend. The average temperature in 2024 reached 27.5°C, the highest in the history of observation. Sea levels rose by about 4.3 millimeters per year, while tropical glaciers in Puncak Jaya have shrunk by more than 30–50 percent compared to 2022.
“If this trend continues, the glacier could completely disappear by 2026,” he added.
Marjuki emphasized that the younger generation has a strategic role as the driving force of climate action. He cited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which states that the impacts of climate change will be felt most by young people.
“Youth are not only victims but also agents of change who possess creativity, energy, and adaptability to lead real action,” he stressed.
Concluding his speech, Marjuki invited participants to reflect on the message of the “Three C’s” — Change, Crisis, and Choice.
“Climate change is happening, the crisis is real, but we have the choice to act and protect the Earth’s future. This is our world, our time, and our choice,” he said enthusiastically.
Through this event, the young ambassadors of the Youth Leadership Academy showcased various climate action projects they are implementing in their respective communities. They also engaged in dialogue with policymakers, academics, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector to strengthen cross-generational collaboration.
This collaboration is expected to become a concrete step toward a world more resilient to the impacts of climate change, while reaffirming the role of young people as the front line in protecting the Earth for future generations. (*)
