Off to Denmark for UN conference

Jenny Chu

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North Shore residents Jenny Chu and Amanda Judd are part of a select group of young New Zealanders heading to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Denmark.

The two women are among 12 people from around the country who make up the New Zealand Youth Delegation to Copenhagen.

They say it’s the first time New Zealand has sent a youth delegation to a UN Climate Change Conference.

World leaders will gather for the Copenhagen event, which takes place from December 7 to 18, with the aim of coming to an agreement on what actions to take on climate change.

Auckland University student Miss Chu, 21, lives in Takapuna and went to Westlake Girls High School.

She works part-time as the university’s environmental officer, is a member of Nexus Student Sustainability Group and Engineers Without Borders New Zealand.

This year she attended the Universitas 21 Summer School on climate change at Queensland University in Brisbane.

She says it is important to involve youth at the Copenhagen conference.

"After all, in 15 or so years’ time we – and future generations – will be the ones left dealing with the problems created by climate change."

Miss Chu says it’s the responsibility of all nations to act on climate change, regardless of their economic situation.

"While that level of responsibility may differ, growth based on fossil fuels is inherently unsustainable.

"We need to commit to stabilising carbon emissions if we are going to build a more sustainable planet."

Miss Chu says she is very honoured to be part of the team selected to attend the conference.

"I’m keen to find out what youth delegations from other countries have been doing, and be able to bring back knowledge and experience gained in Copenhagen."

- © Fairfax NZ News