MNO Youth Attend International Climate Change Forums
Highlighting the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council’s (MNOYC) commitment to climate action and sustainability, Jordyn Playne and Evan Accettola served as MNO climate change ambassadors at two significant global forums: COP28 in Dubai and the 2023 Student Energy Summit (SES) in Abu Dhabi.
These conferences serve as international platforms for discussions addressing climate change, action and policy. Every year, United Nations member states assemble at COP to assess progress and action plans for climate change; while the SES brings together delegates and academics for the world’s largest student-led conference on energy.
As invited delegates, Jordyn and Evan provided a Métis youth perspective on climate action and sustainability, highlighting key programs and initiatives developed by the MNO.
“Jordyn and I were so excited to talk about the efforts the MNO is making to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” says Evan. “Specifically, we were super excited to talk about the water quality monitoring program, as well as the Bee Hotel program. Both of these programs allow us to protect critical resources essential to our ecosystem’s stability.”
The MNO water quality monitoring program involves dedicated Métis Guardians who monitor local water sites for contamination. The Bee Hotel program emphasizes the importance of creating habitats for bees and invites Métis families and communities to contribute to native bee conservation and counter the threat of extinction.
Another key topic of discussion centered around the MNO’s upcoming Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation strategy — a plan designed to elevate services and protect lands amidst the escalating impacts of climate change.
“All these developments show the Métis commitment to proactive environmental stewardship and help us serve MNO citizens better as the effects of climate change increase,” says Jordyn.
Jordyn and Evan emphasized the importance of bringing Métis-specific perspectives to international forums, stressing the need for diverse perspectives to understand the varied impacts of climate change.
“Within three days, I met people from over 40 countries—so many that I lost count,” Evan comments. “Engaging Métis youth is essential as we bring fresh ideas, and we will be the ones to face the long-term consequences of current climate policies. Many Métis youth are already facing climate change-related anxiety as a result of inaction, and we must include them in the conversation.”
Evan and Jordyn expressed hope that their conversations at these international forums helped others grasp the significance of Métis contributions to climate action. They aimed to raise awareness, not only about the Métis community, but also about the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge and incorporating Indigenous perspectives in global climate solutions.
The MNO extends its congratulations and appreciation to Jordyn and Evan for sharing their story with the community, and for raising awareness to Métis identity and policy at these note-worthy events.
Marsii!