YES2025

ABOUT YES

The Youth Environmental Summit aims to encourage youths to take ownership of the natural environment by introducing them to hot-button environmental issues. Participants can expect to learn about global environmental issues such as urban development, environment conservation and explore the idea of ‘sustainability’ on a deeper level.

Some of the activities include inspirational seminars by experts, workshops as well as educational site visits to various places in Singapore.

Most importantly, participants will be more conscious about how their lifestyle affects the environment by the end of the Summit, thereby equipping them with the conviction to truly be Changemakers.

Diversed community

Learn from a diverse community, challenging your assumptions and encouraging innovation

Inspired by Impact

Get inspired by successful individuals and their stories of impact.

Showcase & Shine

Showcase your work, gain recognition, and attract support.

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION

Climate Change & Responding to the Climate Crisis

In this era of unprecedented environmental shifts, understanding climate change and its multifaceted impacts is crucial for informed action.

This topic delves into the fundamental science of climate change, exploring the causes, key indicators, and far-reaching consequences affecting our planet. Participants will examine the evidence for a warming world, the role of greenhouse gas emissions, and the resulting impacts such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems. Understanding the urgency and scale of the challenge is the first step towards developing effective solutions and fostering a sustainable future.

The last eight years (2015-2022) were the hottest on record globally.

The global average sea level has risen about 8-9 inches (21-24 centimeters) since 1880.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

About 3.3 to 3.6 billion people live in contexts that are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Food for thought

What are the most visible impacts of climate change you've observed in your local community?
How does climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable populations?
What are some individual and collective actions that can mitigate climate change?

Deforestation

The clearing of forests at an alarming rate poses a significant threat to biodiversity, climate stability, and human livelihoods. It's time to understand its drivers and consequences.

This topic explores the complex issue of deforestation, examining its various causes, including agricultural expansion, logging, mining, and infrastructure development. Participants will analyze the devastating impacts of forest loss on ecosystems, such as habitat destruction, soil erosion, and the disruption of water cycles. Furthermore, the critical role of forests in carbon sequestration and their importance in regulating the global climate will be discussed. Understanding the interconnectedness of forests and the environment is essential for advocating for forest conservation and sustainable land management practices.

Between 1990 and 2020, the world lost 178 million hectares of forest, an area roughly the size of Libya.

Agriculture is the leading driver of deforestation globally, accounting for around 80% of forest loss.

Deforestation fuels climate change by releasing carbon and reducing Earth’s ability to absorb it.

Deforestation leads to habitat loss and species extinction.

Food for thought

What are the main drivers of deforestation in your region or country?
How does deforestation impact local communities and indigenous populations?
What sustainable alternatives to deforestation can be promoted and implemented?
What role can consumers play in reducing the demand for products that contribute to deforestation?

Reduce and Reuse - Beyond Recycling

In a world grappling with overconsumption and waste accumulation, adopting the principles of reduce and reuse is paramount for environmental sustainability.

This topic focuses on the critical steps within the waste hierarchy: reducing the amount of waste generated in the first place and finding ways to reuse items instead of discarding them. Participants will explore practical strategies for minimizing consumption, making conscious purchasing decisions, and extending the lifespan of products. Creative and innovative approaches to reuse, repurposing, and repairing items will be discussed as key solutions to lessen our environmental footprint, conserve resources, and move towards a more circular economy.

In 2018, the world generated 2.01 billion tonnes of solid waste, equivalent to a footprint of 0.7 kg per person per day. With current trends, global waste generation is projected to increase by 70% by 2050.

A significant portion of household waste consists of items that could be reused or repurposed, such as containers, clothing, and furniture.

Reducing consumption and reusing items can significantly decrease the demand for new resources and the energy required for manufacturing, thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Many communities and businesses are developing innovative reuse programs, such as refill stations, second-hand markets, and product-sharing initiatives, demonstrating the potential for widespread adoption.

Food for thought

What are some simple changes you can make in your daily life to reduce your waste generation?
What creative ways can everyday items be reused or repurposed instead of being thrown away?

Nature's Pharmacy - Medicinal Value of Flowers and Plants

For centuries, diverse cultures have recognized and utilized the therapeutic properties of flowers and plants. Exploring this traditional knowledge offers valuable insights for modern health and well-being.

This topic delves into the fascinating world of ethnobotany, focusing on the medicinal applications of various flowers and plants. Participants will explore examples of plants traditionally used for healing, discuss the bioactive compounds they contain, and examine the scientific basis for their therapeutic effects. The importance of preserving traditional knowledge and biodiversity for future drug discovery and sustainable use of plant-based medicines will also be highlighted. Responsible sourcing and the potential for integrating traditional and modern medicine will be considered.

Approximately 80% of the population in developing countries relies on traditional plant-based medicine for their primary healthcare needs.

Many modern pharmaceutical drugs have their origins in plant-derived compounds. For example, aspirin was originally derived from salicylic acid found in willow bark.

Research continues to uncover the medicinal properties of various flowers and plants, with potential applications in treating a wide range of ailments.

The Convention on Biological Diversity emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional knowledge related to the medicinal uses of plants and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization.

Food for thought

What are some flowers or plants traditionally used for medicinal purposes in your local culture or community?
What are the potential benefits and risks of using plant-based remedies?
How can traditional knowledge about medicinal plants be preserved and integrated with modern scientific research?