Dry and sunny Tempe, Arizona where temperatures have been over 100 F for 113 consecutive days, delegates gathered to attend The Local Conference of Youth USA to build The National Youth Statement. This statement would be put together by over 100 delegates under 35, leading the Climate Movement in their respective states and cities.  Through this document, they bring their voices directly into negotiation spaces for COP29. 

The United Nations’ climate negotiation process seems nearly out of reach for the most affected by climate change, and we know that young marginalized voices are the ones we need the most. LCOY’s are climate conferences hosted around the world, organized by young leaders in 70+ countries. This diverse stage brought young Black, Indigenous, and working-class people from all over to discuss climate policy and agree to a set of demands of policy-makers.

I had the opportunity to represent ACE alongside Youth Advisory Board Member Cindy Le to learn about broader domestic climate justice work and litigation mechanics. From Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and California delegates, among which was a mental health physician and author focusing on climate anxiety; a high-school sophomore who spoke as a plaintiff for Genesis vs E.P.A. protecting his home, and a former Navy service member focusing on net-zero goals. Together we discussed broader policy, based on our personal experience.

With diversity, comes another critical aspect – diversity of thought. There were 3 focuses of the conference, Reducing Emissions, Adaptation, and Funding the Future, in which all groups managed to write 10x the outcome would need to be. In Funding the Future, Carbon Tax was on the table; we discussed how Polluters must pay for the pollution they produce, while not passing on these costs to the average working-class consumer. Bottom line, it’s possible to mitigate the net cost for consumers to transition into renewable while requiring polluters to pay up for their misdeeds.

This statement crafted by young people will go to represent our call to action and demands of leaders and lawmakers. The Paris Agreement recognizes the importance of youth involvement, but young voices must be heard broadly. We cannot be avoidable, and this statement brings together perspectives that may not otherwise be heard. And it was poignantly clear, the urgency of such a crisis – the heat soaring high, still representing most of our collective “coolest summer”. But like a cactus in the Arizona desert, this conference was full of climate resilience and hope.

 The document acts as a rallying cry, unifying the diverse voices of young climate leaders from across the United States. The National Youth Statement holds immense potential to impact future climate negotiations, particularly at COP29. We aim to influence policy discussions and ensure that our urgent realities of climate change are recognized at the highest levels. 

LCOY was an inspiring, passionate, and joyful space of peers with great insight. The conference underscored the key importance of young people in the climate movement, showcasing how our diverse backgrounds and perspectives drive meaningful change. I urge other young people to seize this moment—that local activism is critical to broadening our voices. The Climate crisis calls for a new generation of leaders, and through our voices, we can demand accountability and create a sustainable future.