The 10th National Congress on Climate Change Research held between October 19 and 23 was the ideal space for the participation of young leaders leading climate action. This event was organized by the National Polytechnic Institute in close collaboration with the POP Movement and the CUCEI (University Center for Exact Sciences and Engineering) of the University of Guadalajara. The session on October 22, titled “Youth leadership in the face of the challenges of climate change” featured the participation of members of the POP Movement and CUCEI who presented the projects that they were developing:

1. “Implementation of a biodegradable reinforcement technique, from low-density polyethylene and plant remains” by José Alvarado and Marisol Gutiérrez, CUCEI, University of Guadalajara
2. “Lessons that the Coronavirus left us: workshop course on urban gardens” by Nancy Jiménez Macías, CUCEI, University of Guadalajara
3. “Capture of atmospheric water for sustainable use” by Elena Brancaccio and Jocelyne Flores, University Center for Biological and Agricultural Sciences (CUCBA)
4. “Youth Leadership against Climate Change” by Gabriela Madrid, POP Venezuela
5. “Resilience 2020” by Iván Ransom, POP Mexico 

Following the presentations, the presenters answered the following questions:

1. What is the impact you hope to achieve as a result of the project?
2. What would you advise young people who have a project in mind to carry it out?

Each of the individual responses was significant and some of the ideas highlighted include self-confidence, discipline, perseverance, utilizing and finding opportunities, never doubting the ability and possibility of executing a project, gathering needed resources and funds, and always keeping in mind the central objective of the project and its role in environmental protection and sustainable development in the face of climate change. 

“I am filled with emotion when listening to them, they are undoubtedly a new generation very different from ours when we were young. Please do not give up, maintain perseverance and constancy, it is your world, defend it “

–       Jorge Marín, an attendee from Durango