At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, today, Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, urged world leaders to harness the collective power of youth, intellect, and financial resources to create a new civilisation—one that is sustainable and self-preserving.
His speech took place during the World Leaders Action Summit, a major event where more than 90 heads of state are sharing their views on the climate crisis.
In his speech, Prof. Yunus offered a fresh way of looking at the climate emergency.
He said, "This perspective will take us from fixing climate destruction to stopping further carnage. It is a big task and raises big questions. I seek your indulgence to share with you my longstanding dream of creating a new world of three zeroes."
He went on to explain the seriousness of the climate crisis, emphasizing that our current path is putting civilisation at risk. "Our civilisation is at grave risk as we continue to promote self-destructive values," he said.
He stressed that humans are the main cause of environmental damage, driven by a way of life that harms the planet.
He noted that our economic system encourages endless consumption, which only leads to more destruction.
"We have chosen a lifestyle which works against the environment. We justify this with an economic framework which is considered as natural as the planetary system. That economic framework thrives on limitless consumption. The more you consume, the more you grow. The more you grow, the more money you make. Maximisation of profit is treated as the force of gravity which lets everything in the system to play its role according to our desire," Yunus explained.
In response to this crisis, Prof. Yunus called for a cultural shift towards sustainability.
He proposed creating a new culture that focuses on reducing waste and consumption.
"It is based on zero waste. It will limit consumption to essential needs, leaving no residual waste. This lifestyle will also be based on zero carbon. No fossil fuel. Only renewables," he said.
He suggested an economy that does not prioritize personal profit but instead focuses on solving social and environmental problems through social businesses.
These businesses, Yunus pointed out, would aim to protect the environment and improve people`s lives, especially by providing access to affordable healthcare and education.
He also emphasized the importance of supporting young people to become entrepreneurs.
"Young people will get prepared through new education of entrepreneurship. Education of creating job seekers will be replaced by entrepreneurship-focused education," Yunus said.
According to Yunus, this new lifestyle won`t be forced upon people—it will be a choice, and he believes that young people will be excited to embrace it.
"Young people love that lifestyle as a choice. Each young person will grow up as a three-zero person — zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, through building social businesses only, and zero unemployment by turning themselves into entrepreneurs. Each person will grow up as a three-zero person, and remain a three-zero person all his/her life. That will create the new civilisation," he explained.
Prof. Yunus was confident that the change is possible, urging people to adopt this new way of life.
"All we need do is to accept a new lifestyle consistent with the safety of the planet and all who live on it. Today`s generation of youth will do the rest. They love their planet," he said.
He ended his speech with an inspiring call to action: "I hope you`ll join me in this dream. If we dream together, it will happen."
Prof. Yunus arrived in Baku on Monday to attend COP29, seen as a pivotal moment for global leaders to take stronger action on the climate crisis.
He is leading a small delegation and is expected to return home on November 14, according to an official from his office.
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