VOX POP

Mariselle Stofberg
At the recent Model United Nations conference in the capital city, My Zone asked the young delegates what they thought was the biggest culprit in global warming.

Moses Filippus, Egypt

I think the biggest culprit is the private sector. Countries have an obligation to people; private companies do not have that obligation. They work independently which means they can monopolise resources.

Kaino Muunda, Namibia

Humans. Man is not a means to an end. If we’re not careful, humans will be the end of humanity. Businesses, houses and power come from the earth and we are slowly killing it.

Wafeeq Narimab, Saudi Arabia

I think the biggest problem is the lack of accountability. Climate change was caused by developed countries. Now that it’s a problem, responsibility is placed on less developed countries who do not have resources. The US and China don’t take accountability because they benefit.

Prince David, Kingdom of Denmark

I think the biggest problem is the economy. Every country wants a sustainable economy and we must increase our gross domestic product for a sustainable economy. The main way of increasing profits is by fossil fuel-emitting activities – fossil fuel is the cheaper option, thus reducing costs and increasing sales. This puts big pressure on other countries, but we are at the point where we have to choose our country or the globe.

Yanessa Oliveira, Brazil

I think the big problem is private companies and industries. Governments consider people and the environment in their decisions; private companies want to make profits.

Davan Pokolo, Marshall Islands

I think transnational and multinational corporations are the problem. They’re not paying for pollution. They sometimes make consumers think that they’re acting when they aren’t really. This tricks the human race into buying polluting product