"Road Home" from Glasgow Youth Summit; Voices of Optimism and Agents of Change. Conference Proceedings for The 4th Global Virtual Conference of the Youth Environmental Alliance in Higher Education.

The present compilation contains abstracts of research projects presented at the 4th Global Virtual Conference of the Youth Environmental Alliance in Higher Education held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

We explore the impact of animal product consumption Colorado State University's (CSU) dining halls. Using the University’s dining hall order log, we quantified the impact of animal product consumption under “business as usual” conditions (pre-COVID-19). This data was used to survey student and dining hall staff opinions on introducing “Meatless Mondays” initiatives in university dining halls. Student surveys assessed opinions before and after being informed of the campus-wide impact of animal product consumption. Dining hall staff were interviewed to assess opinions on difficulty and resistance to implementing a Meatless Monday initiative. SDG Theme: SDG 15 – Life on Land Type: E-poster

The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries: Wolong, Mt. Siguniang, and Jiajin Mountains is the largest panda sanctuary in the world. This sanctuary helps conservation efforts not only for pandas, but for forestry and bamboo, and other land species as well. Because pandas are such a "cute" species, this helps to inspire people worldwide to become passionate about their conservation efforts. This park has a rich history, and is sandwiched between multiple big cities, making it a refuge for wildlife and people alike. SDG Theme: SDG 15 – Life on Land Type: E-poster

A timeline of chronological events connected to the Climate Action, Life Below Water, and Quality Education SDGs. We will connect how climate change caused reef decay to education and restoration efforts, after people realized what was happening and then making climate goals and ecological goals. SDG Theme: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 13 - Climate Action, SDG 15 - Life on Land Type: Short talk (e.g. PowerPoint, Google Slides)

Through the framework of SDG 16 we aim to present a model for the creation of strong institutions that may best endure the negative effects of climate change as well as be best suited to bring about positive change in regard to climate issues. The creation of these strong and fair states originates from an emphasis on fair and effective communication across all levels of citizenship and collective political equality to bring about the most desirable outcomes for every individual within the state. SDG Theme: SDG16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Type: E-poster

Due to the healthcare challenges that women may face, as well as their unique roles in society, climate change poses a risk to the ability of women to gain access to healthcare across the globe. Furthermore, climate change certainly exacerbates other factors that marginalize women. Access to healthcare and climate change are inextricably linked, especially when considering the mental and physical health of women. Drought, for example, hinders the ability of women to collect water, placing a burden on their families. In the face of ever-increasing healthcare challenges, solutions must address mitigation and adaptation efforts. These solutions must include research, policy, education, and economic efforts. SDG Theme: SDG 5 – Gender Equality Type: Short talk (e.g. PowerPoint, Google Slides)

Jeju volcanic island and lava tubes is a National Park on an island off the southern coast of South Korea. Formed through volcanic activity hundreds of thousands of years ago, the island is now a tourist destination with the park being the centerpiece but also boasting great beaches for surfing, 3 World Heritage sites, and many museums. Bringing in tourism is essential to this island with only 2 cities but also comes along with some difficult challenges such as increased pollution, energy needs, and public transportation on this island. Type: Short talk (e.g. PowerPoint, Google Slides)

Oceans play a key role in climate regulation, transportation and recreation. Rising temperatures and ocean acidification significantly affect life in both water and on land. Over 3 billion people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, with ocean industries making up 5% of the global GDP. Our goal is to focus on the relationship between marine science, technology and human interaction in order to address illegal fishing, marine pollution, international policies within developing nations. Through our presentation we will explore both positive and negative interactions between policy and science impacting our oceans. SDG Theme: SDG 14 – Life below water Type: Short talk (e.g. PowerPoint, Google Slides)

The coffee industry is one of the many contributors to greenhouse gases. As time passes, climate change will pressure the industry to implement intensive practices to make up for decreased yield, only worsening coffee’s contribution to climate change. Therefore, we must evaluate areas in the industry, with higher GHG emissions and determine how we can better practices. Producers and consumers have begun to utilize sustainable practices. Through quantification, reduction, and offset, coffee companies can claim their coffee as “carbon neutral.” Consumers can choose to support these companies. A movement towards the production and consumption of coffee that has net zero greenhouse gas emissions, will allow for responsible consumption and production, through climate change mitigation. SDG Theme: SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production Type: Short talk (e.g. PowerPoint, Google Slides)

Sustainable water management under climate change is ill-recognized given its importance, and it is unclear which policy instrument is optimal in promoting it. COP26 hosted the first Water Pavilion, and among presenters and attendees of Pavilion events, I interviewed a sample with water policy and management expertise. I collected data on the effectiveness and applicability of using bottom-up economic policies for sustainable water management. It seems this approach may be beneficial in certain contexts, but participants and event hosts emphasized that resilience in water is also key. Perhaps it’s time we move beyond sustainability and management towards resilience and stewardship. SDG Theme: SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation Type: Short talk (e.g. PowerPoint, Google Slides)

Speakers: Brandon Jones, Program Director, Geosciences and Education Divisions, US National Science Foundation Jeanne Beacham, President and CEO of Delphon Industries Terence Jeyaretnam, Partner at EY, Climate Change and Sustainability Services Australia We engaged in dialogue with industry and government leaders on the following questions: How can we pull on levers to create change? What are key innovative approaches for making real world change? What do the outcomes of COP26 mean for industry and government, and how can youth get involved?

COP26 has concluded. What happens now? Youth leaders who attended COP26 in person or virtually moderated open session. Summit participants were invited to share their ideas and questions on next steps following COP26. Engaged in open dialogue about the role of youth in determining a positive future.