I had the opportunity to interview Yannick Mutambo. He is a 29-year-old consultant in social innovation and the fight against change from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this interview, Yannick offers his experience as a climate activist and consultant.
Well-known for your climate advocacy, what kind of problems are you working to solve, and how are you doing it?
I am a youth involved in promoting climate justice and biodiversity conservation. Together with the youth in my community, we are organizing preliminary research with the objective of understanding the needs of individuals from marginalized groups affected by the consequences of climate change in order to guide the actions of policymakers as well as conduct advocacy on their behalf. I am currently considered a change agent in my community as well as internationally because of my commitment, and I have become one of the model people in terms of eco-citizenship.
Part 1: Impact on your life
What do you think about climate change and global warming?
Being a young person from a developing country, I am afraid for my future. I am more vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. This situation is my main motivation to be able to act locally by encouraging other young people and adults to become aware and commit themselves together in the fight against global warming. The more numerous we are, the more impact there will be.
Part 2: The Start
How did you get involved in this type of work? What inspired you to pursue this work?
My involvement goes back to early childhood through scouting and membership in several philanthropic organizations. Seeing the extent to which fire farming is taking place in my region and understanding the Greenhouse Effect phenomenon, I felt that we must act now to help reduce the pressure of these phenomena on the health of my community, as it is these individuals who are most exposed to the consequences of global warming.
How long have you been involved in this work?
From scouting to joining Lions Club International, Youth For Our Planet, Human Nature Projects, and many other movements, I can consider 9 years of focused involvement.
Part 3: Role
As a consultant and climate activist, what is your role?
My role is always to inspire individuals in my community and influence other youth to be able to take action now, as actions taken locally and collectively have more impact globally. I lead climate campaigns by organizing conferences in universities, community reforestation actions in schools, and publishing informative articles.
There are many challenges in the process of enacting climate action. I would love to know what has been your greatest obstacle. What have you learned?
The most difficult thing was to make the voices of youth involved in the fight against climate change wait for the decision makers in addition to the integration of these youth in different virtual networks. The thing we learned from this challenge is perseverance and commitment.
Is there anything, in particular, you are especially proud of?
I am proud of my current reputation in my community (Engaged Youth; Change Maker).
What key legislation or policies are significant or relevant in your activism?
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, African Youth Charter; LAW N°11/009 of July 09, 2011, on fundamental principles relating to environmental protection.
Part 4: The future
How do you think the youth can effectively act for change in the community?
The youth can effectively act for change by promoting co-creation in youth settings, which is a good experiment in promoting community emergence.
What do you hope to see in the future?
Within 2 years, I dream of equipping 12 community structures of 25 people per structure on climate resilience and engagement.
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to interview you!
Want to learn more about Yannick Mutambo’s work?
https://humannatureprojects.org/meetheteam/meet-the-team-yannick-mutambo
https://laprunellerdc.info/tag/yannick-mutambo/
https://www.amazon.fr/Briqueterie-Sud-KIVU-Impact-Climat-d%C3%A9forestation/dp/6202534338
https://mobile.facebook.com/ureportdrc/posts/258452132266092/?_rdc=1&_rdr
https://coalitionwild.org/amazon-fires/
