Global Youth Parliament : The Climate Policy Debate

The Government Bench (Pro-Adaptation)

Speakers:

Speakers: Justine Kukunda, Adil Karugaba Nuwamanya, Daniel Kamara, Shafik Baluku, Henrietta Chanel Nantongo,

The Government argued that adaptation is more inclusive, practical, and locally controllable for developing countries that lack the massive funding required for mitigation. They emphasized that waiting thousands of years for mitigation effects to materialize is a luxury the Global South does not have.

"Climate change effects are already present and urgent. We must protect lives and livelihoods now through practical solutions like climate-smart agriculture, flood-resistant infrastructure, and early warning systems."

— Justine Kukunda

The Opposition Bench (Pro-Mitigation)

🏆 WINNERS

Speakers: Muhammad Ssempa, Wahab Hussein Yamungu, Conrad Tumuramye, Mary Sharon Karungi,

The Opposition argued that adaptation alone creates a dangerous "treadmill" effect. They stressed that adaptation has biological and economic limits, and focusing on it allows developed nations to avoid their responsibility to cut the emissions that are causing the crisis in the first place.

The House concluded that global climate policy must prioritize mitigation and reversal efforts over adaptation strategies, declaring the Opposition Bench the winners of the debate.

"Mitigation is essential and cannot be abandoned in favor of adaptation alone. Relying only on adaptation creates a treadmill effect; we must address the root cause and hold heavy emitters accountable."

— Conrad Tumuramye