American University Law Student Takes Climate Advocacy to Global Stages
Manuj Bhardwaj Speaks at High-Level Climate Events on the Key Role of Young People in Combatting Climate Change
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This spring, an American University Washington College of Law student was invited to speak at three conferences related to climate issues.
Manuj Bhardwaj, a 3L SJD student focusing on International Climate and Trade Law, spoke at the World Bank Group – International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings, while attending these meetings, he was invited to speak at high-level climate events organized by Brookings Institute, Bloomberg Philanthropies and COP28 UAE Presidency on the topics like Carbon Markets, Climate Smart Education and Climate Finance. Bhardwaj was one of the youngest speakers at these events and talked about the key role young people play in discussing the climate situation.
"I believe youth is the center of everything that matters. Everything that you pick, youth voice matters," Bhardwaj said. He explained that young people often see the biggest impact of climate change and must be the biggest advocates for legislation that pushes countries to care about our impact on the planet.
He hopes his participation in events like these will get more students interested in combatting climate change by showing them their voices matter and they will be listened to.
"Sometimes policymakers are not aware of the on-the-ground issues and problems," Bhardwaj said. "The young people can tell exactly what is happening and how it affects their food, their health, and education. Young voices have a big role to play and that is why they matter."
Bhardwaj has been an advocate for climate issues for a decade. He was inspired by the 2015 Paris Climate Accords and the impact that a legally binding treaty could have on the world. Since he became interested in climate work, Bhardwaj has worked as a Founding Advisor for the Nurture Nature Global NGO, focusing on creating awareness for climate action.
When he graduates, Bhardwaj wants to work with a multilateral organization. He says legal professionals have a "big part to play in combatting climate change" by creating treaties like the Paris Climate Accords, but also holding companies and countries accountable for their climate actions. "Especially as lawyers, we can do a lot through climate change litigation and various advisory services," he said.
Bhardwaj encourages students who want to work in Climate Law to speak with faculty in the Environmental and Energy Law program and find groups that meet their desires.
"The internet has a plethora of opportunities. You can associate yourself with a student-led organization. You meet like-minded people and that’s how you find opportunities in the climate space," he said.
Bhardwaj will also be speaking about climate issues at the Conference of the Parties [COP 28] of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change this fall in Dubai.
~Story by Brice Helms.