Sheffield’s Cubs Ally With Worms to Solve Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change
by Ahmad Yazan Miri
Yazan, a Cubs leader in Sheffield and a Youth4Nature global ambassador, organised a memorable session about biodiversity loss and climate change. He wanted to teach the Cubs about the importance of protecting nature and preserving it for future generations. But he knew that he had to make the session fun and engaging for the Cubs, so he came up with an idea that involved time travel, a strange character, and worms.
Yazan started the session by telling the Cubs about the first-ever children and youth Pavilion happening at COP27 happening at the same time in Egypt, with many friends from Youth4Nature team and many other inspiring activists and policymakers visiting the pavilion. He explained that children and young people could have a voice in solving global issues and that they could make a difference in the world as children.
Suddenly, the room went dark, and a strange character appeared. It was Bojo, a time traveller from the year 2104. He wore a weird-looking laboratory coat and carried some jars of worms and bacteria and bags of what he described as the last bags of unpolluted fertile soil on earth. Bojo told the Cubs that he had brought the last items from the museum of humans before he headed to his time machine to survive the challenging life of the last open-air human settlement on earth.
Bojo divided the Cubs into groups, and each group started playing and discovering the worms, creating a habitat for them to thrive and reproduce using the soil, the worms and some other gardening tools. Yazan, with the other cub leaders, helped the Cubs sketch the worms, and they had fun drawing and expressing their emotions, feelings, and ideas on paper.
After the activity, Yazan explained the connection between the Cubs' promise and law and how they had a responsibility to act and create a role model for other children in their communities to follow. The Cubs learned that they could make a difference in the world, starting with their backyard, schools, and communities.
Overall, the session was a success. The Cubs had fun, learned about biodiversity and climate change, and realised that they could make a difference in the world. Yazan felt proud of his Cubs and hoped that they would continue to act as responsible citizens and protect nature for future generations.
About
Yazan is a passionate storyteller and activist hailing from Syria. Based in the UK, Yazan has volunteered with multiple organisations to fight for climate justice and support marginalised communities. Through his work with Youth4Nature, Yazan has been involved in developing inclusive financial systems and amplifying the voices of young people fighting against biodiversity loss and climate breakdown.
Yazan has also been involved with Safe Passage International, advocating for the introduction of climate migration justice and supporting safe routes for people fleeing persecution, climate change, and conflicts. He is also an active member of City of Sanctuary UK, which provides support, dignity, and welcome for people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
Additionally, Yazan has been using his storytelling skills to spread awareness and advocate for climate justice. He has volunteered with VAS-New Beginnings project, leading walking groups for people from forced migration backgrounds to the Peak District National Park, and participated in various conferences and events.
Through his various endeavours, Yazan has not only developed new skills but also made a significant impact on the climate and biodiversity movements. He continues to inspire others to take action and make a difference in the world.