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Early Wednesday evening, youth from around the world took the stage to speak a simple truth to the delegates at Bali. In a press conference convened in conjunction with UNICEF, youth spoke about the effects of climate change on their homes, the need for action, and the formation of a global youth movement.

More from the press conference below the fold.

by youth delegate David Solheim

"A two degrees rise in global temperatures is not acceptable. It is not a target. Two degrees risks falling off a cliff into global climate catastrophe," said Amanda McKenzie, of Australia. "As young people, we’d like a better insurance policy."

The press conference underscored the importance of involving young people in the process of addressing climate change. People under the age of 30 constitute 48% of the world’s population and will likely shoulder the burden of a changing climate should international talks lead to inaction by policymakers. To many young people around the world, these figures prove that youth deserve a seat at the negotiating table.

Over the past two weeks, hundreds of youth from over 20 nations and every region of the world have descended upon the United Nations Climate Change Conference to encourage their delegations to put aside domestic excuses and rally around a brighter future for their children.

Pre-conference rumblings of a global youth movement are being realized here in Bali, as young people are networking in the fashion of the 21st century. Text messages, wiki, and Google docs abound.

Wednesday's press conference left little doubt that international youth are collaborating to send a clear message, and that if they can cooperate so effectively, so too must national leaders.

Youth from the United States are here in Bali because we are worried about our future. Climate change is a threat to the safety, health, and livelihood of the world's citizens. Unlike our government, youth in the US recognize the moral obligation we all share to take strong action to ensure our future.

Back home, we are organizing on campuses and in communities. Our ranks are growing every year. I'm here representing SustainUS, a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers under the age of 26. We represent just a small portion of the movement in the states. We are getting involved at every level – from raising awareness and education to influencing local, state, and federal policy. Last month, 6,000 young people gathered for Powershift, the largest citizen conference on climate change ever. We are building our capacity and building (or repairing) bridges with the international community. Together, we are building a global movement.

As young people, we have a large stake here in Bali. We need strong, effective action and a clear path for international collaboration. We believe the US delegation here in Bali is out of touch with the concerns of the American public. We ask them to take seriously their responsibility to our country and their children.

Youth will inherit the outcomes of Bali. The world is watching, the youth are rising, and we invite you to join us.

Posted by Mark Leon Goldberg at 9:32 AM