Empowering Youth: Why Their Role in the Climate Crisis Is Crucial and Can’t Be Overlooked

Wildfires. Floods. Extreme weather. These are realities that many children face today. Unfortunately, when it comes to making climate policies, young voices—the future stewards of our planet—are too often overlooked.

The impact of climate change hits kids hard. As reported by UNICEF, around one billion children are at significant risk due to climate-related issues. This staggering number indicates that nearly half of all children worldwide face dire consequences from our changing environment.

It’s no wonder that many young people are feeling the weight of this crisis. A 2021 study published in The Lancet found that over half of youth globally are extremely worried about climate change. Almost half of them feel it disrupts their daily lives. This phenomenon, known as climate anxiety, is rising rapidly. Many are also experiencing "climate grief," mourning lost biodiversity and ecosystems.

Young people today grapple with harsh realities that older generations may not fully understand. They face the possibility of cities disappearing due to rising seas and species going extinct within their lifetimes. This leads to an undeniable sense of fear and uncertainty. For some, these feelings can lead to despair and a belief that it’s too late to reverse the damage.

However, this despair can be counterproductive. If young people give up hope, they might step back from the fight against climate change. But there is a solution: storytelling. By sharing their experiences and views on climate change, youth can foster resilience and inspire action among their peers.

One exciting initiative is Picturing My Climate Future. This project equips high school students to capture their climate journeys through photography. They share their feelings and observations about how climate change affects their lives. Their personal stories transform abstract statistics into relatable realities, allowing them a chance to voice their concerns and dreams for the future.

We have seen how youth voices can drive real change. Take Greta Thunberg, for instance. At only 15, she started the Fridays for Future movement, which sparked massive climate protests around the world. In September 2019, approximately 7.6 million people participated in climate strikes inspired by her activism, marking it as one of the largest environmental demonstrations ever.

Youth should not merely be passive observers in this crisis; they have the potential to lead solutions. To harness this potential, we need to include their voices in policy-making. Their perspectives are vital since they experience firsthand the educational disruptions of extreme weather and the long-term mental health effects of climate anxiety.

Policymakers, community leaders, and organizations must actively seek out young voices in climate strategies. School programs should encourage creative ways to engage youth, such as photography workshops or climate art exhibits. These initiatives can empower young people and give them platforms to express their thoughts and emotions.

Governments also need to listen. It’s time to establish youth advisory councils that can meaningfully influence climate policy. Young people should be involved in discussions that shape their future, rather than just protesting outside.

Foundations and grantmakers, too, play a crucial role. While many fund high-level research and policy initiatives, it’s equally important to support youth-led projects. Investing in young creators and grassroots movements can elevate their impact and change the narrative around climate.

The stakes are high. If we continue sidelining youth perspectives, we risk developing ineffective solutions for a problem they will have to live with. It’s time to recognize that today’s youth have valuable insights that can drive us toward a more sustainable future.

By uniting our efforts and dismantling barriers, we can empower the next generation. Together, we can expedite their rise to leadership roles in climate advocacy and create meaningful change for the planet.

Zain Jaffer is an entrepreneur and philanthropist focused on initiatives that create a lasting impact. As the CEO of Zain Ventures, he invests in mission-driven projects and supports underrepresented voices in global challenges, including climate action.

Source link