Climate change is the biggest challenge we face today. In 2024, we experienced the hottest year on record, along with the highest carbon dioxide levels in two million years. This isn’t just a statistic; it means more extreme weather like floods, droughts, and heatwaves, especially impacting young people who will endure these challenges longer than older generations. Even those yet to be born will feel the fallout, raising questions about fairness across generations.
By 2025, children and young people make up about a third of Australia’s population. Sadly, their developing bodies and minds make them more vulnerable to climate disasters. Issues like crop failures and floods can leave lasting effects. A report from the United Nations warns that the average Australian child may face more than four heatwaves a year, affecting over two million kids who might live in areas with prolonged heat.
Interestingly, a report found that each year, more than a million Australian kids experience climate disasters or extreme weather. The most affected are those from remote or low-income backgrounds, with one in six children feeling the heat of climate change. This number is only on the rise.
The emotional toll is significant. Many young people report feeling anxious, frustrated, and fearful about climate change. Their worries are magnified by experiences like extreme weather and its health impacts. Experts say today’s youth face a psychological burden unlike any previous generation.
Come 2025, discussions around intergenerational inequality are heating up in policy circles. Policymakers, like former treasury secretary Ken Henry, label the current situation an “intergenerational tragedy.” They argue that inadequate climate action today means future generations will suffer more.
Despite this, climate change was hardly mentioned during the May 2025 federal election, and the government’s actions haven’t reflected urgency. For instance, the decision to extend the Woodside gas project will result in an additional 87 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, creating a heavy burden for future generations.
In response, Australia’s youth have become increasingly vocal. Many have taken to the streets, protesting for climate action since 2018. Organizations like the Australian Youth Climate Coalition have led movements in conjunction with supportive adults and groups. Some young people even engage in strategic climate litigation, holding the government accountable for its inaction.
In 2023, they collaborated with Senator David Pocock to propose legislation aimed at safeguarding future generations’ health and wellbeing when tackling climate policies. Despite overwhelming public support, politicians sidelined the bill, claiming existing environmental laws were sufficient—an argument many view as insufficient.
However, hope remains. Independent MP Sophie Scamps has introduced a new bill aimed at embedding the wellbeing of future generations into legislative processes. It’s based on successful models from places like Wales, which has had a similar law for a decade.
If adopted, this bill would create a framework for considering the long-term impacts of today’s decisions, ensuring that both current and future generations are protected. Yes, it might seem like trying to turn around the Titanic, but with immediate action, we can reduce the negative impacts of climate change on young people, protecting the future we all share.
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