5 Reasons for Youth Leadership in Climate Justice

1. Collective action: empowering community resilience through collaboration. 

Young people today are facing the reality of growing up in a world that is dealing with the consequences of climate change. When we work together and support each other, we are more energized and reinvigorated to act. Imagine how powerful we are as an entire generation! Working with other youth always motivates me to continue striving for change.

2. Inclusion: ensuring that all voices are heard in the climate conversation. 

Youth should not be overlooked in the decision-making processes on climate change issues that will impact our future. We deserve a seat at the table. Climate justice means all voices contribute to the conversation, and that includes youth. 

3. The future that we envision: building a sustainable world that connects young people to nature. 

I am honored to say that I have had the opportunity to meet and work with incredible young people who have such a beautiful vision for a sustainable world. We are excited about the possibilities, and they are not out of reach. Our creativity and our energy can bring about the change that we wish to see. This vision of sustainability and climate justice brings us back to nature, and encourages innovation to generate solutions.

4. Leaders of today and tomorrow: practicing action for the current and future leaders, teachers, and environmental advocates who are shaping, and will continue to shape, climate and environmental justice.

The reality is that young people are not only leaders in today’s world but also in the world of tomorrow. By collaborating and leading on climate justice issues sooner rather than later, we can more effectively drive critical change when we are already equipped with practical tools in our action toolbox.

5. Action as a remedy for crisis fatigue: taking steps to strengthen our relationship with the natural world heals us, and the planet, when climate change becomes overwhelming. 

Battling a crisis everyday is hard, to say the least. But action can be the remedy for climate anxiety and the very real emotions that come with living on a warming planet. Collectively, we can support each other, and also take time to recharge when we know that other people have our backs. Change takes time.

Young people are capable and brilliant, and we are already shaping the world as we envision it; one that embraces a connection between people and nature, and one that prioritizes healthy people and a happy planet most of all.