Conclusion
This chapter has explored the key traits of youth that make them agents of change, their history of climate action, including spotlights on inspiring youth activists, the barriers limiting engagement and involvement, and recommendations to better integrate youth voices and leadership in climate advocacy. Tokenism, eco-anxiety, lack of education, the disconnect between concern and action, and the generational divide were presented as important barriers that need to be addressed in order to involve youth more meaningfully. Integrating more wholistic climate change curricula, building mentorship and collaboration, supporting youth leadership in governance, and focusing on community-driven initiatives are all suggestions on how these barriers could be overcome.
Moreover, youth engagement is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable climate movement. By empowering young people from diverse backgrounds and communities, we can ensure that the solutions we develop are truly reflective of the needs and perspectives of all people, including those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Youth are driven, passionate, and inspired and they should occupy a larger presence within the discourse of climate change and ecosystem disruption preparedness. The generations preceding us have ultimately failed to protect our environment and the natural systems that we rely on. Consequently, future generations are embroiled in the consequences of decisions they were not part of. In order to move forward sustainably, youth need to not only be educated and inspired to take action but also be given opportunities to lead. The final chapter explores possibilities for the pathway forward. What that may look like is unknown but it is imperative that the leaders of tomorrow are actively engaged in these processes.
