Why young people must be at the forefront of change
Written by Maryam Gohari - CAG Network Support Coordinator
Last week we co-facilitated the Youth Solidarity: Climate Action and Connections event, an evening for community groups and individuals wanting to promote intergenerational solidarity, highlight current youth-led activities, and get to know more about who's working on climate activities across the county. We had presentations from young people such as Sarika (11yrs) and Beatrice from Oxford University Conservation Society who talked about young people, climate change and nature connection, as well as presentations from organisations such as One Planet Abingdon, Climate Collective Cowley and Oxfordshire Youth on their brilliant work with young people in our community.
Young people from Abingdon and The Parasol Project and The Oxford University Conservation Society presented at the Youth Solidarity Event
I was particularly pleased to learn about and interact with many groups that are providing youth a voice and empowering them in relation to the climate emergency and actions in Oxfordshire County. I believe that these types of networking events bring like-minded people together, allowing us to achieve our objectives on a higher level. Thank you for organising it; well Done!! Santosh - Parent
Young people - a dividing force?
Young people have by far the most at stake when it comes to climate breakdown. We can see the effects of climate change directly affecting people with disasters such as the recent floods in Spain with a 2021 UNICEF report estimating that one billion children are at high risk as a result of these climate disasters.
We can also see how the effects of climate breakdown are having a detrimental effect on children and young people in the forms of 'climate anxiety'. This distress is understandable, as it is younger generations who will bear the consequences of the decisions made today.
Despite their stake in these issues, young people are often excluded from decision-making processes, and they’re rightfully frustrated by it. So no wonder that a recent study by Cambridge University (spanning 5 years) revealed that young people's trust in democratic politics is at its lowest point in history, with the sharpest decline in faith in democracy being in 18-34 year olds. This lack of faith in democracy and hope in reversing climate change has become a somewhat polarising situation.
A recent study by the University of Derby found that young people's connection to nature significantly declines after the age of 11 and doesn't fully recover until they reach 30, which has an impact on their behaviour towards climate change, such as shopping habits and recycling.
Sarika's presentation at the Youth Solidarity Event
"It was a new and lovely experience to attend and share my work on youth for climate action with fellow Oxfordshire youth members. It was also really motivating, and I had a great time that evening." Sarika - School student
Discussed at the event were some possible ways to engage young people to take more of an interest in their natural environment such as encouraging more facilitated time spent in nature, possibly as a way to combat anxiety as well as framing the topic with a sense of hope rather than doom.
One Planet Abingdon attendees gave examples of how they welcome young people of all backgrounds and interests to their hub to play games, watch films and participate in various activities such as upcycling clothes. They emphasised the importance of meeting young people where they are, not pushing them into a ‘green’ corner, but giving them the space to contribute in the ways they are able to.
It was important for One Planet Youth to be a part of this event - we are grateful to our young people who are engaging with the subject of the polycrisis - trying to influence and inspire others to action within their community and networks. We have a duty of care to these individuals who are prepared to stand up for humanity when so many others are looking away. Their voices must be heard. Michelle Charlesworth - One Planet Abingdon
Youth Sundays, work Experience and Junior Chess are some of the activities available to young people via One Planet Abingdon.
Creating more job opportunities in the sector could also be a potential way to encourage young people to take up an interest in climate change during school years. This topic was explored further with a presentation by Ed Macdonald on Green Jobs.
slide from the event on green careers
On the other hand, more than ever, young people are taking action and mobilising to tackle issues such as climate and social justice. The Arab Spring, the School Climate Strike led by Greta Thunberg, Black Lives Matter, Trans Kids Deserve Better, Women Life Freedom and Free Palestine demonstrate how young people globally lead today's most significant social movements.
Maryam from Cowley Climate Collective, a local youth led organisation, demonstrated how they connect with people in their community and raise awareness on issues around climate and social justice through film nights and community solidarity days where they host a free clothes swap, food bank, café and games.
Youth led movements are no new thing, but the bold and creative way in which young people communicate, mobilise and assemble today means their voices project louder and with more urgency, translating to movements growing more rapidly and reaching global scales exponentially.
Our panel focusing on the intersectionality of the climate and social justice movements touched on why this could be. With the rise of social media use, young people are now able to directly see the effects of capitalism and over consumption which has resulted in the climate crisis, on social media platforms and presented not just by news channels, charities or corporations, but in a very down to earth and relatable way by the very beings who are suffering the consequences of our actions.
The CAG Youth Solidarity Event was a reminder that young people are already at the forefront of climate justice therefore it is pivotal that youth voices are not only heard but are central to the decisions made on issues like climate action and social justice.
I came away from the event feeling very inspired by the amazing work that is being carried out around Oxford by people passionate to build community and a liveable future. Coming together and building solidarity is such a crucial part of climate activism and community work. Beatrice - Oxford University Conservation Society
Take Action Locally
All of the young people that attended the Youth Solidarity event are volunteering or attending events with local Community Action Groups. If you feel motivated to start taking action, finding a local group can be a great way to get started. Come along to an event (our network run over 8000 a year!) or reach out to find out how you can get involved in a way that works for you.
Thank you to all our speakers who gave their time and expertise for this event.
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