Youth voices matter on the subjects of climate change mitigation and adaptation. The youth voice is important because it represents the future of our society.
Young people bring fresh perspectives, new ideas and a passion for change. The youth can offer fresh perspectives that previous generations may not have explored. Young people play a vital role in shaping the future of our world. The problems we face as the youth of today are often neglected. When the youth put forward ideas, these ideas are arguably perceived as not having a voice in climate action and decision-making on renewable energy.
The youth feel disconnected from the communities where they reside, and do not know how to get involved, as a result leaving them dejected. In certain communities, young people experience isolation and a sense of powerlessness due to the prevalent effects of climate change, particularly concerning fundamental human rights like health, safety, and access to necessities such as food, water, and sanitation.
The youth know that there is always a solution to every problem. As well-informed youth can address climate change and promote renewable energy (sustainability), preventive measures can be implemented. These include educating and engaging young people in decision-making processes, to ensure their voices are heard and providing them with increased opportunities to participate in climate change and renewable energy initiatives.
Young people can also look for programmes that provide educational resources on climate action and civic engagement like being involved in the climate clubs at school, and become climate change champs.
In the community of Walmer, the youth participate in an educational initiative by GreenCape and Masifunde Learner Development.
All the solutions are among us; however, this can be made possible by being united, learn from each other and take action on issues that matter to our peers. The end result for these will be that the youth feel more connected and empowered to take action on climate change and create positive change. This will lead to a more resilient, healthy and supported youth population that is better equipped to face the challenges of climate change, and climate solutions will be more effective and renewable energy can be more widely adopted.
This climate change initiative is co-funded by the European Union, implemented in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, presented by GreenCape and supported by skills development partner WESSA.
