Empowering the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
Climate issues worry the youth as they worsen with each passing day. A report states that 70% of youth aged between 16 and 25 are worried about the climate. Ten countries were surveyed for this; regrettably, the USA has about 46% of youth worried about the pressing issue.
We know the future of youths depends on their current actions. It is crucial to educate them on climate change, environmental issues, and sustainable practices. Our current initiatives can create the next generation of environmental leaders. Follow our guidelines to build a generation of environmental leaders.
Fostering Environmental Consciousness in Youth
When the media has been building entertaining and engaging content for youth, it can be used to spread awareness. Shows like 'The Reversing Climate Change Podcast with Nori' and 'Chasing Coral' prove that. These are motivating content engaging youth in environmental matters.
We can create opportunities and offer resources to youth to increase their involvement in climate issues. Recycling or upcycling initiatives, community gardening, compost programs, and sustainable farmer's markets are a few initiatives schools and communities can take.
Education for Sustainable Development: Shaping Future Leaders
UNESCO presents its 2030 education program – Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), to build a sustainable future for the new generations. It can be a crucial drive for personal and societal transformation.
They focus on teaching the key sustainable development issues such as disaster risk reduction, climate change, biodiversity, poverty reduction, and sustainable consumption.
Inspiring the Next Generation: Role Models and Success Stories
Role models can influence the younger generation as they have a huge fan following and leadership opportunities. Many celebrities establish charities and foundations and host events that build environmental awareness. We can mention Leonardo DiCaprio, raising awareness by doing films like "The 11th Hour". There's also Jane Fonda, known for her climate movement "Fire Drill Fridays."
We can also inspire the youth by promoting real-life stories of young environmental leaders. Reports of high school students who discovered greener ways to transform their community from a food desert could be inspiring for youngsters.
Engaging Youth in Environmental Advocacy and Action
Communities, schools, and organizations should encourage climate action. Organizations like Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform, Hawai'i Youth Climate Coalition, and Australian Youth can provide youths necessary resources for advocacy. Specialized groups can
conduct training, run awareness campaigns, hand trophies, awards in ceremonies, organize climate strikes, and arrange funds to support youth's climate action.
Empowering Young Innovators: Green Technologies and Solutions
Support for young innovators can bring forth many green technologies and solutions, just as Chemonics partnered with UNLEASH to produce innovative solutions from diverse backgrounds and voices.
Organizations can invest in early ventures like EzyAgric to benefit farmers and communities. With the necessary support, youth-led ideas can build green technologies and solutions to improve the world.
Youth-led Environmental Organizations: Driving Change from Within
Youth-led organizations are necessary as their focus will be on creating innovative projects and awareness campaigns. But this comes with challenges. Youths need funding support to maintain their life and bring food to their table.
They need education to grant applications and grant opportunities to cover operations costs. FES and Youth Climate Lab (YCL) support youth-led environmental projects to secure resources, funding, and partnerships.
Mentorship Programs: Guiding and Nurturing Environmental Leaders
In nurturing environmental leaders, we need to leverage early training and mentorship. Our youth need mentors who can guide and support them to facilitate their leadership qualities. A mentor should offer knowledge and aid on environmental issues, planning, and fostering skills like self-confidence, self-efficacy, and communication.
Integrating Environmental Education in School Curricula
Environmental education can be included in science, social studies, and language arts. We can consider offering this education separately as a standalone subject.
Arranging experiential learning activities can also help students learn about the environment, such as field trips, outdoor education, and environment-focused community service projects. Schools can also adopt recycling programs, energy conservation measures, and green spaces on campus and other sustainable parties to promote environmental awareness among students.
Encouraging Youth Participation in Environmental Policy-making
Youth's expertise, ideals, and unique perspectives can address various environmental challenges and improve policy-making. However, some countries lack a plan for the involvement of youths in policy-making. Our politicians and policy-makers should address these challenges and encourage youth participation in environmental policy-making.
Building a Global Network of Young Environmental Leaders
To save our world, we need young leaders from all around the world who will partner up for global action. This is why global networking for youth-led environmental groups should be mandatory.
Mike Szczesny is the owner and vice president of EDCO Awards & Specialties, a dedicated supplier of employee recognition products, branded merchandise, and athletic trophies, awards Szczesny takes pride in EDCO's ability to help companies go the extra mile in expressing gratitude and appreciation to their employees. He resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
