Climate change and youth engagement: Analysis and findings from Plan International

• In Event: Does Education Matter for Climate Action? Assessing the Evidence and Harnessing Youth Potential for Impact

Proposal

Climate change and environmental degradation are gender, intergenerational, social and economic justice issues. Today’s young people will have to live with the increasingly severe impacts of the climate crisis for the longest time and are increasingly concerned about the impacts on their lives and futures. In the face of a climate catastrophe children and young people around the world are taking collective action to advance climate justice. It is critical to work with children, young people and their communities to reduce climate risks, adapt to climate change and strengthen resilience. It is also critical to support their meaningful participation in decision-making and leading climate action in their communities.

This presentation will highlight key findings from a global survey that Plan International conducted with young people on green skills which showed that a majority felt that education is key priority for addressing climate change. The presentation will also highlight findings from Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) on how climate change impacts on adolescent girls’ and young women’s access to education in Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as a longitudinal study of 120 girls from across 9 countries looking at their perspectives on education and climate change.

The presentation will additionally look at how innovative, games-based and experiential learning approaches, such as the ‘children’s climate cards’, ‘youth leadership in climate policy workbook’ are inspiring youth led action are integrated into community or school systems for long-term impact.

Authors

• Yona Nestel

• Milena D'Atri, Plan International