To avoid climate catastrophe, the UN’s climate change panel IPCC has stated global emissions will need to be halved by 2030. Faced with such a grim prospect and mounting extreme climate events, many young people are stepping up to become activists and lobby government in a push for greater climate action.

In a local example, Australian high schooler Anjali Sharma led a group of eight teenagers in bringing a class action against the former federal environment minister, arguing the minister had a duty of care to Australian children when assessing fossil fuel projects. The case resulted in Justice Mordecai Bromberg initially finding there was a duty of care to protect young people from climate change and while this was later overturned on appeal, the case had an important role in confirming in court that young people will be most impacted by climate change.

However, for the youth movement to continue this kind of active participation in environmental issues it is important that we first ensure they have the opportunity to engage and form a relationship with the environment. Children are absorbing the world around them and spending time in outdoor parks and green spaces builds their connection with nature.

An important part of a child’s environmental learning comes through observations and role modelling of those closest to them. Research has shown through the process of socialisation, children model environmental behaviours and habits observed in parents, care givers and teachers which last through to adulthood. 

This process can also work in reverse where adults learn and adapt their behaviours as they become influenced by children to bring about more environmentally aware practices. A study found that parents were most positively affected when faced with the environmental concerns of their adolescent children.

Exposing children at an early age to the wonder of the natural world helps them appreciate their role in the environment. National Tree Day offers the perfect opportunity for children to get their hands dirty and do something good for the environment. Studies have also found a strong connection between the presence of green spaces near homes and schools with positive mental health outcomes in children.

More adults are seeing the power of influence the voices of youth can have in environmental and world forums. The World Health Organization together with the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) and the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) held the inaugural Global Youth Forum on Health and Climate Change in October, 2022. The three-day forum offered attendees the opportunity to learn and engage on climate change topics like advocacy, resilience, mitigation, and adaptation. The event wrapped up with a session to discuss youth recommendations in the lead up to COP27.

Let’s hope the voices of our youth help inspire further action and renewed urgency amongst delegates at COP27.

Fun environmental learning you can do at home or school

Visit our resource centre to download a waste free lunch and recipe guide, instructions to build a herb garden using an old juice container or kid friendly game sheets designed to test their recycling know-how.

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