It’s highly likely that you have either seen or taken part in climate activism such as the school strikes led by Greta Thunberg. These youth-led movements have prompted a surge of interest in youth voice activism and young people have gained more confidence in their place in society. So, the question we must ask is “will this continue?”
Yes
Well, I hope it will. Climate change will dominate this century without a doubt and young people will be at the centre of tackling and experiencing it. I believe it is just the start – that youth movements will grow across different issues and will be taken more seriously by decision-makers. These issues could range from lowering the voting age to 16 to transport, jobs, and more funding for youth services. The more young people take action into their own hands and lobby those in power, the more prosperous, democratic, and fair society will be.
At the moment anyone under 18 is denied the right to vote so activism is the only way to make our voices heard. It might be organising protests or joining your local youth council or even standing as a Member for the Youth Parliament (MYP).
Climate change is our opportunity to shape the world in our image and increase our voice. It should be a catalyst for further social and political change. Like better public transport. We want to decarbonise transport, by making it more accessible, more reliable and with fairer fares. Like better health, education, jobs, and food security. Like fewer class divides, fairer taxation and more. Starting with climate change we can extend our reach to all the places where the youth voice should be heard.
Young people taking a stand not only shows we are fully aware of the society we live in but we also have the drive, the compassion and the willingness to make it better. There a few things out there that can raise such a large and dedicated movement as climate change so why stop once we have started? We have an opportunity to make decision makers listen and implement the changes we want to see. Often the “next generation” is talked about when dealing with issues concerning young people. But until this generation stands up and takes this opportunity then the “next generation” will come and go just like the “next generations” before it.
