In the past years we have witnessed thousands of young persons from all around the world joining forces during protests and marches involving a single cause. Filsan Dualeh, guest master's student from the University of Ottawa in Canada, did a literature study on climate activism among young people around the world. Specifically, she has been lookingat how and why youth engage in civic and community initiatives, and how governments and other organisations can stimulate and facilitate these young persons. We spoke to Dualeh about the main findings of her research.
The most important voices within the climate change crisis
‘The youth is the first to feel the impacts of climate change and the last that can do something about it. Also, youth represent the majority of the population in many countries so they truly do have the power to transform societies. What we have seen is a lack of action by leaders forcing youth to mobilize and call for accountability.’
The biggest challenge
‘The biggest challenge is the fact that there has not been much research looking specifically at youth-led climate change activism as this phenomenon has only recently grown. Additionally, experience suggests that youth have different reasons, patterns and means of engaging, but this has not been well documented. ‘
Differences in practices between the Netherlands and Canada
‘One of the findings I found interesting in comparing Canada and the Netherlands was the integration of civic engagement practices in schools. For example, in Canada there are mandatory volunteer hours that students in high school must complete in order to graduate. The roles that the education system can play in motivating youth to take action and empower them was also evident in many other parts of the world.’
Organisations and institutions can be catalysts for young people’s climate action
‘There are many ways organisations and institutions can engage youth. Studies have shown it to be important for young persons to have spaces where they are able to mobilise and engage themselves. Engagement theorists also have identified that individuals are mostly motivated by engagement that reinforces their sense of identity and a sense of belonging. Some other suggestions by these engagement theorists include:
- Provide opportunities for youth to network and collaborate with experts in the field.
- Create opportunities for youth to lead activities.
- Bridge the gap between marginalized youth and institutions by building trust and transparency.
- Deploy engaged youth into their communities to raise awareness. This includes networking with other youth and allowing to peer-to-peer training.
Improve the quality of life in cities
The motive of my research is to help support the Vital Cities and Citizens initiative led by Erasmus University Rotterdam. The purpose of the initiative is to improve the quality of life in cities. Climate change is a threat to life outside, but also inside the cities. By understanding how we can motivate and support young people even more in their mission to fight the climate crisis, we can contribute to the vitality of cities.
- More information
Britt Boeddha van Dongen: b.k.vandongen@essb.eur.nl