International Climate Challenge

Climate change will impact on the future lives of today’s young people in countless and unimaginable ways, so they have much to gain from efforts to tackle climate change, and the most to lose if climate change is allowed to escalate.

To some, the challenge posed by climate change seems simply too great to tackle. However, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that not only can we rise to the challenge, but that the future world we would create by doing so would be safer, healthier and more peaceful than the world of the 20th century.

What can young people do nationally?

Advocate change

Governments around the world need to be encouraged to take more action against climate change. Young people can get involved, make their voices heard, join a pressure group, protest, contact their political representatives and demand more action from their governments.

Find solutions

When the problems facing us can be seen as puzzles that need solving, suddenly there are many new opportunities at the national and international level, especially for young people. You don’t need money or power to have a good idea, and fresh thinking is needed to solve the new problems thrown up by climate change.

In the US for example, Barack Obama sees energy security as his number one priority and aims to ‘get off’ petroleum completely by 2030. There are many problems to be solved there before his vision of a post fossil fuel age becomes a reality.

What can young people do in their communities?

The phrase ‘think global, act local’ is appropriate to many of our responses to climate change and it is at the local community level where young people can do the most.

Young people can have a large influence over their local communities. In fact, many have already helped create community businesses, plans and events aimed at tackling climate change. The community level is where young people can have the most say in society, as their views can be heard and their actions are noticed. This is shown in the three examples below.

Transition Towns

The Transitions Towns movement has now spread to over 100 towns and cities across the world. Transition Towns have communities who have gathered together to respond to the local challenges and opportunities of peak oil and climate change.

In Kinsale, Ireland, young people were instrumental in creating the Transition Town report of the area and young people were involved in the plan at all stages, from presenting the idea at Council meetings to implementing the ideas. The involvement of young people continues, driving the plan forward and creating real change. In Bristol, UK, the Transition Towns initiative is run predominantly by volunteers under 30. This shows the potential of young people for having a decisive influence over their communities’ futures.

Jake’s Bikes

Jake’s bikes is a company set up by Jake, a pioneering young man who recycles and repairs bikes for an increasingly environmentally aware clientele. His example highlights the role small businesses can play in preparing for a new ‘post-oil’ world.

Jake’s bikes is just one company in one town but it represents the kind of positive step taken by an increasing number of young people around the world: taking the initiative and starting up their own low-carbon company. As well as benefiting efforts to reduce climate change, such local businesses help invigorate local economies and create alternatives to dominant high-energy industries. Any ideas for a climate-saving business? Why not create your business plan and get involved!

Community Windpower 

Community Windpower is an independent UK-based company, that works with local groups who want to develop and build wind farms for their communities and schools. Such community projects are perfect for young people to really get involved.

The above represent only a tiny selection of positive community action being taken across the world. Thousands more examples exist, and it is often the initiative of young people who started the ball rolling.

Resources

If you want to know more go to the Links page within Resources for useful websites and other material.