Laura Bullon-Cassis, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID)
Since the major demonstrations organised in Madrid (COP25) and Glasgow (COP26), young people seem to have less and less of a voice at the UN’s major climate conferences. Why?
Climate marches and protests, like this one in Santa Monica, Calif., often aim for local impact.
Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images
Shannon Gibson, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
With international climate talks failing to make progress fast enough, activists are radically rethinking how to be most effective in the streets, political arenas and courtrooms.
Girls are leading activist movements across the world, but don’t see themselves as political.
The Congo Basin’s rainforests in central Africa are sometimes called Earth’s second lungs (after the Amazon) because of its ability to store carbon.
Guenterguni via Getty Images
Young Muslim activists in Indonesia turn to faith to undertake the sacred task of protecting the natural world. This echoes the growing popularity of ‘green Islam’ as an important global youth agenda.
School life and conversations at home both contribute to children’s interest in political issues.
Sipa USA / Alamy Stock Photo
The long-awaited ruling by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is as groundbreaking as it is disappointing. Where to next for young climate activists?
Youth organizers tend to outperform their peers in school.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
A researcher on youth organizing presents her evidence for how critical race theory benefits students and society.
Global movements for social change are being led by girls, who are the most affected by environmental, labour and social justice issues.
(Shutterstock)
Telling girls to smile pressures distracts them from the very real, dangerous and sometimes deadly challenges that girls around the world face.
Jana Jandal Alirifai, a 17-year-old Syrian Canadian and coordinator for Climate Strike Canada, participated as a Syrian delegate in the MockCOP26.
(Tahmina Aziz)
Historically, Muslim scholars have coupled their study of nature to their understanding of Allah. Today, young Muslim women are leading change through an Islamic eco-consciousness with grit.
Deep worry about climate change and biodiversity loss can affect kids’ mental health.
Kira Hofmann/Picture Alliance via Getty Images
Both opinions the three-judge panel handed down warned of a potential climate catastrophe. Only one judge said the courts have an active role to play in making the government change course.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg, centre left, joins a coalition of youth climate leaders and environmental groups during a climate strike outside the United Nations, Aug. 30, 2019, in New York.
(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
These youngsters have ample fervor, and they are dramatically photogenic. Dismissing them as being fake or lightweight can spell trouble for members of the establishment.
Senior Associate Fellow on the Middle East at RUSI; Associate Professor in Politics & International Relations; Deputy Director of the Centre on US Politics, UCL