Students have an important role in addressing climate change. They are the next generation of leaders and decision-makers, and their actions will have a huge impact on the environment.
Students have become more involved in the global discourse about climate change, pressing for more aggressive legislation to solve the problem.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement of young people demanding reform and holding policymakers accountable.
One of the most prominent examples of student activism on climate change is the Fridays for Future movement.
Started by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg in 2018, this movement involves students around the world walking out of school on Fridays to protest government inaction on climate change.
The movement has gained significant traction, with millions of students participating in strikes and protests in over 100 countries.
In addition to direct action, students have been involved in climate change policy-making.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), for example, contains a youth constituency that allows young people to engage with policymakers and advocate for their perspectives.
The UNFCCC also holds an annual youth conference (COY), which brings together young people from all over the world to debate climate change and other concerns.
Some countries have established youth councils or other systems to involve young people in policymaking processes at the national level. Norway, for example, has a Youth Delegate program that sends young people to international climate change and other negotiations.
In addition to these; Youth can participate in pushing for climate change action by;
1. Raising awareness: Students can raise awareness about climate change by educating themselves and others about the issue. They can organize events, campaigns, and rallies to spread the message.
2. Reducing carbon footprint: Students can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting sustainable practices such as using public transport, cycling or walking instead of driving.
3. Supporting renewable energy: Students can support renewable energy by promoting the use of solar, wind, and other clean energy sources. They can also advocate for divestment from fossil fuels and encourage institutions to invest in renewable energy.
4. Taking action at school: Students can take action at school by implementing sustainable practices such as recycling programs, green roofs, and eco-friendly transportation options.
