Bridging Divides, Building Futures: How Youth Leadership Can Drive Climate Action and Sustainability
©Markus Spiske
At GREENEXT, we are passionate about amplifying voices that drive sustainability, and there’s no voice more powerful than that of today’s youth. In this article by high school student Yufei Pan, he explores the role young people can play in addressing climate change and achieving a sustainable future. Drawing on firsthand experiences in both rural and urban settings, Yufei highlights disparities in education and opportunity, while emphasizing the potential of youth as leaders in climate action. With perspectives on how young people can bridge divides and foster inclusivity, Yufei makes a heartfelt call to policymakers and organizations to empower the next generation. This is a good read for anyone who believes in the power of youth to create a brighter, greener future.
The following text content and images have been provided by our guest contributor Yufei Pan:
©Yufei Pan
Youth leadership was a major topic during the Summit of the Future, held during Climate Week in September 2024. Today, youth are becoming a big part of what shapes the world. Around 50% of the global population is under 30, and in China, about 43% of people are under 30. Youth participation in climate change discussions reflects responsibility for the future and serves as an indispensable driving force in addressing global environmental challenges. With such a large percentage of young people, we need to realize that we are the key to a sustainable future. Let’s look at this by dividing youth into two groups: those in rural areas and those in urban areas.
In my visits to rural areas, I saw how much more work is needed to bring sustainable practices to these regions. I conducted surveys and observations and found that kids in rural areas often don’t have the same access to quality education as kids in cities. But despite this, their hunger for knowledge and their desire to improve their lives are clear. You can see it in their eyes. If these kids had better educational opportunities, I believe they could play an important role in the world.
This brings me to climate justice. As in the movie Spider-Man, Aunt May once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Industrial provinces, with their high levels of carbon emissions, are the biggest contributors to climate change. So, I believe the answer to “How we achieve energy structure reform?” is through urban planning and teamwork between rural and urban youth. Those who have the ability must step up and take responsibility for reducing carbon emissions. We have no time to lose. The Paris Agreement for reaching net zero is only 25 years away from us.
Urban kids are in a different situation. While many focus on academics, there are students with the potential to change the world. The problem isn’t ability—it’s opportunity. Talented students need chances to observe, learn, and act. I’ve been lucky enough to witness the effects of climate change in rural areas firsthand, which changed my perspective.
©Yufei Pan
Young people are key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the 17 SDGs proposed by the United Nations, many are directly linked to environmental protection and climate change, such as Clean Water and Sanitation, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action. Youth can accelerate progress toward these goals through community service, advocating green consumption, and supporting or adopting clean energy solutions.
As a Gen Z kid, I can assure you that young people, skilled in using social media and digital tools, can disseminate information and mobilize peers globally to focus on environmental issues. Through digital platforms like social media and mobile applications, young people have initiated environmental campaigns to boost public participation, such as “Earth Hour” and “Zero Waste Life” challenges. These innovations not only offer new methods for addressing the climate crisis but also inspire broader participation in environmental protection. This fosters greater interaction between governments and the public while compelling governments and corporations to act.
Youth can serve as a bridge between the past and the future. They can become effective advocates through families, communities, and online platforms, raising awareness about climate change and its urgency. The diverse nature of youth, encompassing different cultural backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities, fosters broad exchanges of viewpoints and collaboration. This diversity helps craft inclusive and comprehensive strategies for climate action.
I would like to ask policymakers and NGOs to consider the power of youth. Give us the chance to make a difference. Let us work together to create a better, more sustainable world!
