Bolstering Youth Resilience and Voices in Climate Action
The world is rapidly reaching irreversible tipping points, and humankind faces an existential threat if we do not act quickly to achieve net zero emissions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Young people, 85% of whom live in the Global South, where climate change impacts are more severely felt and where adaptive capacity is more limited, will experience the worst consequences of climate change during their lifetime. For example, people aged 10 or under will experience a four-fold increase in extreme weather events under 1.5°C of warming and a five-fold increase under 3°C by 2100.
Today, young people are already experiencing the effects of climate change directly and indirectly across many facets of life. They are exposed to record-breaking heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and intense and frequent hurricanes. Many are affected by climate-related migration and displacement and are at direct risk of domestic violence and abuse exacerbated by climate events. Their mental health is also affected, as they experience climate-related anxiety and depression more than other populations.
Young people are increasingly at the forefront of the climate debate, with youth-led organizations among the most visible in global conversations. Many are also leading the way in identifying new solutions and innovative approaches. Hosted by the USAID Comprehensive Action for Climate Change Initiative (CACCI), this International Youth Day panel discussion brings together experts to discuss youth advocacy in the context of climate justice, focusing on initiatives to strengthen youth resilience and elevate their role in climate action.
Moderator: Nalishebo (‘Shebo’) Meebelo, USAID Comprehensive Action for Climate Change Initiative (CACCI) Africa Lead
Panelists:
- Hillary Taft, Youth/Climate Expert, USAID
- Joice Mendez, Member, UN Secretary General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate
- Hannah Girardeau, Gender and Youth Associate, NDC Partnership
- Tim Kerr, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Governance Lead, PNG Partnerships in Improving Education (PIE) Program