The Rising Generation: How Youth Are Leading The Fight Against Climate Change

Young people are often accused of irresponsibility and frivolousness, with some even dismissing them as useless time-wasters. Older generations frequently romanticise the past, believing their youth was a "golden age," almost otherworldly. This perception, particularly prevalent in Eastern societies, suggests that today's youth lack the wisdom of their predecessors. Consequently, young people are often expected to be silent during elderly conversations within families. In professional settings, seniors, typically over 50, hold all decision-making power, leaving younger employees to simply execute their directives. However, this dynamic is rapidly evolving.

Imagine a group entrusted with something precious, something irreplaceable. They fail to protect it, and worse, refuse to acknowledge their failure. How would they be perceived? Those who inherit the damaged legacy will inevitably blame them for negligence, for rendering it unusable. And what if, instead of taking responsibility, this group resorts to empty words and superficial actions to mask their incompetence? This scenario, tragically, is playing out globally in the face of climate change.

Two hundred years ago, no one imagined the factory fumes, then hailed as the 'smell of progress,' would turn the world into a living hell. Who drove that early development? The same power structure we see today – older generations pursuing progress without a thought for the future. The consequences became clear about fifty years ago, when scientists began warning of abnormal global warming. These warnings started roughly a century ago, but again, the older generation dismissed them, only taking them somewhat seriously fifty years later. After thirty years of empty promises, they finally signed a meaningful agreement in Paris in 2015. Even now, they're full of hesitation and excuses. And, of course, they're largely the same older group, showing more anxiety than clear judgment.

If you browse social media focused on climate and environmental issues, you'll predominantly see young people leading the charge, frequently on a volunteer basis

This time, however, our youth didn't remain silent bystanders, passively hoping our elders would somehow resolve the issue, as they often pretend to do with other problems. Thanks to search engines and the rapid rise of AI, young people weren't as ignorant of the knowledge typically gained through experience. A small group of young Europeans began questioning how the older generation, who had led the planet to such a vulnerable state, could restore it to safety. Whether they were taken seriously at first is debatable, but youth across developed nations started speaking out and protesting against the lack of action on climate change. This led to growing pressure from young people in the Global North, which became evident at the annual climate change conferences, known as COPs, where a significant number of young activists began to participate.

Following global trends, young people in developing countries began to emulate their peers in the developed world, forming small groups to protect the planet's most vulnerable regions. Due to the prevalence of non-meritocratic practices in these countries, they often lacked proper guidance and sometimes took misguided paths. However, the social media revolution's strong global connectivity enabled them to learn how to contribute to environmental protection. Despite this, they often possessed a global message without a corresponding local strategy.

This created an opportunity for older generations, particularly those in government and business, to convince the youth that simply raising awareness about environmental and climate issues was sufficient for their region, which they argued was not responsible for climate change. Their intent was to generate enough noise to highlight their hardships to the global north, thereby securing funding under the Paris Agreement—funds they could then control.

However, the youth refused to be manipulated. They forged a moderate approach, recognising that a blend of the older generation's wisdom and their passion was essential to combat climate change. This marked the beginning of an era of collective action, driven primarily by young people who, instead of merely theorising, took concrete steps to implement solutions.

If you browse social media focused on climate and environmental issues, you'll predominantly see young people leading the charge, frequently on a volunteer basis. This digitally native generation is effectively utilising technology and AI, favoring virtual events to minimise the costs associated with traditional, in-person activities. Their dedication is clear; they're choosing efficient, low-budget approaches rather than pursuing substantial funding. This aligns with the idea that younger individuals, generally less influenced by cynicism, are driven by sincere ideals.

One need not venture into emerging economies to find a case study supporting the aforementioned claim. Within Pakistan itself, numerous youth organisations in major cities are actively utilising online platforms to disseminate their message across the nation. In smaller cities, young individuals are engaged in grassroots efforts, ensuring their voices resonate within their respective communities. A recent extended training program yielded a significant outcome when its graduates authored white papers on climate change specific to their hometowns. These papers have been compiled into a compendium, serving as a valuable resource for those seeking to develop projects in smaller urban centers. The acquisition of climate data from locations such as Nowshera, Charsadda, Shehr Sultan, Narowal, and Abbottabad, derived from their fieldwork, was an unexpected but significant result.

While there are valid concerns, the active involvement of young people in combating climate change gives us real hope for the future. Their global vigilance, their message that 'we are watching you,' holds leaders accountable for the escalating threat of fossil fuel-driven global warming. Unlike past attempts to deflect scientific truths with religious dogma, today's youth can readily provide evidence and mobilise widespread support. Decision-makers across all sectors must act swiftly and decisively, or face consequences from both a damaged environment and a determined younger generation.