Aaqib Ali
According to the reports of the United Nations, the youth account for 16% of the global population. Undeniably, youth are deemed as the assets of the nation as employees for corporations. The amount of investment in these assets today will shape the future. Empowering and preparing these youth for future challenges could be a significant strategic decision. Climate change, the persistent global challenge, is no longer a distant threat- it is a current issue hampering the planet adversely with rising temperatures, extreme weather events and looming threats to food security, reminding nations that the costs of inaction are far greater than the sacrifices required today. In the midst of this global crisis, youth stand out not only for its vulnerability but for its potential to lead transformative change. Young people are reshaping how societies perceive and respond to climate challenges. Inevitably, youth can be the agents of change if empowered effectively. Recently, the resignation of Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma after Gen-Z led protest against corruption and the student-driven protests resulting in ousting the former Prime Minister- Sheikh Hasina, are the validation to the above argument.
Young voices have proven to be the most influential in transforming public opinions on climate change globally. In the 21st century, digital platforms have played an unparalleled role in sparking conversations, challenging misconceptions and empowering collective actions. From local campaigns in educational institutions to global movements such as “Friday for Future”, the influence of youth-driven advocacy is inexorable. This movement was initiated by the young Swedish girl Greta Thunberg, who grew into an international movement, exemplifying how one determined voice can awaken millions. Imperatively, these efforts lead to fostering climate literacy and ensuring that awareness must lead towards behavioral change.
Furthermore, the enhanced participation of youth in policy spaces and civic engagement is another striking dimension. Young leaders are taking part in climate councils, international summits, and community consultations. However, their role is not limited to attending these forums; they bring diverse ideas, fresh perspectives, question outdated approaches and demand accountability and transparency from policymakers. For instance, Pakistani activist Ayesha Siddiqa, co-founder of Polluters Out, had used her platform at the United Nations to highlight how corporate interests shape environmental degradation, stimulating the call for climate justice. Stories like hers remind us that decisions made today will shape the world’s youth for tomorrow.
Beyond activism, youth are also engaged in innovations and green entrepreneurship in the green economy. Young minds have the potential to develop sustainable alternatives to plastic, create start-ups that promote renewable energy, and experiment with modern technologies to track and reduce carbon footprints across regions. For instance, in Africa, young entrepreneurs are pioneering solar-powered solutions for off-grid communities, proving that climate action can be a driver of economic growth. These youth-led initiatives demonstrate that the green economy is not a distant vision but a present reality shaped by innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. At the local level, young people are leading hands-on initiatives that bring concrete improvements to their communities through clean-up campaigns and plantation drives to promote water conservation and urban gardening. These efforts demonstrate the energy and passion of youth to protect their communities and enhance sustainability awareness. It is pertinent here to cite the example of a 22-year-old individual, Tanveer Alam, belonging to Sanghar district of Pakistan. He showed his community service through planting 160 trees in Sanghar, resulting in him being awarded a Climate Activist 2025 award during the National Award Council held in Islamabad, Pakistan. In climate-vulnerable areas, youth often serve on the front lines of disaster preparedness and recovery, mobilizing volunteers and supporting affected communities. Thus, their work illustrates that climate action is not only a global issue but also a local dilemma. Climate change has no nationality and recognizes no borders, and youth have embraced this reality by building transnational networks through international conferences, digital collaborations and exchange programs. They share strategies, amplify marginalized voices, and push for climate justice. This global crisis has unified the youth from all over the world with the same vision to protect the earth from the threats of climate change.
By working together, young leaders are embodying the spirit of global citizenship that the climate crisis demands, further necessitating the government to provide equal and sufficient opportunities to the national and international youth. Finally, the crucial dimension of youth activism is the use of arts, culture and media to inspire action through films, podcasts, music, and visual storytelling. They are humanizing the abstract science of climate change and showcasing the devastating effects of the climate crisis. It further leads to disseminating awareness to the communities, resulting in inspiring the masses to take sustainable initiatives to protect the planet.
In a nutshell, the youth act as advocates, researchers, innovators and community builders, bringing energy and passion to cope with humanity’s greatest challenges. There is no denying the fact those institutions, governments and communities must invest in youth-led initiatives, provide resources and opportunities to the youth for efficient participation. Climate change demands collective action, but the creativity and urgency that youth bring are irreplaceable. Particularly, governments must take immediate action to empower the youth for a Greener Future. The educational institutions must embody sustainability-related subjects in their curriculum for all departments, with marking criteria based on practical initiatives of the students. The marking criteria can be according to planting trees, taking sustainability-related initiatives and promoting environmental awareness.
