Climate Conversations: Youth, gender, & climate justice
Just because Fora isn’t a climate organization, doesn’t mean we don’t realize that everything is connected.
We know the climate crisis does not affect all communities equally, and that climate justice, Indigenous sovereignty, gender equity, and youth leadership are inherently intertwined.
It’s essential that climate plans and policies incorporate the experiences and expertise of young leaders at multiple intersections. Youth and gender need to be at the forefront of climate policies - not a footnote or an afterthought.
This Earth Month, our global community shares their hopes & frustrations when it comes to climate action.
Here’s what they had to say.
What is frustrating about the current status of climate justice?
Linda (she/her) | Ghana: The lack of urgency and action from world leaders.
Hailey (she/her) | USA: There is an illusion that if we keep treating the symptoms of climate change rather than the root causes that it will be enough. But, it won't be. Ending the use of fossil fuels, truly listening to the most vulnerable groups, and transforming the dominant worldview to center nature and people over the economy are the antidotes to the climate crisis.
Amanda (she/her) | Ethiopia: What frustrates me about the current status of climate justice is its frequent oversight and the perception that it's not an urgent matter. Due to this, there's a lack of awareness among many people regarding climate justice, leading to insufficient focus and attention in policy-making processes.
Aaliyah (she/her) | Canada: The circular rollercoaster of discussion and global accords which ultimately fail to address underlying root causes such as colonialism, and neocolonialism - the thought processes and methodology that emerged as a result.
Manal (she/her) | Morocco: The current status of climate justice is frustrating due to the observable gap between those most affected by climate change and their limited influence on the international stage where decisions are made. The front-line communities that have done the least to contribute to the crisis are facing the most severe consequences, and yet there remains an inadequate response to this urgent climate crisis. This ends up leading to a delay in enacting meaningful solutions that address both the root causes and the resulting injustices.
What do you wish policy-makers understood?
Linda (she/her) | Ghana: That our present and future matters, it should not always be about the profits they are making in whiles destroying Mother Earth .
Hailey (she/her) | USA: Being argumentative and denying ambitious climate action are choices. If policy-makers chose to be as concerned about climate change as they were during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe we would see a transformative shift towards climate justice.
Amanda (she/her) | Ethiopia: I wish policymakers understood the relationship between climate justice and its e effect on widening the preexisting gender gap. It's crucial for them to grasp how it influences aspects like girls' education, safety, and various other areas. When formulating environmental policies, I wish policymakers would adopt a gender lens to thoroughly scrutinize the policies, ensuring that gender equity is prioritized and integrated into the framework.
Aaliyah (she/her) | Canada: Consulting with youth on matters of climate goes beyond just checking a box.
Manal (she/her) | Morocco: I wish policymakers fully understood the irrevocable impact of delay. Each moment spent in indecision or in pursuit of half-measures is a disservice to vulnerable populations and the younger generation. It's vital they understand that effective climate action requires immediate and science-driven policies that are equally accessible and beneficial for all layers of society, not just solutions that favor the most developed nations or the status quo.
Is the climate crisis impacting how you make decisions for your future?
Linda (she/her) | Ghana: Yes, young people are creating green jobs. For example ,a youth led organization has revolutionized the materials for sanitary wears by using banana stems for their production
Hailey (she/her) | USA: Last year, I suffered a severe concussion while surfing. As someone engaged in a lot of climate work in my day to day job and as the leader of a non-profit, I was filled with anxiety about falling behind and making time to continue my work and heal. Though it was a struggle, I eventually accepted that there would be no climate work if I didn't have a strong brain to support me. Like many young people, climate change is on my mind everyday, shaping all of my choices and taking most of my time. I often dream about a life where I wasn't driven by a responsibility to safeguard my future and that of future generations - what would it be like to not schedule weekend activities around climate advocacy meetings or use my vacation days not for a climate event? This is how climate anxiety manifests for so many young people. Climate change isn't just about nature and infrastructure, it's fundamentally about how it impacts people, our cultures, our health, and our livelihoods. I long for the day where balance is restored and we prioritize each other as people rather than what we do for a living.
Amanda (she/her) | Ethiopia: The climate crisis deeply shapes my decisions, guiding choices from career paths to daily habits as I strive to combat its effects. As a young woman, I keenly recognize its impact on my future, urging me to be environmentally conscious in all aspects of life. I actively advocate for climate justice through my involvement with NGOs and seek employment with organizations that prioritize sustainability. Urgency propels me to champion solutions aimed at creating a more sustainable and equitable world for generations to come.
Aaliyah (she/her) | Canada: In my experience, with the severity of storms, wildfires etc., youth in my province who are interested in establishing farms are rethinking their decisions due to the number of issues (environmental and economic) that local farmers are encountering. Heat islands - areas that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas in cities, are increasing within areas of the city that BIPOC communities occupy. My community and other BIPOC communities in my city experience less access to green spaces and are more likely to be impacted by food deserts.
Manal (she/her) | Morocco: Certainly, the climate crisis is a decisive factor in shaping both my own and other young people's futures in my community. Witnessing the increasing urgency of the situation, I pivoted from a path in mechanical engineering to studying global environmental governance, intending to turn my climate activism into a career. This shift isn't unique to me; many of my peers are also reorienting their aspirations to align with sustainable practices and climate advocacy, turning passion into profession. It's evident in choices like local entrepreneurship focused on greener technologies or advocacy work, and in personal life decisions that prioritize sustainability—from dietary changes to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These choices are our way of contributing to a broader societal transformation that values ecological balance and long-term resilience.
What gives you hope?
Linda (she/her) | Ghana: I see that a lot of young people like myself are taking actions towards greener future.
Hailey (she/her) | USA: When I was in high school, it felt impossible to talk about climate change openly. Today, not only is it more normal to talk about climate change, we also have more climate solutions, research papers, jobs, and people who care about climate justice than ever before. That's hope! We have all of the solutions, we just need to open our eyes, ears, and minds to implementing them.
Amanda (she/her) | Ethiopia: Witnessing the relentless dedication of individuals and organizations who tirelessly advocate and fight for climate justice fills me with a profound sense of optimism. Their unwavering commitment serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a future where environmental equity is not just a distant dream but a tangible reality.
Aaliyah (she/her) | Canada: Landback.
Manal (she/her) | Morocco: What fuels my hope for climate action is the growing global consensus among young people on the importance of sustainability and the innovative momentum this shared commitment has created. There is a robust movement rallying toward renewable energy, conservation, and more responsible consumption patterns. Witnessing this wave of activism, especially from those who stand to inherit the consequences of present actions, is an inspiring testament to the power of collective will in forging new pathways toward a sustainable future.
Learn more about our participants (and follow along with their advocacy work) below:
