Youth in Climate Action

Engaging youth in climate and planning solutions is essential for shaping the future and developing the next generation of planners. Though youth are often left out of decision-making processes, recent initiatives around the world are engaging youth and encouraging them to get involved.

In August 2023, youth activists in Montana won a lawsuit brought against the state for not upholding the constitutional right to "a clean and healthful environment." Though the case was appealed by the state, the decision was upheld and may serve as a model for youth-driven climate legal action in other states. Currently, students from a coalition of Pacific Island nations are leading initiatives to bring the issue of climate change to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

In September 2024, thousands of young activists took to the streets in cities around the world to protest against government involvement with climate change and bring awareness to its implications. And on a smaller scale, the rues des enfants ("streets for children") initiative in Lyon, France, engages local schoolchildren to make school surroundings safer, more inclusive, and more resilient to climate change. Planners should find ways to engage with youth, listen to their concerns and ideas, and support their efforts to create change for the future in which they'll live.