As climate change is becoming an inevitable topic for decision makers over the years, reflecting on inspirational actions all over Europe to include youth in the discussion can help us move a step forward into more inclusive environmental policy making.
Even though they are amongst the people that are going to witness climate change the most throughout their lives, young people are often not invited into the room when it comes to decision making to overcome environmental challenges. If this assessment isn’t breaking news, it obviously needs to change. So thinks Monika Chabior, Vice Mayor of the city of Gdańsk (Poland). “We had a growth of young leaders, young people who want to get involved, and the more we engage, the more they are engaged. Without our engagement, our listening, our feedback, it doesn’t work”, said the elected representative during the EU Regions week at the “Together empowering Youth for climate action” conference.
To include more young people in the decision-making process at a local level, the city of Gdańsk implemented a variety of tools over the past years. Through commissions, working tables or a citizen panel, youth is invited to take part in multiple conversations. “We also have a green citizen budget that is dedicated to climate projects. Citizens vote for the projects that are important to them, and it is quite popular amongst young people because anybody can vote, there isn’t any age barrier”, indicated Monika Chabior.
The power of partnerships
In Almere (Netherlands), youth have also been included in discussions about the sustainable development of the city. The focus has been made on food with a variety of activities. Through a children’s farmers market, kids are learning to grow their own food, while teenagers can engage in the “canteen snack challenge” and learn how to make healthy food snacks. “These projects are allowing us to build a network of young people but to also give them the tools to get their ideas further”, explained Eline Van Der Ham, project manager for the city of Almere.
Being involved in such projects can not only be stimulating but is necessary, according to Monika Skadborg, board member of the European youth forum, an NGO that brings together more than 6.000 youths involved in organizations all over Europe. “Young people live on a different timeline, it gives a different perspective on the problem, and we need to take this perspective into the rooms in which decisions are taken”, advocated the young activist. More than being heard, Monika Skadborg wants youngsters to be actually looped into the local process.
A large number of young people do feel very concerned about climate change, according to a study published in september 2021. Overall, 10.000 youngsters in 10 countries were asked about their feelings about climate change as well as government responses to this issue. The results were indisputable: 60% of the respondents admitted they feel “extremely worried” or “very worried” about climate change.
A step that still needs to be made for a lot of localities that adopt a cherry picking kind of view that does prevent discussions to lead to concrete actions. “While facing politicians that seem impervious to these new processes, partnership is the answer. Somehow young people need to be as annoying and as dangerous as short term issues can be”, reckoned Monika Skadborg. Having no fear to talk about uncomfortable topics related to climate change, youngsters are actually bringing more balance into the discussions that will hopefully lead to more decisions towards a greener Europe at all levels.
By Laura Bannier,
Edited by Irene Barahona
