Youth Activism
- mialynngamree
- Sep 4, 2023
- 4 min read
Introduction
Youth activism refers to the active involvement of young individuals (15- 24 years old) in advocating for and committing to positive changes in environmental policies, practices, and awareness.
With regard to numerous topics, including climate change, abortion rights, and gun violence, the young activists have assumed leadership roles in public demonstrations and activism.
Technology is crucial for young people who want to make a difference. Social media like Instagram and TikTok help them to share important information and get people involved. They can use the internet to organise protests, crowdfund campaigns, and work together with others who are passionate and care about similar things.
Twitter has been an extremely helpful tool for young people who care about the environment. They can easily share information and news about climate change with lots of people around the world. Using hashtags like #ClimateAction, they can join together and spread their messages. Activists like Greta Thunberg use Twitter to get people to start caring about the environment and to push leaders to take action. It's a quick way to talk about important things and make a difference.
Greta and her Works
Greta Thunberg is a well-known young climate activist who gained international attention for her efforts to combat climate change. She started the "Fridays for Future" movement, encouraging students to strike from school to demand stronger action on climate change from governments around the world. Greta has been a powerful advocate for environmental issues and has inspired many young people to get involved in activism. She has spoken at international forums, such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and has met with world leaders to advocate for stronger climate policies.
Greta has received numerous awards over the course of her activism including:
● Swedish Woman of the Year to "a Swedish woman who, through her accomplishments, has represented and brought attention to the Sweden of today in the greater world."
● Time 100, April 2019, by Time magazine,as one of the 100 most influential people in the world for that year.
● Nordic Council Environment Prize, October 2019. Thunberg refused to accept the award or the prize money of DKK 350,000, her reasoning being that the Nordic countries were not doing enough to cut emissions.
● Time Person of the Year, December 2019, by Time magazine, she was the first recipient born in the 21st century and the youngest ever.
● Women in Youth Activism Award at the 2021 Women of Europe Awards in 2021, for "courageous leadership in support for climate justice, social change and youth community organising".
The Positives of Youth Activism
Youth activism can lead to a number of positive outcomes and impacts, including:
● Fresh and New Perspectives: Young activists often address issues with original and fresh perspectives, challenging established and standard norms and coming up with new, efficient solutions.
● Political Engagement: Youth activism encourages political participation by the government as well as inspiring young people, developing a sense of responsibility as a citizen.
● Awareness and Education: Activism brings about the awareness of crucial social, political, and environmental issues, and educates both the activists themselves and the general public.
● Pressure on Decision-Makers: Youth activists raise attention to important climate issues and put pressure on governments and corporations to take accountability and do something about it.
● Skill Development: Activism enables the youth to develop different skills such as public speaking, leadership and teamwork, all of which are advantageous personal growth and future career prospects.
● Empowerment: Youth activism empowers young people by giving them a sense of self-determination and the belief that they can make a difference in the world.
The Downsides of Youth Activism
Despite youth activism having many advantages, it also comes with several disadvantages:
● Balancing with Education: When engaging in activism, it has the possibility of distracting young people from their education which can negatively affect their academic performance.
● Limited Experience: Young activists may not have sufficient experience and in-detail understanding of complicated issues, which can lead to ineffective solutions.
● Dismissal by Adults: Adults in authorities can disregard and dismiss youth activists' problems due to their age, undermining the effect that their efforts can have.
● Burnout and Mental Health Issues: The high level of involvement in activism can result in exhaustion and have adverse effects on the mental well-being of young activists, particularly when they encounter opposition or experience slow advancements.
● Media and how the public sees them: Young activists could encounter media prejudice or unfavourable representation, affecting how trustworthy they appear and the message they aim to share.
Conclusion
The impact of a shifting climate will have its harshest consequences on those who will live on Earth in five decades, mainly the younger generation. Nearly 9 in 10 youths, despite having different political beliefs, recognize the ongoing climate change phenomenon. In the present year, numerous young individuals around the world raised their voices and constantly pressured their governments to take action against climate change. A substantial and considerable milestone was achieved in the lawsuit brought up by 21 young individuals against the US federal government, pleading for climate-related measures. Protests for climate causes took place on all seven continents, with numerous led by young activists, spanning from Sri Lanka to Southern California.
To sum up, youth activism comes up as a strong influence shaping the trajectory of our global future. Driven by determination, originality, and a persistence for transformation, young individuals have efficiently deployed the use of technology to raise awareness and demand for action and change on major environmental issues. Despite challenges like being disregarded by adults and the lack of experience, their determination remains resilient.Their new and fresh ideas along with their commitment inspire us to build a fairer and more sustainable world. As their voices keep spreading, youth activism gives us hope for a better future.
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