Revolution Rising: Empowering the Global Youth Movement for Climate Justice

The Rise of the Global Youth Movement for Climate Justice

In the face of an increasingly urgent climate crisis, a new generation is rising to the challenge, demanding action, and reshaping the narrative around climate change. The global youth movement for climate justice is not just a passing trend; it’s a powerful force of change that’s here to stay. Young people from every corner of the globe are engaging in meaningful dialogues and actions to demand a sustainable and just future for all.

Lending Support to Young Activists

As the youth movement gains momentum, it’s crucial that we all lend our support to these young activists. One of the ways we can do so is by providing the space for artistic expression and knowledge sharing to strengthen the movement.

Enter Planet One, a collaborative initiative between three organizations – Fryshuset, Greenpeace, and Armenian Progressive Youth – that aims to provide young people, aged 15-25, with the tools and resources to advocate for climate justice. Since its inception in 2021, Planet One has created makerspaces, physical centers or hubs, where young people can engage in learning-by-doing.

Space for Learning and Collaboration

The Planet One makerspaces offer young people a collaborative work space for making, learning, exploring, and sharing. These spaces are open to everyone and provide the tools and resources necessary for young people to bring their ideas to life and leave with a complete project. They serve as a platform for young people to learn more about climate and environmental issues, explore sustainable solutions, and improve their skills.

Through the support of Planet One makerspaces, young people have the opportunity to come together, learn new skills, collaborate on projects, and share their experiences and knowledge with one another.

Voices from the Makerspaces

The impact of Planet One makerspaces can be observed through the stories of young people who have benefited from these spaces. Erica, a 21-year-old Communications student from Yaounde, spoke about her experience at the Mboa Hub in Cameroon: “Young people don’t always have the chance to meet other youths from different backgrounds. At Mboa Hub, I’ve learned so much from them. Through different activities, I have become confident enough to bring out the best version of myself.”

Andile Shawe, while attending a youth unemployment workshop at Ubuntu Hub in South Africa, discovered the climate justice movement and decided to be part of it. With the support of the Ubuntu Hub trainers, Andile organized his first intersectionality art exhibition, celebrating the beauty of diversity.

A Global Sustainability Initiative

Planet One operates makerspaces in six cities across Europe and Africa: Alternative Youth Center in Yerevan, Armenia; Bolygó in Budapest, Hungary; Mboa Hub in Yaoundé, Cameroon; Momentum in Stockholm, Sweden; Ubunifu Hub in Nairobi, Kenya; and Ubuntu Hub in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Since its establishment, Planet One makerspaces have organized over 1400 activities, hosted over 22,000 participants, and supported over 2,000 youth-led initiatives.

How to Get Involved

If you are a young person interested in climate activism or environmental issues and live in one of the cities where Planet One runs a makerspace, you can visit the Planet One website for more information on locations near you.

Editorial: Empowering Young People for a Sustainable Future

The emergence of the global youth movement for climate justice is a testament to the power of young voices and the urgent need for action. It is essential that we, as a society, support and empower these young activists.

By providing spaces like the Planet One makerspaces, we create opportunities for young people to learn, collaborate, and create solutions for a sustainable future. These spaces not only equip young people with the necessary tools and resources but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose.

Artistic expression plays a crucial role in shaping narratives and inspiring action. By providing young people with the platform to express themselves through art, Planet One enables them to convey the urgency of the climate crisis and engage others in the movement.

However, it is important to note that supporting young activists goes beyond just providing physical spaces and resources. It requires systemic change and the inclusion of youth voices in decision-making processes. The power of the youth movement lies in its ability to challenge the status quo and demand accountability from world leaders.

Advice for Individuals and Institutions

Individuals can support the global youth movement for climate justice by educating themselves on the issues and amplifying young voices. By staying informed and engaged, we can better understand the urgency of the climate crisis and advocate for change in our own spheres of influence.

Institutions, including governments, schools, and organizations, must prioritize the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes. By actively involving young people in policy discussions and initiatives, we ensure that their perspectives are heard and their ideas are taken into account.

Furthermore, institutions can create spaces and platforms for young people to share their experiences and knowledge. Collaborative initiatives like Planet One provide a model for organizations to support and empower young activists.

Ultimately, the future of our planet depends on the actions we take today. By supporting the global youth movement for climate justice, we not only invest in a sustainable future but also create a more inclusive and just society. The power to shape our world lies in the hands of the younger generation, and it is our responsibility to listen, learn, and act.

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