The Youth and Their Future

Since online learning from home has become the 'new normal', and the spread of misinformation in society seems to be at an all-time high, a spotlight has illuminated the complexity and urgency of education. The idea of passing along knowledge and wisdom in order to prepare youth for the important role of becoming engaged, thoughtful citizens of a global society is essential to the future of humanity. This is one main reason why the teaching profession deserves much reverence and credit (way more than it gets). This scenario should also remind us that every experience a child has is an opportunity for them to learn. As parents, grandparents, aunties/ uncles, godparents, or role models, we have many opportunities to be teachers, mentors, and inspirational leaders for the next generation.

A shift is happening. People across the globe are becoming more conscientious and making changes in their lifestyles which contribute positively to the overall health of the planet and all life on it. They are (especially the younger generations) taking part in this movement because they understand what's at stake - their or their children's/grandchildren's/great-grandchildren's future. Doing what we can individually is a fantastic first step in the right direction. But when children and teenagers worldwide are striking for the climate and demanding more from adults and leaders, it's time we all rise up and charge ahead to meet the challenge.

Now, more than ever, young people need to be prepared for an uncertain future. Anyone paying attention to the current environmental, economic, political and all around social climate should clearly understand we are on the brink of uncertainty. One way to combat the unpredictability of what's to come is to encourage acknowledgement of the past, involvement in current affairs, awareness of the possibilities of the future, and willingness to work together cooperatively. It's essential that the generations inheriting this planet are able to participate in the creation of their future circumstances.

So what can we (older generations) do to help?  We can begin by not underestimating the youth's intellect, their judgement, their understanding, their aptitude, their capacity for comprehension or their ability to perceive. In many ways, young people most likely discern the consequence of our current reality much differently than their elders, which is something we must not only take into account, but emphasize. Their reality in 10 to 50 years will be much different from ours today, and this is why it's significant to listen, learn, share our expertise and cooperate.

We need to address the concerns, ideas, and feelings of today's youth, and respond in a way that allows them to be heard, entices them to be open with their emotions, and inspires them to believe in their intentions. From young children to young adults, we must assist the younger generations in developing tools for diplomatic communication, navigation and assessment of information, cooperation, strategizing, unifying, adapting, taking action, and anything else that can improve their quality of life as a global society. We all have that responsibility and we can all make a difference.

**Put It Into Practice**

There are many resources to help get young minds of any learning level interested in and educated on environmental issues. These are just a few places to begin, as naturally the issues branch out, leading to many other consequential situations that affect all aspects of life as we know it (cultural, social, economic, etc.). They can also be fun summertime activities.

Oxfam education is a website that offers resources for younger ages, like a short climate quiz and many others.

The Environmental Protection Agency's website has a 'Planet Protectors Club' with information and fun activities to help children learn all about environmental issues.

The NOAA website offers a printable activity book as an "introduction to the essential principles of climate science".

NASA's Climate Kids website is a fun and interactive choice for young learners.

Educational charity The Eden Project has a fun website to explore, with a section of interesting science/climate resources for everyone and anyone, and a section with tips/ ways to help fight climate change and biodiversity loss.

WWF has an interactive website section about climate change and one on deforestation. It also provides a carbon footprint calculator questionnaire.

The Alliance for Climate Education website is empowering for older children and teens, with videos and a link to an award-winning video experience called Our Climate, Our Future (you have to sign up for it but an account is probably worth having for other resources).

The Campaign Against Climate Change website has a plethora of information and resources for schools that can really be utilized by anyone. They mention most, if not all, of the resources previously listed here. Taking time to browse this site is highly suggested for all people of all ages!

Here are some ideas on how to involve young people in community organizations.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development offers a lot of research and information regarding current issues and wellbeing of young people across the globe with their Youth Inclusion Project.

Stanford Social Innovation Review did a great series of articles a few years back on "Preparing Today's Youth for Tomorrow's World", there is a lot of great insight from all over the world.

Finally, UNICEF's Voices of Youth website is just one more of a plethora you can find with a simple google search or two (search something like "youth involvement in environmental/social issues"). It's informative, inspirational and encourages action from young people. You can browse articles, poems, artwork, and even submit your own.