Ignite post-COP26 debate and action with our climate resource
In the aftermath of COP26, new research reveals that many young people have been left more disillusioned than ever by the climate debate, but you can help them feel inspired, involved and empowered again…
Recent research reveals that over half of 16-24 year olds feel excluded from the current climate debate, with nearly two thirds (62%) frustrated at not being heard[i]. So how can you re-engage and empower this group to feel that they can make a difference?
Our series of Role Models resources invites role models - young people aged 18 +, studying at colleges and universities across Sussex - to share their insights, learning and advice on a wide variety of issues facing young people today, from Gender & Sexuality to Fake News and worries around Failure.
One of our most recent Role Models resources poses the question: “What can we do about the Climate Emergency?”. If you’re looking for a way to inspire young people around this pressing and complex issue, it’s a great, accessible place to start, with the handbook providing:
- Honest accounts from young people around the emotions the emergency can create, from fear and guilt through to anger
- Young people’s accounts of the simple lifestyle changes they’ve made to make a difference, from buying more second hand clothes, to walking more or eating less meat
- A useful overview of common terminology associated with the issue from biofuel to mitigation
- Quotes from environmental campaigners to inspire classroom debates
- Signposts to further information to explore, from YouTube videos on ethical fashion, to articles on young activists and information on local groups to support and join
Each workbook comes with a range of activities and exercises to try, while the dedicated Teachers’ workbook looks at curriculum links and potential classroom activities, so there are plenty of ways to get young people – disillusioned by talk – actively involved in the debate and inspired about the positive difference they can make.
Explore or download our free Climate Emergency resources here to inspire a debate that might just inspire hundreds more…
[i] Virgin Media 02 research conducted with Podcast Chattin’ S***, as reported in Metro on 15th November 2021)