3 Young activists

Whatever your sector and the age of your students, exploring youth activism is an important aspect of teaching addressing the climate emergency, with the power to inform, inspire and offer examples of specific strategies.

Figure 7 Activists from the Climate Reparations Bloc and Defund Climate Chaos prepare for a march

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This is a photograph of a young Black woman speaking into a megaphone at a march.

Figure 7 Activists from the Climate Reparations Bloc and Defund Climate Chaos prepare for a march

Youth activism can be conducted by individuals acting independently or as part of broader youth activism programmes. Unlike traditional citizenship lessons in schools and out-of school youth programmes, which are focused on educating young people and supporting them within their lives, youth activism programmes encourage young people to challenge the structural oppressions harming them and their communities (Carey et al., 2021).