Let’s hear it from the kids!

When it comes to tackling environmental issues, kids are innovative, creative, intuitive and passionate; all qualities that offer hope for a greener future. 

“What gives me hope are young people: They know it and they call it.”

- Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and

Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme.

However, often young people are not given the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to serious issues in environmental action, which is a disservice to them – and the planet.

In a 2023 UNICEF poll, over 60% of young people believe that their contribution can make a difference to climate policies in their country. Every day, more young people are discovering the planet’s predicament and are increasingly concerned and anxious about their future. One in four young people aged 15-19 report being ‘very’ or ‘extremely concerned’, and many Australian kids are highly concerned about these issues, yet they often feel powerless, their voices ignored, and their contributions lacking support.

How can we elevate the voices of young people?

Conversations about environmental issues largely exclude children. Research about young people and their attitudes about climate change is still a new and growing field. So now is the time to invite discussion with young people. Let’s answer their questions, however tough they may be.

These conversations may be difficult, and they may be emotional – for both children and adults! If you, as an adult, feel anxious thinking about the future, there are resources available to lend a hand in navigating these conversations and getting into action. Read on for some handy tips.

Do we need to separate facts and feelings?

It’s a dominant Western idea that facts and feelings are to be kept separate. However, emerging research encourages a “post-dualist lens," one that accepts and embraces that our emotions and reason are intertwined.

In short? Children can be anxious, worried and deeply concerned about the planet, while also needing and deserving of information and truth.

Empowering children and young people to take action against environmental issues is important, as it gives them a sense of value, social inclusion and hope. It teaches them that their actions – big and small – truly matter! 

Getting kids involved in change – where to start?

• Get involved in a local Clean Up Australia Day at school, with your family, or within your community. It is easy to start one if you want! (It doesn’t have to be on Clean Up Australia Day – any day is OK, the planet isn’t fussy.) Doing a Clean Up is an antidote to ecoanxiety and offers a practical way to make a difference – conserving biodiversity and protecting vulnerable wildlife.
• Young people are already at the frontline of change, participating in local, national and international projects. Find some super cool role models for your kids.
• Practice the Rs of Sustainability: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, Rethink and Repair.
• Join the fight against plastic! Check out 101 small steps to reducing plastic in your life.
• Get sustainable at school!
• Embrace a passion. Find out what concerns a young person has and move down that path. There are so many amazing environmental groups across Australia – probably some in your very own town!

“The change that we need is not going to come from a politician... It's going to come from

something that's always been the driver of change – people power, power of young people.”

-         Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, an environmental activist from the age of 6.

 Helpful Resources

• ABC Kids, ‘Sustainability and Nature’
• Australian Psychological Society, ‘How to talk to children about climate change: A hands-on toolkit for parents and caregivers’.
• Fridays for Future
• National Geographic Kids, ‘How to save the planet: a kids’ guide’ 



By Madeleine Coyle