Younger people - the younger generations - play an important role in UN climate change meetings
Apparently there are 70,000 people at these UN climate change meetings in Dubai. The numbers have not been published, but just walking around the venue offers evidence of younger generations' significangt participation. One can hope that the elders (including my generation, the Baby Boomers) listen to and take seriously the ideas and concerns of young people. Do you think that policy makers are listening to Generations Y, Z, and...? Here is an article for reference.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-67521051
I think that policy makers are starting to listen to younger generations more because they are the future of our world and their ideas will also help shape that world.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a hard call to make. It seems like there aren't many young people who are popular in the climate change field for the right reasons. For example, Greta Thunberg, while being a large outspoken support for climate change reform, has amassed a large public dislike from older and younger generations alike because of how she represents problems associated with climate change, and how she holds herself in general. Additionally, groups like Just Stop Oil, who seem to be primarily comprised of young people, can be a little on the extreme side in terms of how they show their support for climate change reform. To many people, including the older generation, this can and often does look like "pretentious protesting", and I could imagine that pretentious protesting may affect how policy maker's view the significance of the opinions held by the younger generation.
ReplyDeleteWhile I think that policy makers are beginning to listen more to younger generation's climate and policy concerns, I don't think we are moving fast enough to enact new policies or laws in time to mitigate the worst of the climate crisis. It is a hopeful sign that we are starting to see more young people's participation in events such as the UN climate change meeting Dr. Walker is attending. I also found an article posted by the Pew Research Center on how more of Generation Z and Millennials are seen on social media speaking out against such issues. It shows that these people are actually more actively addressing climate change than the older generations--now policy makers just need to listen.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.pewresearch.org/science/2021/05/26/gen-z-millennials-stand-out-for-climate-change-activism-social-media-engagement-with-issue/
The reference` seemed to focus more on the grounds gained with close relatives as opposed to policy makers, which while not mutually exclusive did not seem to be the point. I would say to a degree that policy makers are listening, but it doesn't seem like they're doing much to enact change at this point. Partisanship surely plays a role in this, but this arguement may not stand outside of the US. Are all policymakers able to cause change in their country, due to either poor forms of government or lack of available funds to enact any level of change. Time will tell I think, especially as if they don't with ever aging populations and younger populations engaging in voting more its entirely possible policy makers more concerned with the issue will be voted in and thus attempt to force change.
ReplyDeleteThe younger generations can definitely provide useful insight into climate change, but they may not have the power to directly change policies because people often think that the younger generations are too inexperienced. This causes policymakers to disregard the opinions of the younger generation, even when they will be the ones that will be responsible for the future mitigation of climate change. One example is Greta Thunberg, a young climate change activist who has publicly voiced her opinions on climate change, many of which I agree with. However, many politicians and policymakers of the older generations have expressed a strong dislike towards her and portrayed her as immature and extreme.
ReplyDeleteProfessor Walker, your observation about the significant participation of younger generations at the UN climate change meetings in Dubai is heartening. With an estimated 70,000 people in attendance, the visual evidence of the younger demographic's engagement paints a hopeful picture for the future.
ReplyDeleteYour call for elders, including Baby Boomers, to listen attentively to the ideas and concerns of young people resonates deeply. The urgency of addressing climate change requires intergenerational collaboration, and the perspectives of Generations Y and Z are crucial in shaping effective policies.
I think it becomes increasingly important as time goes by for more young people to be active in the climate change crisis and taking action against it. The younger generation is ultimately the future and we are the ones who will be passed on the torch to carry on the efforts of previous generations. It is exciting to hear the significance in numbers of young participants and I hope that more students in the U.S. can understand the importance of this cause going forward. This is a UN link that tells us why it is important for younger generations to be involved in this cause and 9 steps we can take to begin supporting it. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/youth-in-action
ReplyDeleteI found a research article from 2021 (https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2021/05/26/gen-z-millennials-stand-out-for-climate-change-activism-social-media-engagement-with-issue/) that talks about millennials and gen z's involvement in climate action and discussions around the climate crisis. The article details that 32% of gen z and 28% of millennials had taken one of four actions outlined in the article to raise awareness for the climate crisis. This paper is a bit over two and a half years old, so the percent of these generations not only participating in awareness and support relating to the climate crisis had risen, but also the number of individuals in these generations that have a higher education relating to the climate crisis that will now be taken more seriously.
ReplyDeleteI think that the voices and messages of members of Generations Y and Z can be spread widely through social media, but this does not necessarily translate into real influence and change. I think that most policy makes, for better or for worse, are keenly aware of the constituents that they must please in order to win re-elections and continue to stay in power (or promise to please to win power). However, voter turnout rates increase with age, so younger voters are less likely to vote and thus are less impactful in elections as a result. With lower voter turnout rates in younger generations comes a decreased need for policy makers to meet the demands of those constituents, which I think is the key issue. In order to effect more change from policy makers, Generations Y and Z must not only talk the talk online, but also walk the walk to the ballot box in order to bring about real change.
ReplyDeleteThis article included a bar chart on US voter turnout rates by age that highlighted the large differences in voter turnout rates between age groups.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/new-voter-turnout-data-from-2022-shows-some-surprises-including-lower-turnout-for-youth-women-and-black-americans-in-some-states/
I think that it is crucial that policy makers listen to the younger generation as we are the future, but often times I feel the younger generation's voice seems to be dismissed by the older generation because of the little experience we have in the real world and especially because of our age. Though these are valid concerns from the perspective of policy makers, the perspectives of generations Z and Y can provide much needed insight on issues that may be overlooked by the older generation. I believe that policy makers are now beginning to give their attention to the younger generations voice but it surely isn't enough to where change is happening. This can be discouraging for the younger generation as we don't feel like we don't have any power or a voice in our future, however, I feel that it actually encourages us to become even more active and continue to push for productive movements that address climate change issues. This article that I found on PewResearch.Org excitingly supports my belief that climate change activism continues to increase, despite the challenges placed upon us by the older generation of policy and law makers: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2021/05/26/gen-z-millennials-stand-out-for-climate-change-activism-social-media-engagement-with-issue/
ReplyDeleteI like to think that older generations are listening, but it seems like only a select few Baby Boomers care about the future of the Earth. This is very pessimistic but it seems like older generations see issues that are arising now and evident to arise in the future, as not their problem. It is hard for old people who are selfish to care about the fact that they are destroying the Earth for future generations.
ReplyDeleteI think that in the past, the younger generations have definitely struggled to make an impact on policy making around the world. Most of the wealth and power in society is still held by the older generations. Recently however, as more Baby Boomers retire and people from Generation Z grow into voting age, our political impact is starting to make waves and policy makers have turned their attention towards the issues that we care about, such as climate change. I think climate change is a very important issue for Generations Y and Z because we (and especially are children) are going to live long enough to see all of the ramifications of climate change play out on our lives. I do hope however that the activism and passion of the younger generations can inspire Baby Boomers and Generation X to stand by our side in calling out the societal and environmental justices that have been allowed to stand for too long.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly feels like the older generation hasn't been listening to the younger generations, but maybe they finally are. I remember hearing about the protests from the Just Stop Oil group, and seeing those made me wonder how older generations saw these protests. From throwing soup on paintings to obstructing traffic, I can see how this might antagonize older generations into thinking that the younger generation is just protesting to cause a mess and mayhem. To some this seems to be an extreme form of protesting, while to others it is simply what needs to be done to try and curtail the use of fossil fuels.
ReplyDeleteHere's an article about Just Stop Oil and how it uses civil resistance to fight climate change.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63543307
It doesn't really feel like policy makers are listening to the younger generations about Climate Change. I personally haven't seen many advocates for climate change that are below the age of 25. You would think that there would be more advocates for preventing climate change, especially considering that according to a study done by The Conversation, 75% of young people had concern about climate change. I also believe that it is a necessity for younger people to have a word in climate change, as new perspectives can cause innovation and many solutions to problems. So, although the policy makers aren't listening or working with younger people, I believe that it is crucial to the solvency of this global problem.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youthunstoppable.com/
ReplyDeleteRaising awareness of the need to address climate change and its possible effects on future generations has been made possible in large part by the engagement of young people in climate action. Although there has been a discernible movement in the recognition of the significance of youth viewpoints in climate debates, there are differences in the degree to which decision-makers are actively considering and incorporating these voices into their judgments. Given that younger people will be most impacted by the long-term effects of climate change, several policymakers are aware of the influence and fervor of this generation. Nonetheless, there are still difficulties in converting young activism into effective global policy initiatives.
A increasing worldwide awareness of the urgency surrounding the climate catastrophe is reflected in the strong 70,000-person turnout, including a noticeable representation of younger generations, at the UN climate change conference in Dubai. It is imperative that Baby Boomers and other officials actively listen to and take into account the opinions and concerns of Generations Y and Z. Having intergenerational conversations is crucial to creating climate policies that are both sustainable and successful. The involvement of younger voices highlights the urgency of taking urgent action to solve the climate crisis and move toward a more sustainable future. The essay emphasizes how important it is to incorporate a range of viewpoints in order to develop comprehensive and effective climate solutions.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think youth involvement has helped the climate crisis gain more exposure. Generally I think older generations listen less to the youth based on the presumption the youth lack expertise, but I think the attention youth have garnered has forced policy makers to listen. The first example that comes to mind when I think of youth involved in climate action would be Greta Thunberg. The protests Greta held and the worldwide recognition she gained are testament to the power of the youth in climate action. Although, it was discouraging to see how world leaders such as Donald Trump sought to belittle Greta, I do think older generations will see the importance of listening to the youth based off of how much attention they are about to attract. This article summarizes the activities of Greta Thunberg: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49918719.
ReplyDeleteWhile I believe that it is important to listen to the younger generation given we arethe ones who will be left with the world, I certainly believe that the older generation isnt listening to the younger generation enough. While some of the older generation are listening to the younger generation its still not enough, and we need more people to listen. I think its about time that policy makers started listening and acting on what the younger generation has to say.
ReplyDeleteI think that policy makers in the US listen to younger generations, but they do not take any meaningful action. Some politicians will campaign on promises of passing legislation that will help with climate crisis-related issues, and once they get voted in, they do nothing to fulfill those promises, or they even make decisions that go against their promises. If there are politicians who want to make meaningful change, there aren’t enough of them to pass anything, and they are often branded as being “radical.” I believe the only way for us to move toward policies to mitigate the climate crisis is to get younger, more scientifically informed people in office rather than incumbents who have huge campaign funds that get reelected year after year. Another thing to note is that even if the US took large steps towards this goal in terms of legislation, this doesn’t account for the rest of the world. In order for us to make change, we must join together as citizens of the Earth rather than of our individual countries.
ReplyDeleteAs the younger generation starts getting old enough to vote, their opinions will start mattering more to policy makers. However, even then they are underreppresented due to both the difference in voting rates between them and older genrations like boomers, as well as due to generational size differences. The "boomer" generation is overrepresented simply because there are disproportionally more of there generation then there usually would, leading to a push towards policies that benefit them, such as medicare, over other initiatives that have long term impact, such as climate change.
ReplyDeleteBecause younger people are going to be most effected by climate change they are most vocal and supportive of change, so I think that if enough pressure builds they will eventually gain enough momentum to change policy. And this generation will soon start being elected as leaders of nations, seeing how supportive we are I think we can get older generations to take things more seriously.
ReplyDeleteI find the efforts of young activists around the world to change the minds of climate skeptics incredibly inspiring and essential. By confronting falsehoods with facts and demonstrating how climate change affects their communities, young activists are effectively challenging skepticism and promoting awareness. Especially due to familiarity, older generations are skeptical to new changes in how they live, similar to how slow my dad adapts to iPhones, many have trouble opening up to new ideas. The change is that with growing up to everything new, younger generations will continue to promote change and help inspire new paths to save the dying earth.
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