The young and the bold - Supporting our youth taking on climate change
Written by Sophia Whitaker
This isn’t a coming-of-age novel but if there were a story about humanity’s fight against climate change, young adults would still be the main characters. Although not the first to do it, Greta Thunberg’s famous Fridays for Future strikes catalyzed a global movement that has put young people fighting for their future in the headlines – inspiring many more to do the same even here in Virginia.
With climate change’s threat to our future becoming ever apparent, young Americans’ attitudes on climate change and climate action are shifting. Research by George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communication (4C) shows in the past decade Americans aged 18-34 years have grown more concerned about climate change and more readily support climate action. Not only has support within the age group increased over recent years, but young Americans now hold the strongest beliefs and show the strongest support for action than any other age group.
Look out into a crowd of climate activists and it will be of no surprise that 4C also found members of the Millennial and Gen Z generations are more likely to support organizations who engage in non-violent civil disobedience in support of climate action or even engage in it themselves. This civil disobedience has taken many forms over the years and, while sometimes controversial, it displays the passion many young adults share for people and planet.
Data from 4C research displaying the change in climate change attitudes and support since 2012. Source: 4C
Data visualization from 4C showing younger generations support for organizations engaging in non-violent civil disobedience for climate action. Source: 4C
Virginia’s youth is just as determined to make a difference right here in our communities. Youth led organizations such as the Virginia Youth Climate Coalition have been popping up across the Commonwealth demanding decision makers take climate action seriously. In 2022, 13 young Virginians filed a lawsuit arguing their constitutional right to a fossil fuel-free Virginia safe from the worsening impacts of climate change. Whether this case will be as successful as the recent lawsuit in Montana is still to be determined, yet one thing that is for sure is the commitment of Virginia’s youth.
The Virginia Climate Center is well acquainted with the upcoming generations’ ability to cultivate a resiliency-minded Commonwealth. In an effort to support our youth and capture their unique perspectives, the VCC is sponsoring a photo competition in which, starting September 1st, high school and college students residing in Virginia can submit their photographs depicting climate impacts and solutions in their communities. With this, students have an opportunity to place seemingly distant issues into viewers’ very own backyards, making a difference through education and the art of visual storytelling. More details on the photo competition can be found on the VCC website or send us your questions at vaclim@gmu.edu.
Author
Sophia Whitaker
Sophia is Communications Manager and Research Scientist for the Virginia Climate Center at George Mason University.
