Activism is when people take action to bring about social, political, or environmental change. As young people, you have a powerful voice and can make a big difference in your community and the world. Activism can take many forms, from raising awareness and educating others to taking part in protests or campaigns. One of the most important issues today is climate change, and young people across the world are leading the fight to protect the planet.
Climate change refers to the long-term changes in temperature, weather patterns, and environmental conditions caused by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. This leads to global warming, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves. These changes can harm wildlife, damage ecosystems, and make life harder for people around the world.
Young people around the world are already making a huge impact on the climate change movement. People like Greta Thunberg, the founder of the global youth climate strike movement, have shown that young voices matter. Activists use social media, protests, and campaigns to bring attention to the issue, showing that age doesn’t limit your ability to create change.
Climate change can feel overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel anxious or worried about the future. This feeling is often called "climate anxiety," and it can happen when we think about the large-scale problems facing the planet. If you’re feeling this way, it’s important to talk to someone you trust, like a teacher or family member, and remember that small actions add up. You’re not alone, and together we can make a difference.
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Fridays for Future: Join the global youth movement for climate action. Home – Fridays for Future.
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Friends of the Earth: Find out how to take action locally to help the environment. Home – Friends of the Earth.
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WWF: Learn more about climate change and what you can do to help. Climate change – WWF.
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You can find support for managing climate anxiety on the Friends of the Earth website. Eco-anxiety – Friends of the Earth.
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YoungMinds also offers support for managing anxiety, including climate anxiety. Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders – YoungMinds.