Young People & Climate Change

Today’s young people will have to deal with the impacts of a changing climate in the future.

Over the past 40 years we have seen first-hand the hugely positive impact they can have on where they live. Groundwork teams work with young people up and down the country, supporting them to develop the tools they need to be heard on issues that impact them and their local community.

But young people’s influence is not confined to their local area. From one girl sitting outside the parliament in Stockholm, the school climate strike has become a global phenomenon with more than 71 countries taking part. Young people have made their voices heard very powerfully but now need to be supported to act and have a greater say in how decisions are made.

We work to give young people the support they need to lead their own campaigns on issues that matter to them, whether that’s a threat to their local park or a threat to the global environment. Strong, sustainable communities are built on the words and actions of all age groups and we are committed to supporting young people to become advocates for change in their community while building the confidence, knowledge, and skills that lead to positive social action.

These commitments are reflected in our Hear By Right accreditation, which recognises our dedication to youth participation and promoting youth voice. Since 2018, Groundwork has drawn on the creativity and vision of a Youth Advisory Board, made up of 16 to 24 year olds drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, who advise on our approach to business planning, fundraising and campaign development.