Young people must be involved in shaping environmental policies, given access to funding, and supported so that their movements can reach wider audiences. Intergenerational collaboration will make efforts to preserve nature stronger and more sustainable.
Our planet is facing a major crisis. Climate change, air pollution, deforestation, and plastic waste are no longer distant concerns—they are realities affecting our lives today. Amid this alarming situation, young people are emerging as a new source of hope. They are not merely the heirs of the future but agents of change, capable of generating fresh ideas, boundless energy, and the courage to act for the sake of the environment.
The Rise of Green Awareness Among Youth
Awareness of environmental issues among young people is growing rapidly. Many now realize that environmental problems are not distant threats but urgent challenges that affect daily life—from floods, droughts, and extreme weather to declining air quality.
From this awareness, numerous youth-led movements have sprung up, often starting from simple actions: reducing single-use plastics, using public transportation, saving energy, or choosing eco-friendly products.
Yet awareness alone is not enough. Young people are showing they are ready to take action. Across Indonesia and beyond, youth communities organize river and beach clean-ups, tree-planting programs, and community waste banks to manage household waste. These activities may seem small, but when done collectively, they create a profound impact.
Moreover, young people have the digital skills to amplify their influence. Through videos, online petitions, and hashtag-driven campaigns, environmental messages spread rapidly and inspire others to join.
Challenges and Hopes for the Future
However, the path for young environmentalists is not always smooth. Many creative ideas are hindered by a lack of funding, facilities, or space for participation. Too often, their voices are ignored in decision-making forums that will shape their own future. As a result, many green initiatives remain small and struggle to scale up.
This is why collaboration is crucial. Support from governments, environmental organizations, and the wider public is essential. Young people must be included in policy-making processes, granted access to financial resources, and provided with platforms to expand their initiatives. Intergenerational collaboration—where experience meets innovation—will strengthen and sustain the collective effort to protect the planet.
The hope for a greener future lies in the hands of young people. They have shown that protecting the environment is not just talk—it is action. With their spirit, creativity, and cooperation, young people can become the driving force of change.
Ultimately, the Earth we care for today is the legacy we leave for future generations. And at the frontlines of that struggle, young people stand as the guardians of our planet’s future.
Author: Mohammad R., Gemawan Activist
Source: Ravindra Kumari & Nikita Thakur, Role of Youth in Environmental Preservation, International Journal of Advance and Applied Research, 2023