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Youth Engagement in Climate Change Action: Case Study on Indigenous Youth at COP24

Author

Listed:
  • Makenzie MacKay

    (Department of Resource Economics & Environmental Sociology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada)

  • Brenda Parlee

    (Department of Resource Economics & Environmental Sociology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada)

  • Carrie Karsgaard

    (Department of Educational Policy Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5, Canada)

Abstract

While there are many studies about the environmental impacts of climate change in the Canadian north, the role of Indigenous youth in climate governance has been a lesser focus of inquiry. A popularized assumption in some literature is that youth have little to contribute to discussions on climate change and other aspects of land and resource management; such downplay of youth expertise and engagement may be contributing to climate anxiety (e.g., feelings of hopelessness), particularly in remote communities. Creating opportunities for youth to have a voice in global forums such as the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP24) on Climate Change may offset such anxiety. Building on previous research related to climate action, and the well-being of Indigenous youth, this paper shares the outcomes of research with Indigenous youth (along with family and teachers) from the Mackenzie River Basin who attended COP24 to determine the value of their experience. Key questions guiding these interviews included: How did youth impact others? and How did youth benefit from the experience? Key insights related to the value of a global experience; multiple youth presentations at COP24 were heard by hundreds of people who sought to learn more from youth about their experience of climate change. Additional insights were gathered about the importance of family and community (i.e., webs of support); social networks were seen as key to the success of youth who participated in the event and contributed to youth learning and leadership development.

Suggested Citation

  • Makenzie MacKay & Brenda Parlee & Carrie Karsgaard, 2020. "Youth Engagement in Climate Change Action: Case Study on Indigenous Youth at COP24," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:16:p:6299-:d:394702
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Brenda Parlee & Henry Huntington & Fikret Berkes & Trevor Lantz & Leon Andrew & Joseph Tsannie & Cleo Reece & Corinne Porter & Vera Nicholson & Sharon Peter & Deb Simmons & Herman Michell & Melody Lep, 2021. "One-Size Does Not Fit All—A Networked Approach to Community-Based Monitoring in Large River Basins," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-30, July.
    2. Galway, Lindsay P. & Esquega, Elizabeth & Jones-Casey, Kelsey, 2022. "“Land is everything, land is us”: Exploring the connections between climate change, land, and health in Fort William First Nation," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 294(C).
    3. Robert P. Shepherd & Treena R. Orchard, 2022. "“We Cause a Ruckus”: Exploring How Indigenous Youth Navigate the Challenges of Community Engagement and Leadership," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-16, August.
    4. Harriet Thew & Lucie Middlemiss & Jouni Paavola, 2022. "“You Need a Month’s Holiday Just to Get over It!” Exploring Young People’s Lived Experiences of the UN Climate Change Negotiations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-21, April.
    5. Eileen G. Merritt & Jennifer J. Brousseau & Marc J. Stern & Lara J. Hansen, 2022. "Walking the Walk toward Increasing Access and Reducing Emissions: The Promise and Challenges of Virtual Climate Adaptation Convenings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-22, October.
    6. Madeleine Hohenhaus & Jennifer Boddy & Shannon Rutherford & Anne Roiko & Natasha Hennessey, 2023. "Engaging Young People in Climate Change Action: A Scoping Review of Sustainability Programs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, February.
    7. Amandine J. Orsini & Yi Hyun Kang, 2023. "European Leadership and European Youth in the Climate Change Regime Complex," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 11(2), pages 84-96.

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