Overlooked No More: Empowering Youth Voices in Global Climate-Change Negotiations

Abstract

Youth participation in climate change negotiations has increased over the last decade; however, youth voices are still underrepresented. The diversity of youth activists in the Americas and the sheer number of youth-led organizations belies any stereotypes about disinterested youth. Youth care about both the present and the future of our planet; are organizing; and have many voices. Yet, there are currently weak institutional mechanisms to integrate these voices into climate negotiations beyond showcasing experiences. Youth must be included in collaborative and transdisciplinary ways. We recommend opportunities that have had success in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), which help youth to engage in discussions with policymakers to inform climate negotiations. These recommendations include the following: 1) institutionalizing formal national and regional youth councils and committees to strengthen collaboration between young people and decision-makers; 2) creating and expanding training programs for youth on climate negotiations; 3) using science diplomacy as a key tool to enhance science-based, relevant, and collaborative efforts for youth engagement; and 4) developing strategies to navigate the diversity of expertise, scientific knowledge, and inclusion of youth to address equitable climate solutions.