Youth for nature: How the next generation can lead the charge for biodiversity and climate action

These crises of biodiversity and climate change are closely interconnected. When we lose animal and plant species—and disrupt the delicate balance of global ecosystems—we accelerate climate change. Rising temperatures then further impact habitats, making it more difficult for animal and plant species to find food, reproduce, and maintain their genetic diversity.

To face these crises, we need fast and far-reaching solutions. Not only are younger generations most at risk from future changes in the climate, but today’s youth are also uniquely positioned to lead the way for climate and conservation action.

Why climate and conservation action needs young people

• Stakeholders in the future: Young people will be disproportionately affected by the decisions we make about nature and the climate today. They have a vested interest in ensuring sustainable outcomes—and are inclined to think about the long-term effects of policies and actions because they’ll be the ones living with that impact. We need to listen to young voices when making decisions about nature and the climate.
• Intergenerational collaboration: We’re stronger when we work together—and youth input complements the experience and expertise of older generations. This supports the development of stronger, more holistic climate solutions.
• Passion for wildlife and the environment: Young people tend to be highly motivated, energetic, and willing to push boundaries for systemic change. Many young people hold a strong passion for wildlife and environmental issues, especially as climate change and biodiversity loss threaten their futures. 
• Digitally savvy: Young people excel at leveraging technology and social media to amplify environmental awareness and mobilise global action.
• Social justice: Many young people are interested in fighting for social justice, which goes hand-in-hand with climate and environmental issues. 
  

The power of young voices

Younger generations are already proving their ability to drive environmental movements and make real change within their communities and beyond. Here are just some of the things young people are doing to fight for a greener future.

Fridays for Future

In 2018, at the age of 15, Greta Thunberg held the first ‘School Strike for Climate’ outside the Swedish parliament. Her actions drew the attention of the world’s press and soon hundreds of thousands of young people around the world joined her. They refused to attend school on Fridays and instead, marched in protest to demand that politicians take climate action. 

She has also addressed politicians at events like the UN climate action summit in New York. Since leaving school, she continues to take part in environmental protests around the world.

Greta Thunberg has done an excellent job of raising public awareness of climate change and giving young people across the world a voice. This ‘Greta effect’ has encouraged many more young people to add their voices to the fight.

Youth-led campaigns and organisations

Via countless climate organizations across the world, young people are making their voices heard at local, national, and global levels. Some of the biggest youth organisations include Earth Uprising, Youth4Nature, and the UN’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.

These groups send youth delegations to events like Climate COPs where they can help shape the global movement for climate action. They’re launching pilot programmes to test out climate solutions in addition to lobbying politicians, educating the public, and designing community-based climate projects.

Inspiring environmental action through social media

By spreading awareness on social media, young people are helping educate and inspire the public on environmental issues. Here are just a few of the people leading the way.

Xiye Bastida

Xiye Bastida (@xiyebeara on Instagram) is a 22-year-old climate justice activist, Indigenous rights advocate, and storyteller. She previously organised with Fridays For Future and now has founded the Re-Earth Initiative, an international youth-led organisation that supports youth in 27 countries. In 2020, Xiye hosted a TED Talk titled, ‘If you adults won’t save the world, we will’, emphasising the power of youth movements in the fight to protect the planet. Xiye also narrated the 2024 film Way of the Whale, which documented the connection between humans and whales on the coast of Baja California, Mexico.

Christopher Griffin

Known online as Plant Kween, Christopher Griffin is a Brooklyn, New York-based influencer and author of You Grow, Gurl!—a guide to becoming a plant parent. They combine their love of nature, fashion, travel, and education into one mission on their Instagram account, @plantkween. Christopher started their account to share their love for the wonders of plants and the lessons they’ve learned from growing a plant family. They also help engage their thriving community with environmental issues, inspiring people to reconnect with nature and live more sustainably.

How you can lead the charge for biodiversity and climate action

Inspired by the examples above? There’s so much you can do as a young person to support biodiversity and climate action.

• Educate: One of the best ways to support climate action is by learning more about the issues that impact our planet and sharing what you know with others. 
• Volunteer: Volunteering with a conservation, animal rescue, or climate action organisation is a great way to get involved in a hands-on way. Maybe you’d be particularly interested in tree planting, wildlife monitoring, or a habitat restoration project in your area.
• Advocate: Many groups are dedicated to lobbying politicians on climate- and biodiversity-related issues, and some are even youth-run or youth-focused. By urging your leaders to support nature- and wildlife-friendly policies, you can help make a difference for the planet. Check out IFAW’s ways to get involved.
• Fundraise: Hosting fundraisers is a great way to support causes you care about. One way you can set up a fundraiser is through Tiltify, which helps you collect donations from your viewers while livestreaming.
• Inspire change: There are so many ways you can make small changes in your everyday life to benefit wildlife and the planet—and by doing so, you can inspire your family and friends to live greener lives, too. Learn more about how you can help endangered species or how you can protect the ocean.

2025 World Wildlife Day (WWD) International Youth Art Contest

World Wildlife Day is celebrated on 3 March every year. To commemorate this special day, IFAW is hosting our annual World Wildlife Day Youth Art Contest.

This contest, held in partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is open to young artists aged 4 to 18.