The Climate Change and Water Youth Advisory Group has released its Youth Statement on Climate Adaptation. It shares young people’s perspectives on building a climate-resilient Australia.
The group is made up of 9 young people aged 16 to 25 from across Australia. They provide advice to the department on implementing the National Adaptation Plan. In particular, they advise on climate risks and adaptation challenges affecting young people.
Drawing on members’ lived experiences across Australia, the statement identifies 3 key concerns:
protecting the natural environment
responding to sea-level rise
safeguarding health and wellbeing.
The statement outlines how young people want to contribute to climate adaptation. It calls for:
ongoing and meaningful youth participation
stronger adaptation education and capability
genuine partnership with First Nations peoples.
It is a must read for anyone considering how adaptation decisions affect communities and future generations.
