TOOLKIT

Role of Youth in the Environmental and Climate Justice
Because the NAACP Youth and College Division represents the fierceness of social justice
movement and acts as the key stakeholders for the future of the planet, the Youth and College
members have a critical role to play in engaging with the Environmental and Climate Justice
Program.
Youth Council and College Chapters
are made up of students who are
concerned, thoughtful citizens, capable
of participating in, and changing the
society of which they are a part; and
they have an important role to play in
addressing and affecting the issues of
our world.
Additionally youth have enthusiasm,
imagination and abundant energy to
undertake local actions, act as effective
communicators in communities, and be
involved in international arenas.
Environmental and Climate Justice is
one area where students can use their
massive numbers, enthusiasm, and
dedication to make sustainable
changes in the local, state, and national arena. As part of this movement, it is important to take
on some guiding principles to help motivate youth through these challenging times. 9
Justice across generations and justice between people of the same generation:
Environmental injustice, including climate change, is disproportionately harming the health
and livelihoods of people living in poverty as well as communities of color. Young people
today, and future generations, have the right to a healthy planet that is free from dangerous
climate change and is maintained through the sustainable use of resources.
Empowering ourselves
The impacts of environmental injustice, and the responsibility for mitigation, will fall largely on
young people, as we inherit the legacies of past generations. Young people need to feel
empowered right now, to take action to influence decisions that will shape our lives.
No decisions about us without us!
As such, youth councils/college chapters need to participate and deliberate with government
officials and on the creation of policies that are going to affect the future. Young people
should be actively involved.
A holistic approach to addressing environmental injustice
This is not just about numbers and targets, but is about people’s lives, communities, and the
places we live in, we need to consider the entire planet and the effects of environmental
injustice on all of us. We are all connected. We are all one.
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