Young people are emerging as a driving force in addressing some of the world’s pressing challenges, including climate emergencies.
Among these inspiring individuals are Mathare youth-led organisations and networks who are creating solutions to advance sustainable development and tackle climate emergencies, including El Nino.
The just-released research published in the University of Ottawa Journal on City Development: Issues and Best Practices, titled: Youth-led response to climate emergencies in informal settlements, a case study of Mathare, one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya, shows how young people, at the height of torrential rains intensified by El Nino in 2024, provided immediate support and spearheaded short- and long-term recovery initiatives.
In particular, the youth were able to help with the provision of food, housing and clothes, and longer-term responses such as creating a public park on a former dumpsite to enhance long-term resilience.
The lessons from Mathare’s youth-led flood response crystallise into a model characterised by community ownership, youth leadership, inclusive participation, partnership, communication, livelihood support and a vision for long-term resilience.
Importantly, this approach transforms how we view youth in crises-from passive victims or mere volunteers to central protagonists of change.
Question
When flood, pandemic, or any emergency hits a community, the question should be: ‘What do young people in that community need to effectively lead the response, and how can we support them?
By answering that, we align with the spirit of resilience and self-determination that the Mathare’s youth exemplified.
As Samed Ağırbaş, COP31 Climate High-Level Champion, recently remarked, young people and women are already among the most powerful drivers of climate action.
Their participation must go beyond symbolic inclusion and extend to shaping decisions and leading implementation.
Make no mistake, empowering young people as key agents in addressing climate change crises constructively is essential to enhance the reduction of climate change-induced disasters and prevent threats and risks.
Notably, young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are powerful agents of change today.
With their passion, creativity, and energy, the youth have the capacity to influence public opinion, push for policy reforms, and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.
They are harnessing the power of social media and technology to raise awareness and mobilise communities on an unprecedented scale.
Moreover, youth-led movements have shown that collective action can ignite real progress.
From organising climate strikes to advocating renewable energy and conservation efforts, the commitment of young individuals inspires governments and corporations to prioritise environmental responsibility.
Through innovation and education, the youth are developing new solutions to reduce carbon footprints and promote a greener future.
No doubt, combating climate change requires the combined efforts of all generations, but the dynamism and vision of youth are vital in steering the world towards sustainability.
By empowering young people and involving them in decision-making processes, we can ensure a healthier planet for generations to come.
Despite the fact that climate crises profoundly affect the lives and prospects of the youth, it is crucial to move beyond viewing young people only as vulnerable to a warming world to recognise their pivotal roles as leaders in tackling climate change and emergencies.
Ultimately, it is important to support and encourage the youth in their critical role in tackling climate change and emergencies, including severe flooding.
The writer is a public policy analyst.
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