We know that young people are the future. We also know that young people will bear the greatest burden of climate change.
While both statements are undeniably true, it is unclear what young people want adults to do to prevent this. Maybe it's because we don't listen.
If we listen, we will find that young people are convinced that today's leadership is not responsibly solving problems.
In an effort to learn more from students, the International Baccalaureate took a first step late last year by conducting extensive student listening training.
And we learned a lot.
The perspectives students share reflect what is most important to them, undimmed by modern adulthood. If we listen, we can properly prepare for the challenges of the future and develop solutions that help our communities and planet thrive.
important exercise
IB asked more than 10,000 registered students from around the world to answer questions about the biggest issues facing our world, including climate change, mental health and artificial intelligence (AI). Their response highlighted the urgent need for today's leaders to take greater action.
A crucial trend among IB students surveyed in the UK is that only 22% believe their voices are being heard, especially those on climate change.
We must give our full attention to young people who open their hearts and demand change.
Today's young people understand and accept that behavior modification is an essential response to the environmental crisis. They want their leaders to do the same. We work harder to change our behavior as individuals and the laws that guide us and find solutions.
73% of UK students believe humans have the ability to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. However, only 54% are confident that today's adults will do so. Although students believe that those who rule the world are failing, they are surprisingly optimistic about humanity's potential for action.
That optimism must and will guide the way forward.
Activation through education
To be optimistic, today's students must understand the challenges they face.
More than half (55%) of IB student respondents said they would like to receive more education about the climate emergency. They understand that their work at school impacts their ability to act with skill and resilience as stewards of the Earth.
In a separate study, UNESCO Youth demand for quality climate change education By 2022, 70% of students worldwide reported being unable to adequately explain climate change.
It is not ignorance that keeps them hopeful despite their shortcomings. Young people understand that complex systemic change is needed if we are to secure a safer, more equitable and sustainable world. It’s our job to help them discover and build that change.
Their minds will be more open and less rigid, allowing them to understand the many complex factors that cause and result from climate change. They deserve a rigorous multidisciplinary and intercultural education system to find solutions to this global crisis.
Too often, current leaders fail to prepare future generations. Please don't let us do that.
Action is essential
If we overlook the voices of young people, we do a disservice to the leaders of tomorrow.
At a time when an existential crisis is looming for all of humanity, the voices of young people around the world are louder and more necessary than ever.
Despite more than a decade since activists like Greta Thunberg have been leading the movement to elevate youth voices, student voices remain largely unheard. But they are crying out to be heard. Because they know as well as we do that they will suffer if nothing changes.
That is why they are often the most motivating for action.
To solve the climate crisis, we need to hear the voices of students about their concerns and solutions and ensure that all young people have access to an education that prepares them for the future.
They are eager to learn and act. We must start by listening.