Author: Mary Eastham and Beth Lew 

What better way to celebrate International Youth Day on 12 August than a Climate Clarity Youth Forum! 

 About 40 youth representing 8 schools had a great day last week at the Palmerston North Leisure Centre. The 8 schools from the Manawatū region included Rangitikei College, Feilding High, Tararua College, Horowhenua College, St Peter’s College, Freyberg High, Palmerston North Girls High and Manukura as well as one homeschool student. 

The purpose was not just to give good scientific information but to inspire hope that young people can learn to work together to build communities of resilience.  The youth engaged in lively group discussion answering questions the speakers themselves provided. The students and their teachers had the privilege of learning from four of the best scholars and activists in the country about what the climate crisis is all about.

The all star panel of speakers included Emeritus Professor Ralph Sims from Massey University who gave a rather stark analysis of the science of climate change, but also suggested 12 ways that citizens can help to mitigate the effects of global warming,  Dr Alex Macmillan from Otago University  shared her research about the effects of global warming on the health and wellbeing of people. She pointed out that anxiety and depression among young people have increased, but she also suggested ways that youth can be empowered to overcome these trends.  We’re all in this together.  The very process of coming together for conferences and discussion is a powerful way that young people can alleviate the very real presence of eco-anxiety for some.  

Presentations from Professor David Tombs from Otago’s Centre of Theology and Public Issues and   Kāpiti Coast District Councillor Sophie Handford shifted the tone to positive community efforts taking place right now to raise awareness about climate change and catalyse commitment to action. David Tombs talked about the powerful effect of various faith groups who were putting into practice their own beliefs about the stewardship of the planet. From KCD Councillor Sophie Handford came the utterly inspirational message of gratitude even for the smallest steps taken for climate justice especially when those steps lead to greater understanding and assistance to others. She stressed that taking care of the environment was the same thing as taking care of  humanity. In other words, climate action leads to climate justice. 

 PN City Councillor Kaydee Zabelin was also on hand to talk about how youth can let their local government know what kind of changes they want to see. Andrew Watts from Horizons Regional Council shared information about how youth can apply for funds for local environmental projects.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the speakers and came away from the event feeling empowered."  

"I think the interactive aspect of the forum was really cool. I was able to have conversations with people from different schools."  

"I loved being able to meet new people with similar concerns and getting to hear about what I can do to keep our planet thriving." 

"I liked hearing from PNCC and Horizons Regional Council speak in person about what youth can do and what they can do to help us."