Empowering Youth as Climate Change Catalysts: Education and Technology for Resilience

Innovation Showcase
Katleho Mojakisane  

In the face of climate change, young people in underserved regions are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and resource scarcity, yet their potential as catalysts for transformative action remains largely untapped. This presentation explores how youth in the Global South can be empowered to build climate resilience through education and technology. Focusing on "Considering Capacity Building" and "Adaptation and Resilience," the discussion introduces innovative strategies for equipping young people in rural and marginalized communities to address local climate challenges. Drawing from Tangelic’s work in fostering equitable clean energy access, the presentation offers insights into empowering youth as agents of systemic change. Key focus areas include: Building Local Capacity for Resilience: Designing educational frameworks tailored to equip youth with practical knowledge and skills for mitigating climate impacts. Technology-Driven Solutions: Introducing tools like mobile apps, solar-powered learning hubs, and community data platforms to enable scalable, localized solutions. Youth as Changemakers: Sharing real-world examples of youth-led initiatives that address energy inequities, promote sustainable agriculture, and enhance climate literacy. Fostering Solidarity: Strengthening grassroots networks to connect local actions with global climate movements, amplifying young voices in international climate policy. This presentation aims to inspire collaboration among educators, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations, fostering prioritization of youth-focused climate action. By framing young people as both stewards of their environment and innovators of scalable solutions, it advocates for addressing systemic inequities and fostering shared responsibility in the global climate response