Youth Engagement in Solar Geoengineering
Young people today will shape the climate decisions of tomorrow – as policymakers, scientists, decision makers, voters and citizens at large well equipped to make informed decisions. Ensuring they have access to balanced, evidence–based information on solar geoengineering is a necessary first step in supporting informed, inclusive governance. In the words of UNESCO, “climate change education helps people understand and address the impacts of the climate crisis, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to act as agents of change.” The same holds true for solar geoengineering.
Intergenerational climate justice
The climate crisis is already having profound impacts on young people’s health, livelihoods, and futures. UNICEF has defined the climate crisis as a child rights crisis because children and youth more broadly are amongst the most vulnerable to climate change, with their current and future wellbeing at stake.
As stated by UNDP, intergenerational climate justice is a core component of “fair distribution of natural resources and environmental benefits (distributive justice), addressing past and current environmental damages and restoring ecosystems (restorative justice), and involving all generations in decision-making processes to ensure inclusive and fair governance (procedural justice).” As we strive for justice in solar geoengineering deliberation, it is fundamental that not only the current youth is involved in this process, but that the livelihood of the generations yet to come is also taken into account.
Meaningful participation
In the past couple of years, the participation of young people in climate forums has grown immensely. However, it hasn’t always been meaningful, with many young activists having felt tokenised by having their presence requested only as a way to “tick a box.”In deliberations on solar geoengineering, youth engagement must go beyond visibility – it should create space for their views and opinions to be seriously taken into account, as respectful rightholders and key stakeholders in the deliberation process.
Opportunities to engage
Youth engagement in climate intervention shouldn’t be limited to sending invitations to events.Young people need clear and supported pathways to contribute across different spheres (including but not limited to):
