Youth Climate Activists Around the World Call for Urgent Action Before COP29

Post by : Priya

  Photo:Reuters

As the world gears up for the COP29 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, later this year, young people are making their voices heard. Across continents, youth climate activists are calling for stronger, faster efforts to stop global warming. From peaceful protests in capital cities to online awareness campaigns, the message from this global youth movement is loud and clear: the time to act is now.

Thousands of young people gathered in public squares, school campuses, and community halls to express their concern and frustration. Many feel that leaders have failed to act quickly enough to prevent worsening climate disasters. Their call is not just for attention, but for real, lasting action.

This new wave of climate activism is not just a repeat of past protests. It is a growing, coordinated push for policy changes, investment in green energy, and global accountability. As one young protester in Manila said, "We are not asking for favors. We are asking for a future."

What Is COP29 and Why Does It Matter?

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) is the annual climate summit where world governments come together under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These talks aim to set global rules for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Previous COPs have led to important agreements—most notably the 2015 Paris Agreement, where nations pledged to limit global warming to below 2°C, and preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.

But since then, many climate activists argue that progress has been too slow. Global emissions remain high. Droughts, floods, wildfires, and heatwaves are becoming more common and more deadly. As the science becomes clearer, so too does the urgency.

Voices from the Frontlines of Climate Change

For many young people, climate change is not a future problem—it is a current crisis. In the Global South, communities already face the impacts of environmental degradation. In countries like Bangladesh, the Philippines, Kenya, and Brazil, young people are speaking out about floods destroying homes, crops failing due to extreme heat, and pollution harming health.

Ayesha Sharma, a student from India, spoke at a rally in Delhi. "We are the generation that will suffer the most. Already we are seeing children fall sick from pollution, people losing homes in floods, and crops drying up in droughts. Yet our leaders are still debating. This is not fair."

In East Africa, James Mwangi, a 21-year-old from Nairobi, warned that climate change is deepening inequality. "We did not cause the climate crisis, but we are paying the price. Rich countries must take responsibility and support the rest of the world in dealing with this challenge."

In Europe and North America, youth groups are also taking action. In Berlin, students held signs reading “System Change Not Climate Change.” In Canada, young Indigenous leaders are calling for the protection of forests, rivers, and wildlife as part of climate justice.

What the Youth Are Demanding

Ahead of COP29, youth climate groups have united around a set of clear demands. These include:

Faster Emissions Cuts: Countries must set stronger targets to cut carbon emissions by 2030, in line with keeping warming below 1.5°C.

End Fossil Fuel Expansion: No new coal, oil, or gas projects. Governments must commit to phasing out fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy like wind and solar.

Climate Finance for Developing Countries: Richer nations must provide financial support to poorer countries dealing with climate impacts. This includes funding for clean energy, disaster recovery, and climate adaptation.

Climate Education: Schools should teach about climate change so future generations can make informed decisions.

Youth Participation in Policy-Making: Young people want a seat at the table where decisions are made, not just photo opportunities or symbolic roles.

A Worldwide Call to Action

From city centers to rural villages, young people are using every platform available—marches, digital media, speeches, songs, and community art—to deliver their message.

In London, Fridays for Future UK held their largest climate strike in over a year, joined by teachers and parents. In Dhaka, students held candlelight vigils in honor of families displaced by river erosion. In Australia, youth groups marched with banners that read “Our Earth, Our Voice.”

Social media campaigns are also playing a big role. Hashtags like #ActNowCOP29, #YouthForClimate, and #ClimateJustice have gone viral, helping connect activists across borders.

The Role of Governments and Global Leaders

Youth activists are clear: the responsibility to act lies with those in power. Governments have the ability to make laws, allocate funds, and shape the future. But many young people feel that promises have been broken too often.

For example, at COP26 in Glasgow and COP27 in Egypt, countries made bold pledges. However, the actual policies to meet those promises have been slow or absent. The youth climate movement is determined to hold leaders accountable.

As Carlos Rivera, a teenage activist from Mexico, said during a recent protest: "We remember what was promised. We are watching, and we will keep speaking out until those promises are kept."

Business and Industry Also Under Pressure

Youth activists are not just calling out politicians. They are also urging big companies to stop polluting and shift to sustainable practices. Many businesses have large carbon footprints—from manufacturing and transportation to agriculture and construction.

Young people are calling for companies to:

• Stop greenwashing and be transparent about their environmental impact
• Invest in eco-friendly technology
• Stop supporting fossil fuel industries
• Respect the rights of Indigenous communities and local workers

Some companies have begun to respond, creating climate plans and sustainability goals. However, many activists say this is not happening fast enough or at the necessary scale.

Why This Movement Matters

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world has ever faced. It affects health, food, water, jobs, and safety. It crosses borders and affects everyone, but especially those with the fewest resources to protect themselves.

Young people are rising to meet this challenge—not with fear, but with hope and determination. They are organizing, educating, and leading with courage.

This youth movement is not about politics or popularity. It is about survival, fairness, and responsibility. It is about building a world that future generations can live in safely and with dignity.