Voices for Climate Action
Objectives:
- Understand the concept of climate change
- Be aware of the impact of virtuous actions
- Raise awareness among young people about the effects of climate change
Before starting
The teacher introduces the activity by addressing the topic of climate change in relation to youth activism. To guide the discussion, she can show the famous speech given by Greta Thunberg at the United Nations
After finishing the viewing, the teacher begins an interactive discussion with students about the importance of youth activism. The teacher explains how youth have historically played a crucial role in promoting change, from civil rights struggles to environmental efforts.
Youth activism represents a vital and innovative force in the fight against climate change. Young people, with their energy and passion, have been driving change with fresh ideas and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Through demonstrations, awareness campaigns and concrete actions, teens are not only amplifying global awareness on the issue, but also exerting significant pressure on policymakers and corporations to adopt stronger environmental measures. Their ability to mobilize communities and inspire generations of adults is crucial to addressing the climate challenges of our time.
The teacher can share this article (link) and propose to the class a little background research on one or more of modern young activists who are currently fighting for a cause (political, environmental, etc.).
After that, the teacher asks students to share more general reflections on the topic of youth participation, especially by explaining which are the topics that most concern them and for which they imagine they can make a difference in the world through their social engagement.
Advocates for a day
At this point the teacher divides the class into groups. The groups will become the speakers at an imaginary event organized by Youth4Climate, entitled “Youth and Climate Change”.
Each group will have to prepare and present a keynote speech for the event involving peers and adults, emphasizing the urgency of implementing green and virtuous choices to protect the planet. Groups will have full freedom to organize the speech - maximum length of 5 minutes - making use of any tools and media they deem necessary (e.g. power point, images, resources, scientific studies, Youth4Climate, etc.).
Groups take turns presenting their speech in front of the class, followed by a short question-and-answer session to get comments and further suggestions from the “audience.”
The teacher and, if possible, a panel of guests (e.g., parents or students from other classes) evaluates the speeches based on criteria of engagement, clarity of message, and originality.
The teacher announces the winning group that has created the most convincing and realistic speech. They provide a symbolic prize to recognize their commitment and creativity.
Concluding thoughts
Concluding reflection.
The teacher emphasizes how each of us has the power to make a difference through small daily actions. Getting informed and actively participating in socio-political choices are key steps to a better and more sustainable future.
To demonstrate the importance of youth involvement, the teacher can share and discuss in class the UNDP "Elevating Meaningful Youth Engagement for Climate Action" document (link). The document offers best practices and recommendations on how young people, climate change practitioners, governments, and development actors can join forces for youth-inclusive and youth-led partnerships to achieve the Paris Agreement and to ensure that the world we leave to the future generations is clean, green, sustainable, and healthy.
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