Use digital tools and data to track the impact of youth-led sustainability events and connect their work to bigger environmental goals: Radhika Kalia of RLG Systems

In this day and age when escalating climate threats, biodiversity loss, and growing pollution endanger every aspect of our lives, meaningful and timely action becomes critical. While environmentally-responsible behaviour is everybody’s duty, we must recognise that young people are more than just future beneficiaries of the outcomes of conscientious behaviour displayed today. The youth is today’s architect of sustainability. I say through over two decades of experience and activity in CSR, knowledge management and public outreach programs to educate citizens about responsible waste disposal, that meaningful progress cannot occur without the energy, innovation, and moral clarity of youth.

Developments today in the domain of sustainability reflect what I have witnessed in our work with young people when raising awareness about environmentally-friendly practices and embedding green practices. When youth take the lead, whether by raising awareness, starting local campaigns, speaking up for the environment, or streamlining operations within the organisation to uphold best sustainability practices, they turn ideas into real action. Their involvement makes a difference in their own communities and inspires others; the wave of positive change thus created spreads far and wide.

By mid-century, the global youth cohort (ages 15–24) is projected to include nearly 1.3 billion people, representing nearly 16% of the world’s population. These youth will have to live through the consequences of today’s decisions. This makes their inclusion in environmental initiatives essential. If a significant percentage of the population is under 30 and stands to be affected for decades, excluding their perspectives would be unjust by any definition. 

The youth today is not ready to play victim of the climate crisis. They are becoming powerful advocates and solution-builders. From biodiversity preservation to climate action, youth are raising awareness about looming threats, and also offering solutions. Global platforms like the Youth Biodiversity Network and Friday for Future campaigns have brought fresh ideas, bridging the gap between classical conservation and social justice.

However, many young voices remain unheard in formal policy arenas. It is reported that while 70% young people believe youth should influence environmental policymaking, less than half feel their views are considered. That gap is particularly wide in the Global South, where young advocates often lead grassroots and digital campaigns but are unable to reach governmental decision-making spaces.

Today’s youth displays both climate anxiety and optimism, and this apparent dichotomy in their attitude defines their potential. Despite growing worries (59% feel extreme concern), 72% still believe change is possible. That mixture of urgency and hope makes their activism deeply human and powerful.

Young people today are growing up with technology, and that gives them a big advantage. Those aged 15 to 24 are using the internet to lead campaigns for the environment, support projects that restore nature, and spread climate awareness in schools. As the UN put it, “From clicks to progress,” they are turning their online actions into real change in the world, reminding us that technology itself has an impact on the environment – a message that RLG has been spreading for several years now, advocating responsible behaviour.

To keep the energy of youth-led sustainability efforts going strong, we must support and involve young people in real ways:

• Teach green skills in schools — like using renewable energy, protecting nature, and reducing waste.
• Make climate action part of learning — give students school credit for real activities like planting trees, testing water, or collecting environmental data. This builds practical skills and helps them feel like active citizens.
• Let youth be part of decision-making — create official roles for young people in local, national, and global environmental panels. If youth make up half the population, their voices must be heard in policies that affect their future.
• Support young climate activists — many take personal risks to speak up. They need legal protection and backing from institutions that recognize their efforts.

Steps for Stronger Youth Impact:

• Include young people in e-waste policy planning at city and state levels.
• Add e-waste education to school syllabi, with field trips and hands-on projects like Clean to Green Days.
• Start youth innovation grants to help them build small-scale recycling ideas, especially in smaller towns.
• Build legal protections and safe spaces for youth who speak out for the planet.
• Use digital tools and data to track the impact of youth-led sustainability events and connect their work to bigger environmental goals.