Engaging Young People in Action on Climate as a Public Health Issue

Abstract The climate crisis is recognised as a significant public health threat with a disproportionate and inequitable impact on the health of children and young people. Despite their successful engagement in public health advocacy initiatives, limited research has explored how to engage children and young people in such initiatives for climate. This study conducted a qualitatively led online survey with n = 511 young people in Australia (aged 15–24 years) to examine their perceptions of the health impacts of the climate crisis, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on climate action, government responses to the climate crisis and mechanisms to engage them in climate action using a public health advocacy approach. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis was used to construct themes from the data. First, young people described a range of climate impacts on health and daily life and recognised the interconnectedness of the health of people and the planet. Second, they discussed how the Australian Government was failing the community through a lack of urgent action, particularly relating to harmful industries. Third, many worried about the reduced focus on climate due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but hoped that the positive planetary health outcomes resulting from pandemic restrictions could be continued. Fourth, they identified barriers to their engagement in climate responses, and finally, they explored mechanisms for engaging in climate advocacy. It is important to listen and respond to the issues that children and young people prioritise and are concerned about. In relation to climate action, stakeholders (particularly the public health community) must collaborate with children and young people to develop youth-led responses and mechanisms to engage them in public health advocacy and ensure that their ideas and perspectives are central to climate discussions and decision-making.