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Building a Greener Future: The Impact of Youth Work on Environmental Issues

Discover how youth work’s contribution to learning for sustainability is helping to build a generation of environmentally conscious, climate literate young people.

Young person in veg garden

Impact

At YouthLink Scotland, we believe in the power of young people to shape a sustainable future. Through learning for sustainability initiatives, youth workers are able to engage young minds with critical environmental issues both locally and nationally. From understanding the science of climate change to leading impactful campaigns, youth work can provide young people with the tools and opportunities to make a real difference.

Through hands-on projects, educational workshops, and advocacy training, young people gain the confidence and skills to become effective environmental champions: articulating their concerns, influencing policy, and driving community-based solutions. By connecting with peers, experts, and policymakers, young people can amplify their impact and help us all move towards a more sustainable world.

of young people in Scotland are concerned about climate change.
of young people consider the future to be frightening due to climate anxiety.
of young people agree that being outside in nature has a positive impact on their sense of wellbeing.
of young participants in the Outward Bound Trust and Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award said they had a better standing of their community's needs as a result.
of young people feel their government is failing them on environmental issues.
participants in East Ayrshire's Field Studies Council showed improved attendance at school and increased engagement in learning.

Insights & Opinions

Find out what people in the youth work sector and beyond have to say about the impact of youth work on learning for sustainability.

Youth Climate Action in the Scottish Borders
Charles Fletcher, Scottish Borders Climate Action Network (SBCAN) writes about Borders Act for Change’ a programme of meaningful climate action, bringing together 65 organisations and over 3500 people from across the Scottish Borders.
Group of young people
Youth Climate Leaders in Stockholm
Josie lives and works in the north west Highlands, growing native trees for reforesting projects. She’s also a volunteer on the Youth Leadership Panel with Scotland’s Young People’s Forest, a part-time youth worker and a general fan of a liveable planet.
Can We Still Save the Planet? COP26 Legacy Filming with the BBC
In October 2022, Young Scot and YouthLink Scotland brought together a group of 8 climate activists from across Scotland to the RSPB Baron’s Haugh Nature Reserve in North Lanarkshire. While on site, the group reflected on the legacy of COP26 and looked ahead to COP27, took part in some filming for a BBC Scotland documentary and got involved in some hands-on environmental work.
New youth-led research project puts young people at the forefront of citizen science
Tara Proud, volunteer and community engagement manager at Marine Conservation Society, details her joy at being involved in YouthLink Scotland’s ‘On Our Wave Length’ project.

People & Projects

View some of the key projects, case studies, people and organisations that are exploring the impacts of youth work on learning for sustainability.

Outdoor Learning Recovery Fund
Find out more about how a youth work approach to outdoor learning has a transformative impact on young people.

Publications

Secret Link