Youth Advocacy for Climate Justice: The Rights of Nature and Artivism Movements

Around the world, young leaders are rising up against the injustices of the current dominant world system, placing themselves at the forefront due to the generational stakes involved alongside their moral imperatives.

Young people are fueled with a motivation to strive towards a brighter future; one that is fair and has equity for all,  they play a key role in advocating for such climate justice. Activists from the younger generation are acknowledging inequity, demanding accountability, advocating for just solutions, centering intersectionality and protecting ecosystems through creative means. 

One specific initiative where this is happening with fervor is the Rights of Nature movement, which signifies a paradigm shift into recognizing nature as a living entity with inherent legal rights: to exist and thrive without being disturbed or destroyed. This idea, while perhaps seemingly radical to some, is not new but has been understood and implemented by Indigenous people for eons. Spearheaded by organizations such as the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) and Stop Ecocide International, which have thriving youth communities (GARN Youth Hub, Youth for Ecocide Law), documents such as the “Youth and the Rights of Nature Movement: Shifting the Paradigm for all Future Generations” declaration created at the IUCN Global Youth Summit have been formed to amplify such voices in demanding change in the face of environmental destruction. 

By amplifying communities on the front lines of climate injustices, such as during the 6th International Tribunal: End of the Fossil Fuels Era in NYC, the voices and first-hand experiences of these community members are brought forth to speak on behalf of Mother Earth. 

A prime example of success within the Rights of Nature movement is Whanganui River being granted legal personhood in 2017. Indigenous youth of the Whanganui iwi (tribe) actively engaged in advocating for ancestral recognition and due respect for the river. Their cultural revitalization efforts and storytelling elevated the importance of this legal acknowledgment. Another effort gaining momentum is the European Stop Ecocide Campaign, which other youth groups like Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion Youth actively promoted using artivism, public demonstrations, and lobbying efforts to demand legal action. Their efforts have kept ecocide law in global discussions, with the EU and other nations seriously considering legislative adoption.

Youth have played critical roles in these successes by organizing grassroots campaigns and public demonstrations; creating visibility for movements through social media and artivism; amplifying Indigenous knowledge and bridging cultural narratives with legal action whilst also contributing to policy discussions, such as at COP meetings and international forums.

"Artivism" (art plus activism) is a growing movement that youth in particular are drawn to in these ongoing efforts. Using creativity as a medium for advocacy and community engagement has shown to be an effective communication tool for promoting social and ecological justice, by not only providing information but by engaging an audience with their emotions. Storytelling plays a vital role in the human motivation spectrum, with research showing that effective communication is paramount for mobilizing climate action as it resonates with individuals on a deeper than surface level.

Every year, the Human Impact Institute’s “Artivism and Amplifiers” Fellowship takes place, which is a 4-month-long program designed for youth aged 18-30 to actively develop insight on genuine allyship and the local/global effects of climate change, as well as creative communications. Participants engage in projects such as podcast-style talks and a collaborative artistic piece that unites Global South with Global North perspectives. This is then exhibited at the Creative Climate Awards - with pieces ranging from short films and animations, to poetry performances and sculptures. These messages reach millions of people whilst being projected onto the Manhattan Bridge over the course of the month. 

The aforementioned projects showcase the transformative power of youth-led advocacy in challenging traditional narratives. Young people act as catalysts for systemic change with innovation coming directly from the grassroots level. Youth are amplifying the voices of frontline communities, ensuring a just transition to a sustainable (or better yet, regenerative) economy, and bridging the gap between environmental and social justice movements in an intersectional and creative approach - and their energy is catalyzing more action everywhere.

As youth activist Xiye Bastida, descendant of the Otomi-Toltec people, says: "Our generation holds a kind of consciousness that is not based on monetary gain or on new ways of profiting from lands, forests, rivers, seas, and people. We are pushing for a complete breakthrough of sensible and wise solutions that ensure the continuation of ecosystems and peaceful societies."

Edited by: Muhammad Abdullahi Ibrahim