Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity, and more frequent and more severe climate disasters as a result of these changes are why.
Disasters impact young people in unique ways:
- They are often left out of conversations about preparation for disasters as well as recovery.
- During disasters, essential ways to stay connected such as the internet and roads can be affected, as well as access to work, study and support services.
- Recovering from what’s been lost and anxiety around future disasters.
Young people are brilliant leaders. They have potential to equip their communities with skills, expertise and support during challenging times. They’re experts in their own lives and have important and equal contributions to make in disaster recovery.
Their unique lived experience, ways of thinking and broader skills enable them to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. As a youth worker, your role is to support and empower them to do so.
Young people aren’t just important for our community’s future, they’re important for our present.
–Errol and Quinn Obran
