Empowering the Future: Exploring the Role of Youth Participation in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Climate change presents a significant and immediate threat to global ecosystems, economies, and communities, requiring urgent action on both mitigation and adaptation fronts. The rising frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes, is impacting millions worldwide, underscoring the need for resilient and adaptive systems that can withstand such environmental shocks (Larsen & Gunnarsson-Östling, 2009,  ). The agricultural sector, in particular, is highly vulnerable, with shifts in precipitation patterns and rising temperatures threatening food security in multiple regions (Imelda & Hidayat, 2024,  ). These changes demand not only the development of new technologies and sustainable practices but also significant shifts in policy to support long-term adaptation efforts. Climate change mitigation—through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, reforestation, and the adoption of renewable energy—remains an equally urgent priority to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes of global warming (Parra-López et al., 2024,  ). However, realizing these changes requires a coordinated and inclusive approach that integrates community perspectives, technology, and youth involvement in designing resilient futures.

Youth engagement is particularly crucial in the fight against climate change due to the unique perspectives, enthusiasm, and innovation young people bring to this global challenge. Young people today are not only inheriting the planet’s current environmental challenges but are also poised to lead solutions that can transform climate adaptation and mitigation strategies (Mina, 2023). Youth climate clubs and organizations across the globe, like those in Rivers State, have demonstrated the effectiveness of grassroots engagement in climate advocacy, raising awareness and influencing local policies despite limited resources and support . Additionally, research has shown that youth have a strong inclination towards adopting sustainable practices, such as promoting green products (Warnakulasuriya, Senavirathna, & Am, 2024,  ). Engaging youth in climate governance, therefore, not only mobilizes a significant portion of the population but also fosters a generational shift toward more sustainable living practices and policy approaches (Asare-Nuamah & Mandaza, 2020).

Moreover, young people’s involvement in climate action fosters both local and global resilience, allowing for adaptation strategies that address specific community needs while contributing to broader climate goals. Studies have shown that youth-led adaptation efforts, such as those in agroforestry practices in Uganda, are valuable in promoting sustainable land use and addressing rural climate challenges (Bamwesigye et al., 2024,  ). Young people’s readiness to adopt adaptive agricultural methods, like organic farming, aligns with global mitigation and adaptation priorities, demonstrating their commitment to climate-resilient food systems (Sridevi, Kalaivanan, & Kumar, 2024,  ). However, barriers such as limited access to resources, institutional support, and training often hinder youth-led climate initiatives, emphasizing the need for enhanced policies and resources to empower youth in this field (Rieckmann, Hoff, & Haas, 2024). Overall, youth engagement is not only significant but also essential to achieving sustainable futures, underscoring the need for inclusive policies that can harness the power of youth in the global response to climate change.

Macapayad (2023) explores community participation dimensions in climate change mitigation and adaptation, highlighting the importance of engaging local communities to build resilience and ensure sustainable climate action. The study aims to understand various factors influencing community involvement, including socio-economic, cultural, and environmental aspects. Using a survey-based methodology, Macapayad gathers data from multiple community projects aimed at climate adaptation. Findings suggest that community-driven approaches can lead to more sustainable outcomes, as local knowledge is integrated into adaptation efforts. The research identifies a gap in the understanding of effective frameworks for community-based climate initiatives, calling for further studies on culturally specific adaptation strategies.

Stavrianakis, Nielsen, and Morrison (2024) discuss the complex relationship between youth engagement, empowerment, and climate knowledge within the context of climate change projects. This study focuses on empowering young people in climate initiatives while examining contested knowledge dynamics that influence youth participation. By utilizing a qualitative approach, the authors collected data from interviews and observations across various youth-led projects. Findings indicate that while youth empowerment is critical, there are challenges associated with aligning traditional knowledge with modern climate science. The study concludes with a call for better integration of youth perspectives in climate projects and identifies the need for research on bridging traditional and scientific knowledge in youth empowerment contexts.

Dindimanga and Masuka (2024) provide an in-depth case study of Zimbabwe’s Action 24 initiative, focusing on youth participation in climate adaptation. This study emphasizes the importance of empowering young people in climate adaptation strategies to create sustainable, long-term solutions. Using a case study methodology, the authors examine the mechanisms through which young participants engage in Action 24’s activities. Findings reveal that active youth involvement has enhanced local adaptation measures, particularly in agricultural practices. However, the research notes a lack of institutional support for youth-led initiatives, highlighting a gap in policy frameworks that could facilitate better youth engagement in climate governance.

Angel (2024) examines the essential role of civil society in climate change mitigation, arguing that civil society organizations (CSOs) provide critical support for mobilizing communities and advocating for policy change. This study aims to demonstrate the influence of CSOs in bridging the gap between government actions and local needs in climate initiatives. Angel uses a mixed-methods approach, analyzing both quantitative data on CSO activities and qualitative case studies from various regions. Findings show that CSOs can effectively empower local communities for climate action. However, the study points out a research gap in understanding the challenges that CSOs face in aligning their goals with governmental priorities, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Parra-López et al. (2024) investigate the integration of digital technologies in agriculture as a strategy for climate adaptation and mitigation, emphasizing the transformative potential of technological advancements. The study’s objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of digital tools in enhancing resilience among agricultural communities. Employing a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent technological interventions, the authors find that digital technologies significantly improve agricultural productivity and adaptability to climate impacts. However, they identify a gap in the availability of these tools in low-resource settings, suggesting that further research is needed to improve accessibility and affordability.

Sharma et al. (2024) explore the connection between climate change adaptation, mitigation, and the forest-water nexus, emphasizing the interdependence of natural resources in climate strategies. This poster presentation aims to promote a comprehensive understanding of how forests contribute to both water conservation and climate resilience. Through a literature review and field data from forested regions, the authors conclude that preserving forest ecosystems is crucial for maintaining water cycles, which in turn supports climate adaptation. The study highlights a gap in integrated policies addressing the forest-water relationship in climate mitigation and suggests further investigation into region-specific forest management practices.

Kasoka (2011) examines the impact of youth integration in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in Malawi, demonstrating that involving young people can enhance community resilience and innovation in climate responses. The study's objective is to assess the level of youth involvement and its effectiveness in climate projects. Kasoka uses a qualitative approach, gathering insights from youth-focused climate programs across Malawi. Findings indicate that youth participation has positive effects on local climate strategies, but there is a need for improved training and support systems for young leaders. The research identifies a gap in policies that encourage long-term youth engagement in national climate initiatives.

Rayhan and Rayhan (2023) investigate the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in climate change mitigation and adaptation, exploring AI’s potential to enhance data analysis, risk assessment, and predictive modeling for climate resilience. The study reviews current AI applications and discusses their relevance for adaptive decision-making. Findings suggest that AI technologies can significantly improve climate change preparedness and response. However, the study points out a gap in AI implementation in resource-poor regions, where infrastructure and technical expertise are often limited. Further research is recommended to address the accessibility and ethical considerations of AI in climate action.

Nayan et al. (2020) study youth climate change practices in Malacca, Malaysia, analyzing youth-driven initiatives for mitigation and adaptation. The research focuses on the effectiveness of youth participation in local climate strategies, utilizing a survey-based methodology. Results reveal that youth engagement has a positive impact on local climate resilience, especially in areas such as waste management and reforestation. The authors conclude that supporting youth initiatives can drive significant change in community adaptation efforts. However, the study highlights a gap in institutional support and calls for policy reforms to sustain youth-led climate efforts.

Asare-Nuamah and Mandaza (2020) explore youth participation in global climate governance, examining how young people contribute to international climate adaptation frameworks. The study aims to understand the barriers and facilitators of youth involvement in climate policy. Using a comparative case study methodology, the authors analyze data from youth-led climate programs in different countries. Findings suggest that youth participation can enhance policy relevance and inclusivity, yet structural barriers often limit their influence. The study concludes with recommendations for improving youth representation in global climate forums and identifies a need for further research on effective youth advocacy at the international level.

Larsen and Gunnarsson-Östling (2009) explore climate change scenarios and citizen participation, emphasizing the importance of engaging communities in both mitigation and adaptation efforts to construct sustainable futures. This article aims to understand the different participatory approaches that can enhance public involvement in climate action. Utilizing a framework analysis, the study gathers data from citizen-led climate initiatives and assesses their impact on long-term sustainability goals. Findings indicate that inclusive participation models foster greater resilience and community commitment to climate objectives. The study concludes that for effective climate action, public policies should integrate citizen perspectives, and it identifies a gap in research on participatory mechanisms suited for diverse socio-political contexts.

Mina (2023) examines youth participation in climate advocacy through a case study of climate change clubs in Rivers State. This research underscores the role of youth in driving climate awareness and advocacy at the grassroots level. The objective is to assess how climate clubs enhance youth engagement and influence policy attitudes. The study employs a case study approach with participant observations and interviews, highlighting that youth clubs have succeeded in raising awareness but face challenges in accessing resources and institutional support. Mina’s research concludes that climate clubs can significantly impact local climate initiatives, yet calls for more studies on scalable models for youth-driven advocacy.

Rao et al. (2024) investigate climate change adaptation and mitigation in Indian agriculture, focusing on the role of agricultural practices in managing climate impacts. The study's objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of various adaptation strategies employed by farmers across India. Using survey data and field studies, the authors analyze the resilience of traditional and modern practices under climate stress. Findings indicate that integrated agricultural approaches, such as crop diversification and soil conservation, enhance adaptation potential. The study concludes with a call for increased support for adaptive agricultural methods, identifying a gap in research on the policy measures that can best support these practices in rural India.

Bamwesigye et al. (2024) examine the perceptions and willingness of Ugandan youth to participate in climate adaptation and agroforestry transition efforts. This preprint highlights the importance of youth involvement in sustainable land use practices, aiming to understand the factors influencing youth participation in agroforestry as a climate strategy. Through a survey-based methodology, the study reveals that most youth perceive agroforestry positively but lack access to necessary resources and training. Findings suggest that while young people are willing to engage in agroforestry, institutional support is essential for meaningful involvement. The study concludes that policy reforms are needed to enhance youth access to sustainable agricultural opportunities.

Imelda and Hidayat (2024) focus on climate change impacts and the adaptation and mitigation efforts within the agricultural sector. The objective of the study is to evaluate how climate change is affecting agriculture and identify adaptive measures that can alleviate these impacts. Using case studies and statistical analyses of agricultural data, the study finds that both adaptation and mitigation practices, such as organic farming and efficient water use, are essential in maintaining productivity under climate stress. The authors conclude that fostering resilience in the agricultural sector requires integrated efforts, identifying a research gap in scaling successful adaptive practices to different environmental contexts.

Wan, Hassan, and Rui (2024) explore the relationship between youth backgrounds and their awareness, attitudes, and perceptions toward climate change. This study aims to analyze how demographic factors influence climate awareness among young people. Using a quantitative approach with surveys across diverse youth demographics, findings show that education level, urban or rural background, and socioeconomic status significantly affect climate perceptions. The study concludes that tailored educational programs could enhance climate awareness, especially among rural youth. A gap is identified in understanding how targeted education policies could improve youth engagement in climate initiatives across varied demographic backgrounds.

Sridevi, Kalaivanan, and Kumar (2024) discuss organic farming practices for climate change mitigation and adaptation, with a focus on how these practices reduce emissions and enhance soil resilience. The chapter’s objective is to assess the benefits of organic farming within the context of climate change. Through a literature review and analysis of case studies, the authors find that organic farming promotes sustainability and reduces dependency on synthetic inputs. The study concludes that organic practices hold promise for climate resilience in agriculture, yet highlights a gap in research on policy support and incentives needed to scale organic farming.

Rieckmann, Hoff, and Haas (2024) investigate sustainability awareness and competencies among youth in rural areas, emphasizing the empowerment of young people to address future climate challenges. This qualitative study gathers data from focus groups and interviews, aiming to understand the sustainability competencies youth need to engage in climate actions. Findings reveal that rural youth demonstrate a strong interest in climate issues but lack sufficient support and resources. The study concludes that educational reforms are essential to equip youth with relevant skills, identifying a research gap in effective rural sustainability education frameworks.

Matos, Garcia, and Santos (2023) analyze the role of gender in climate change mitigation and adaptation in Cape Verde, focusing on how gender dynamics affect climate strategies. The study’s objective is to assess gender-specific impacts and responses to climate change. Utilizing survey data and gender-disaggregated analysis, the study finds that women often play a central role in adaptation efforts but face barriers in accessing resources and decision-making forums. The study concludes that empowering women is critical for effective climate action, suggesting a gap in gender-sensitive policy frameworks that address specific needs and challenges in climate adaptation.

Warnakulasuriya, Senavirathna, and Am (2024) examine the promotion of green products among youth in supermarkets as a means of climate change mitigation. The study aims to assess the impact of targeted marketing strategies on youth purchasing behavior. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines surveys and observational data, the study finds that eco-labeling and green product placement increase youth interest in sustainable products. The authors conclude that supermarkets can play a significant role in climate action by promoting eco-friendly choices, noting a gap in understanding long-term behavioral change from green marketing strategies among youth.

Despite increasing engagement in climate change mitigation and adaptation, there remains a critical research gap in understanding how specific participatory approaches and support mechanisms can optimize youth involvement across diverse socio-cultural contexts. Current studies highlight the importance of youth and community engagement in climate actions (Larsen & Gunnarsson-Östling, 2009; Mina, 2023; Bamwesigye et al., 2024). However, few have comprehensively addressed how differences in resources, institutional support, and regional policies impact the effectiveness and sustainability of these youth-led initiatives. Additionally, there is limited research on the intersection of gender and youth in climate adaptation roles, as well as the role of accessible technologies for youth empowerment in climate resilience (Matos et al., 2023; Rieckmann et al., 2024). Addressing these gaps could provide insights into effective strategies for increasing youth participation, especially in resource-limited and culturally varied environments, ultimately strengthening global climate resilience.

This study is significant as it addresses a pressing need for effective youth engagement in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. As climate change impacts become increasingly severe and widespread, mobilizing younger generations becomes essential to building long-term resilience and sustainable development pathways. Youth play a vital role in advocating for and implementing climate solutions, bringing unique perspectives, innovation, and a drive for change that are crucial for tackling complex environmental challenges (Wan et al., 2024; Mina, 2023). Furthermore, youth participation helps promote intergenerational equity by ensuring that younger voices are included in policy-making processes that will ultimately shape their futures. This study contributes by identifying effective methods for empowering youth, particularly in regions facing social, economic, and technological limitations, thus paving the way for more inclusive and effective climate action initiatives worldwide.

1. To evaluate the effectiveness of youth-led initiatives in climate change mitigation and adaptation across diverse geographic regions.

2. To analyze the socio-cultural, economic, and policy factors influencing youth participation in climate actions.

3. To identify barriers and enablers for youth involvement in sustainable climate practices, focusing on regional differences.

4. To propose actionable policy recommendations for enhancing youth engagement and empowerment in climate resilience initiatives.

This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine demographic influences on youth participation in climate change mitigation and adaptation. A structured survey, distributed to a sample of 117 respondents across diverse age, education, and occupation backgrounds, collected quantitative data on climate awareness, perceived empowerment, and community support. Demographic variables (gender, age, education level, and occupation) were analyzed to understand their correlation with climate awareness and empowerment. Likert-scale questions assessed respondents' perceptions and attitudes toward youth roles in climate action, climate education, and community backing. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, ANOVA tests, correlation coefficients, and regression analysis using SPSS. ANOVA was used to determine significant differences in climate perceptions across demographics, while correlation and regression analyses identified relationships and predictive factors between variables.

Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of Respondents

Table 1 outlines the demographic profile of 117 respondents, offering insights into the diversity of participants in terms of gender, age, education, and occupation. A balanced representation across gender and varied age groups (18–45+) supports the generalizability of the findings, with the majority aged between 25–34 years (38.5%). The educational background primarily shows undergraduate degrees (41.0%), indicating a well-educated sample, which aligns with studies suggesting that higher education is linked to greater climate awareness (Wan et al., 2024). The occupational diversity, with most respondents employed (51.3%), provides a broad perspective, allowing for nuanced insights into how education and age impact climate awareness and engagement in youth-led climate action (Larsen & Gunnarsson-Östling, 2009). This diversity enables a comprehensive understanding of demographic influences on climate-related behaviors.

Table 2: Likert Scale Responses on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Awareness

Table 2 reveals respondents' attitudes towards climate change mitigation and adaptation, with high agreement for statements emphasizing the importance of youth and climate education. For example, 60.7% agreed that “Youth are crucial for climate action,” reflecting global sentiments on the importance of youth in climate action, as found by Mina (2023). However, only 40.2% felt empowered to enact climate changes, highlighting a gap between awareness and empowerment that is critical for meaningful participation (Dindimanga & Masuka, 2024). The lower levels of agreement on empowerment underscore the need for institutional support to enhance youth involvement in climate initiatives. These findings support calls for increased resources and training to build youth confidence in driving sustainable changes (Matos et al., 2023).

Table 3: ANOVA Results on Demographic Influence on Climate Change Perceptions

Table 3 presents the ANOVA results, showing significant effects of age, education level, and occupation on climate change perceptions, with education being the most influential (p = 0.01). This aligns with previous findings that higher education levels correlate strongly with climate awareness and advocacy (Rieckmann et al., 2024). The lack of significance for gender (p = 0.18) suggests that both male and female respondents perceive climate issues similarly, emphasizing the universal relevance of climate education across genders. The significant impact of occupation (p = 0.02) highlights how professional exposure could influence attitudes towards climate adaptation, with employed individuals likely having greater access to climate-related information or corporate initiatives on sustainability (Parra-López et al., 2024).

Table 4: Correlation Coefficients between Likert Statements

In Table 4, positive correlations between statements like “Youth are crucial for climate action” and “Climate education is essential in schools” (r = 0.68, p = 0.001) indicate a strong association between recognizing the youth’s role and the importance of climate education. This supports research by Imelda and Hidayat (2024), which found that educational initiatives enhance youth awareness and drive engagement in climate actions. The moderate correlation between empowerment and community support (r = 0.45, p = 0.015) further suggests that community backing can bolster young people’s confidence in climate engagement. These findings reinforce the importance of a supportive environment and comprehensive climate education to enable meaningful youth participation (Bamwesigye et al., 2024).

Table 5: Matrix of Correlations between Demographics and Likert Responses

Table 5 shows that education level has the highest positive correlation with climate awareness and empowerment for climate action (r = 0.52 and r = 0.48, respectively), indicating that as education increases, so does climate awareness. These findings are consistent with Larsen & Gunnarsson-Östling’s (2009) research, which posits that educational attainment is crucial in understanding and advocating for climate action. Age and occupation also show moderate correlations with climate awareness, implying that life stage and professional exposure can influence climate perceptions. Gender, with negligible correlation, again points to the non-discriminatory nature of climate awareness across genders, further highlighting the central role of education in shaping climate awareness (Warnakulasuriya et al., 2024).

Table 6: Mean Scores and Standard Deviations of Likert Scale Responses by Demographics

Table 6 provides a breakdown of mean scores and standard deviations for climate awareness and empowerment across demographics. Notably, respondents aged 25–34 and those with undergraduate degrees report higher mean scores for climate awareness (4.4 and 4.5, respectively). This reinforces findings by Mina (2023) that younger, educated individuals are often more aware of climate issues. The slightly lower mean for perceived empowerment indicates a gap between awareness and action capabilities, suggesting a need for programs that transform climate knowledge into actionable skills. These data highlight the necessity of equipping younger demographics with both awareness and empowerment tools to lead climate actions effectively (Wan et al., 2024).

Table 7: Regression Analysis Predicting Climate Empowerment from Education and Awareness

Table 7’s regression analysis shows that both education level (β = 0.42, p = 0.001) and awareness of the youth role (β = 0.37, p = 0.006) significantly predict perceived empowerment in climate action. The high significance values imply that increased education and a strong belief in youth capabilities substantially enhance an individual’s sense of empowerment to effect climate change (Stavrianakis et al., 2024). This finding aligns with global research advocating for education as a tool for youth empowerment in climate issues (Kasoka, 2011). By confirming the predictive strength of education and awareness on empowerment, this study underscores the importance of integrating climate education into academic curricula to build youth confidence and capacity in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts (Dindimanga & Masuka, 2024).

The analysis of demographic influences on climate awareness and empowerment reveals that education is a key determinant in shaping attitudes toward climate action. As shown in Table 3, education level significantly impacts climate change perceptions, with those holding undergraduate degrees or higher displaying higher awareness and perceived empowerment (Rieckmann et al., 2024). This aligns with prior research highlighting that education enhances climate literacy, enabling individuals to understand and engage in climate mitigation and adaptation strategies effectively (Larsen & Gunnarsson-Östling, 2009). Additionally, Table 5’s matrix of correlations suggests that both age and occupation moderately impact climate awareness, indicating that professional exposure and life experiences may further shape individuals' readiness for climate engagement (Parra-López et al., 2024).

The Likert Scale analysis (Table 2) reflects strong consensus on the importance of youth in climate action, with a high percentage agreeing that youth are critical for driving sustainable change. However, the comparatively lower mean scores for empowerment indicate a gap between awareness and the confidence to implement climate action (Mina, 2023; Wan et al., 2024). This gap, as seen in Table 7’s regression results, is strongly influenced by both education and awareness of the youth’s role in climate initiatives. The positive correlation between community support and empowerment (Table 4) emphasizes the need for a supportive environment to convert awareness into tangible action, suggesting that increased institutional backing could address this gap effectively (Bamwesigye et al., 2024; Matos et al., 2023).

Overall, these findings underline the necessity of integrating climate education and community support mechanisms to enhance youth empowerment in climate action. The lower correlation of gender with climate perceptions (Table 5) suggests that awareness efforts can be universally targeted, reinforcing the need for policies that make climate education accessible across all demographics. By linking education, community support, and policy backing, this study affirms that empowering youth through educational and institutional means is essential for sustained climate resilience (Imelda & Hidayat, 2024; Warnakulasuriya et al., 2024). These insights contribute to a holistic framework for enhancing youth participation in global climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

In conclusion, this study highlights the pivotal role of education and community support in empowering youth for climate action. Findings indicate that higher education levels significantly enhance climate awareness and empowerment, suggesting that integrating climate education into academic curricula is essential. Moreover, the positive correlation between community support and perceived empowerment underscores the importance of supportive frameworks, as they enable youth to translate climate awareness into meaningful action. This study suggests expanding access to climate education across diverse demographic groups to ensure inclusive engagement in climate initiatives.

Recommendations include incorporating climate change topics into primary and secondary education systems, as early exposure fosters long-term engagement. Additionally, government and civil society partnerships should focus on creating platforms where young people can actively participate in climate policy discussions. Policymakers are encouraged to develop youth-targeted programs that provide resources, training, and funding opportunities for climate initiatives. Furthermore, fostering community-driven projects can help bridge the empowerment gap identified in this study. By implementing these recommendations, institutions can strengthen youth-led climate resilience, contributing to a more sustainable future.