Engaging Youth on Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability
A new report presents the key findings from a study on how youth engage with climate and sustainability issues across India. With 66% of India's population under 35 years old, the impact of climate change on young people is amplified, as is the potential impact of their engagement. This study by UNICEF India, in partnership with IUCN CEC and CMS India, reveals new pathways to engage youth in climate and sustainability action.
This study conducted by UNICEF India, in partnership with the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication and the Centre for Media Studies in India was designed to provide a holistic insight into the perspectives of Indian youth regarding climate change. It sought to delve into their level of knowledge, sense of efficacy, and engagement with climate change issues, as well as their perceptions of viable solutions and their sense of responsibility towards implementation of the solutions. Additionally, the study aimed to gather information on existing policy and institutional mechanisms that drive behaviour change communication concerning climate change, particularly those relevant to youth, to derive actionable recommendations.
The study finds that young people are widely recognized as important actors in climate action and show strong awareness and willingness to engage, yet their participation remains limited and underutilized. While many youth are informed and motivated, there is a clear gap between intention and action due to a lack of mentorship, structured opportunities, and meaningful roles in decision-making. Engagement is often confined to short-term, awareness-raising activities rather than sustained involvement or leadership development, and existing policies acknowledge youth without providing concrete mechanisms for inclusion. Barriers such as limited time, funding, access to networks, and uneven opportunities—particularly between rural and urban areas—further constrain participation. Although schools, educators, and digital platforms play an important role in building knowledge, content is not always accessible or action-oriented. Overall, the study highlights that the challenge is not youth motivation, but the absence of systems, support, and pathways to enable their meaningful and sustained engagement.