Climate equity, jobs and inaction: young Australian perspectives on climate change and the transition.

How can we work better with young people to ensure their voices are heard and embedded when it comes to net zero emissions? We spoke to three young people embedded in different communities around Australia.

• The net zero transition is not just about getting to net zero emissions. It is about how we get there and what society looks like when we arrive.
• Engaging young people is essential to make informed decisions about Australia’s net-zero future and pathways we take to get there.
• We spoke to three young Australian’s who highlighted the need for climate-ready education and jobs, intergenerational climate equity, and the risks of inaction.

Around Australia, the voices of young people ring loud and clear on the urgent need for climate action and an accelerated transition towards net zero emissions.

They are committed to a more sustainable, equitable and resilient transition. They are worried about the risks of in-action; the environments, communities and future at risk. They are passionate about inclusive, informed and aligned decision-making across industry, government and communities.

Our young people are going to live far further into the future that we create and want to ensure their voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.

Climate ready jobs

As part of his role as 2024 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, Gavin Choong has spent much of the year leading UN Youth Australia’s Listening Tour, running in-person consultations with young people in different communities across the country.  

Gavin says there is growing concern among young Australians about the future job market in a climate-affected world.

‘Young people are eager for climate-ready education and jobs. School is not necessarily preparing them for the new industries and jobs that will exist in the future,’ says Gavin.

In a net zero world, Australian industries and the communities that support them will look different. This means new skills will be needed in new places around Australia, and need to design these skill pathways with communities. Our Towards Net Zero team are working on Industrial Region Networks to connect our regions to with knowledge and information that can help anticipate these needs ..

‘We need leadership and partnerships across industry, government and communities that aligns realistic hope with tangible actions benefiting future generations’, says Gavin.

Genuine and accountable engagement with Indigenous communities

Tiahni Adamson is Lead Community Engagement Officer for CH4 Global and 2024 South Australian Young Australian of the Year.

She is concerned about the lack of meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities and emphasises the importance of not only engaging but also reconnecting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout decision-making processes. Urging for genuine partnerships and accountability.

‘There are lots of people consulting and talking to our communities, but there is little accountability to actually communicate outcomes, impacts and close the loop,’ says Tiahni.

‘Consultation should be about building connections and relationships; it should be ongoing and there should be accountability to communicate impacts back to communities’.

Reciprocity in relationships

These relationships need to be founded in mutual respect and reciprocity. Especially when it comes to respecting the time of participants and avoiding over consultation. Organisations seeking input from participants need to leverage information and consultation insights are already out there.

Our young people urged for deep, connected listening across diverse stakeholder groups, sharing  consultation insights, underscoring the importance of transparent communication and shared knowledge to drive collective action.  

Urgency to action

Paul Stark is the Policy and Farmer Engagement Officer at Farmers for Climate Action. He stressed the importance of ambition.

‘We know what needs to happen to reach net zero – we just need to act,’ says Paul.

He spends much of his time speaking with farmers in different parts of Australia, each with different perspectives and motives. From concern about climate impacts, to pockets of denial fuelled by local perspectives and fear.

Paul has met many farmers around Australia who are going net zero, but not just because it makes good business sense.

‘They want their family farms to keep farming for their grandkids. Some of the technology might not be all the way there yet, but the ambition exists,’ says Paul.

Insights from Young Farmers

Australia’s young farmers are going to be producing the food, fibre and possible energy crops of the future.

Paul stresses that governments and organisations need to tailor consultation to truly listen and respond to the specific needs and challenges within farming communities.

‘Consultation should always be a case-by-case basis. It is about understanding those communities, not about ticking boxes,’ says Paul.

Towards a Climate-Ready Future

As Australia continues the road to net zero, young Australians are a powerful reminder of the stakes involved. The transition must not only mitigate climate risks but also promote intergenerational equity and diversity. It requires inclusive decision-making processes that include young voices, honour Indigenous knowledge, and pave the way for an equitable transition.