Youth-Led Climate Action Education in Pacific Island Communities
Keywords:
youth leadership, climate education, Pacific Islands, community resilience, environmental sustainability, climate adaptationAbstract
Pacific Island communities face unprecedented climate challenges, including rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and intensifying cyclones. This study examines youth-led climate action education initiatives across Pacific Island nations, exploring how young people are becoming catalysts for environmental awareness and community resilience. Through qualitative analysis of educational programs in Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu, this research identifies key strategies employed by youth leaders to engage their communities in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Findings reveal that culturally-grounded educational approaches, intergenerational knowledge exchange, and peer-to-peer learning networks significantly enhance community climate literacy and action. Youth-led initiatives demonstrate remarkable success in bridging traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary climate science, fostering inclusive participation, and developing locally-appropriate solutions. This study contributes to understanding the transformative potential of youth leadership in addressing climate vulnerabilities in Small Island Developing States.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Tala Moana, Jonah Tui (Author)
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