How Young People Are Leading the Charge Against Climate Change

It’s become cliché to say that children are the future. But when it comes to climate change, there is no truer statement. Our children and grandchildren will inherit the planet, and unfortunately, they stand to inherit an environmental mess. Climate change has already begun wreaking havoc, causing shifts in weather patterns, stronger and more frequent storms, massive wildfires and other dangerous conditions. People around the world are grappling with severe drought and flooding, air pollution and water scarcity. Scientists have also observed damage to wildlife and local ecosystems, where the delicate natural balance is easily disrupted by even small environmental changes.

But hope is not all lost, and no greater hope regarding climate change can be found than that of our youth. Members of Generation Z, as well as their younger counterparts in Generation Alpha, have never known a world in which climate change was not an urgent and widely acknowledged threat. They are more aware of environmental issues than any previous generation, and they are passionate about making a difference.

Today’s young people understand that their future success in life is inextricably linked to the health of the planet. One survey revealed that a whopping 95% of Gen Alpha believes that it’s important to take care of the environment. Similarly, 67% of Gen Z agreed that climate change should be a top priority, and 32% said that they have personally taken steps to address the crisis.  Many young people have already emerged as leaders in the fight against climate change.

In 2018, Greta Thunberg rose to international fame at only 15 years old when she protested for climate action outside the Swedish parliament, inspiring thousands of young people around the world to join the cause. She has since met with world leaders and even been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for her activism.

Nyombi Morris grew up witnessing the devastating effects of climate change in his region of Uganda, which was prone to frequent floods. He became a climate activist in 2019 at the age of 21. He is passionate about identifying opportunities to make a tangible impact on climate change and educating others about the importance of caring for the earth. In 2021, he organized tree-planting events throughout Uganda to address deforestation, helping plant more than 7,000 trees.

Sisters Ella and Amy Meek cofounded Kids Against Plastic in 2016 at only 10 and 12 years old, respectively. The girls grew up in the United Kingdom, where they became aware of the harmful environmental impacts of plastic waste and began actively collecting it from parks, roads and beaches. They have since picked up more than 90,000 pieces of single-use plastic litter and collaborated with more than 1,000 schools and 50 businesses.

As these young people and countless more take up the fight to avert potential climate disaster, it is essential that leaders in education, businesses and other communities support them and offer the resources and guidance they need. Sodexo is committed to aiding in the fight against climate change and helping these young people achieve their goal of changing the world for the better.

Sodexo provides resources and information to help K-12 students make decisions that align with their values and priorities. The school lunchroom offers opportunities to educate students about the impact of their choices. For example, opting for plant-based dishes instead of meat-based foods can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sodexo has committed to substantially increasing the number of plant-based dishes served at our partner sites across North America, with a goal of 33% by 2024.

Similarly, food waste is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with the EPA estimating that annual food waste in the U.S. releases 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. That’s equivalent to the emissions of 42 coal-fired power plants. Sodexo is committed to proactively reducing food waste in schools with our WasteWatch powered by Leanpath program, which drives cultural and behavioral change. Our teams maintain a focus on tracking and reducing waste, and they encourage students to understand the effects of food waste and get involved by only taking what they plan to eat.