ENVIRONMENTAL Action is about shifting from saying to doing. Creating this shift requires using the techniques of psychology and social marketing.  The latter technique communicates to individuals of a particular group, how a change in their specific behaviour(s), will be in their own self-interest. Usually, the behaviour change not only benefits the individual but society as a whole.

Once individuals have made that shift from saying to doing for the environment, they will take Environmental Action. Successful Environmental Actions are based on a deliberate strategy involving decisions, planning, implementation and reflection on the positive outcomes of such actions by an individual or group.

In the world today, youths are actively developing skills and habits to positively shape their society despite the many challenges they face. It is being increasingly realised that youths can make a positive contribution to community projects, in the school arena, within churches and other groups to which they may be affiliated. Youths participate in sports, in cultural activities, and in establishing networks across communities.

Youth involvement in Environmental Action

Involvement in environmental activities can contribute to the overall development of positive qualities in young people. Among these are critical thinking, the development of understanding of public/community concepts and skills, including those related to political knowledge, communication, problem-solving, imagination, creativity, community/relationship building, and organizational skills.

his learning, in turn, can increase young people’s ability to exert influence in public affairs through enabling them to play an informed and active role in the decision-making systems, make sound choices rather than accept the prescriptions of others and input their own knowledge into public discussion and decisions.

Role of youth in Environmental Action

•    Youth as contributors to Society

Young people have both the right and responsibility to participate in decisions affecting their environment and are capable of making valuable contributions to their communities and society.  Young people are best seen not as future citizens but as co-creators of a thriving society and of healthy practices by the environments in which they live, work, play and learn.

•    Youth as participants

Youth participation in environmental action reflects a different relationship between young people and adults – one that shares power and decision-making – a change from the traditional relationship in our schools, youth programmes and communities. Youth participation also changes adults’ perceptions of youths being followers to them being leaders.

Participation in environmental action allows youths to learn decision-making, communicating and negotiating skills that increase their ability to participate in and influence public affairs.

•    Youth as action takers

Environmental action is distinct from mere environmental activity by being intentional and targeting the root causes of a problem.  An environmental activity initiated and organized by adults, such as a clean-up, while beneficial, lacks deliberate choice or intent of the young people involved.

Further, unlike environmental action a clean-up focuses on the symptom of a problem – removing trash and debris – rather than its causes.

Actions that do not directly address root causes do sometimes have the potential to contribute indirectly to solving environmental problems. For example, a clean-up initiated by youths may draw public attention to the issue of littering or illegal dumping, which might lead a community to consider actions to eliminate these problems.

•    Positive Youth Development

When youths take action to effect change, they can acquire skills related to planning, public speaking, fundraising, and organizing community support, as well as learn about civic-related concepts such as public purpose and power.

Regardless of whether or not efforts are successful, engaging in collective action enables youth to think critically about the kind of world they want to live in. It also can enhance their understanding of social, economic, and political systems as they identify opportunities for and obstacles to realizing their vision.

Young people can make a positive impact on the environment. They have influence in their families since parents tend to view their children as better informed on environmental issues and they also exert influence on their peers.  Youths are therefore capable of not only playing a critical role in conservation, environmental outreach and education, but also in mobilizing other young people to take meaningful action for the environment.

Be the change you want to see in your environment today and encourage other young people to join the noble cause of working for a better environment.

You can share ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email eit.epaguyana@gmail.com