New Possibilities: Young People and Democratic Renewal
New Possibilities
In recent decades, young people have been increasingly active in leading climate activism and advocacy, despite experiencing persistent political marginalisation. Since 2018 their leadership of networks, organisations and actions have significantly reshaped the democratic landscape. While in previous years the movement has been highly visible - online and offline - more recently questions have been raised about the status of the movement and whether young people still care about climate change enough to organise and call for more urgent action.
This panel shares some of the findings of the New Possibilities project - supported by the ARC and bringing together researchers and young people working on youth climate advocacy and activism in Australia. The panel will include:
- An overview of the project context, aims and high level findings on who is involved, what they are doing and how it is shaping the political landscape (Pip Collin)
- Findings on how young people's climate concerns are communicated, received and responded to: and how these can inform intergenerational learning and policy making in a time of climate crisis. This paper will focus on forms of listening and responding to youth climate advocacy and activism (Luigi Di Martino)
- Findings on how young people's climate advocacy has challenged the structural drivers of climate change and its disproportionate effects on young people. This paper will discuss two key phenomenon shaping and being shaped by contemporary youth climate advocacy and activism:
- the criminalisation of protest (Rob Watts)
- tactical actions to reshape the law (Judith Bessant)
- A response by climate advocate and project Research Associate Varsha Yajman who will reflect on the value of this research and discuss where youth climate activism is at now, where it is going and what we need know/do as scholars to be great allies.
Event Information
- Date: This Webinar took place on Wednesday 20 August 2025
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.