Youth
Climate change is a reality that all must face together, and Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are thinking of both today and tomorrow by involving, educating and promoting a new generation of volunteers to respond to the challenges communities must face and help them address the humanitarian consequences of climate change.
“Our youth volunteers, in particular, are very creative and enthusiastic in involving other young people in their cause. This is why it is especially important that we continue to involve our youth volunteers in the design and implementation of activities to reduce the impact of climate change.” Geri Lau, Head of the International Federation’s Organizational Development Department
Red Cross Red Crescent youth are already taking action on climate change. They are learning more about climate change in their countries and communities, making sure youth voices are being heard, getting together in groups to discuss climate change and creating projects that address its impacts in their communities.
Launch of the Youth on the move climage change initiative
In line with the commitments made in the 2009 Solferino Youth Declaration, the IFRC is committed to empowering youth to become leaders by providing them with the tools, training and opportunities needed to become strong advocates for the humanitarian work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. This two-year climate change initiative is designed to promote youth involvement in the field and to empower their voice as Red Cross Red Crescent spokespersons advocating for greater support in helping vulnerable communities adapt to the impacts of climate change, in line with the Red Cross Red Crescent global position. Download here
(pdf, 365 kB) the complete announcement.
Youth Climate Kit: helpful documents for Red Cross Red Crescent youth initiatives
- The young humanitarian's guide to making a move on the impacts of climate change: (English
(pdf, 587 kB) and Spanish
(pdf, 596 kB))
- Youth Making a Move stickers (English
(pdf, 1 MB), French and Spanish
(pdf, 1 MB))
- Youth on the Move swap cards: The Netherlands
(pdf, 1019 kB), Pacific
(pdf, 1 MB), Zimbabwe
(pdf, 1020 kB), Malawi
(pdf, 1 MB), Americas
(pdf, 1 MB), Indonesia
(pdf, 1008 kB).
Youth blog on Our World - Your Move
The Our world-Your move campaign
is the global Red Cross/ Red Crescent campaign launched on this year's World Red Cross Red Crescent Day (8 May). The campaign focuses on 14 humanitarian challenges, one of which is climate change. Recently, Rebecca McNaught and Maarten van Aalst contributed to the blog 'Climate change: What can you do? Make your move'
. Read the blog posts and find interesting and informative videos, background documents, as well as materials from other partners on the Our world-Your move blog, flanked by activities and campaigns on Facebook, Youtube and Twitter.
Red Cross Red Crescent publication examples
- Solomon Islands Red Cross youth for change
(pdf, 604 kB).
- Australian Red Cross Ready Set Action Magazine
- Australian Red Cross Youth Volunteers turning up the heat on climate change
(pdf, 266 kB)
- Australian Red Cross Fragile Earth E-Zine
(pdf, 3 MB)
- Colombian Red Cross acts on climate change
(pdf, 844 kB)
- Danish Red Cross: Talk Klima
(pdf, 7 MB)
- Youth Red Cross Indonesia Participation best practice fact sheet
(pdf, 1017 kB)
- Spanish Red Cross booklet Youth on the Move
(pdf, 523 kB)
- Costa Rica Red Cross colouring book
(pdf, 108 kB)
- Italian Red Cross Report on climate change activities
(pdf, 1 MB)
- Frequently asked questions
(pdf, 3 MB)
Disaster Masters
Disaster Masters has been designed as for young people of secondary school age (11 – 16 yrs) and above. The primary purpose of Disaster Masters is to introduce young people to the work of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to explore various human aspects of disasters and emergencies and how these are affected by climate change. Go here
(pdf, 897 kB) for the full document.
Download here detailed information on Mastering Climate Change, an interactive role play that was designed by the British Red Cross as a resource for young people of secondary school age (11 to 16) and above.
Children in a changing climate
Youth presentations on climate change
Youth video links
Related links
For more information please take a look at one of the following websites:
Youth declaration
| Read more about the global Youth declaration that was written by Red Cross Red Crescent youth from 149 countries, and in which they call upon their national societies and all governments to adapt to climate change and to address catastrophes. |
 |
Main topics:
Disaster Management
Climate change can act as a catalyst for enhanced disaster management.
Health and Care
Many national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies will be touched by the health implications of climate change.
Early warning early action
Routinely taking humanitarian action before a disaster or health emergency happens, making full use of scientific information on all timescales.
Advocacy
The Red Cross and Red Crescent never works in isolation. Partnerships are more important than ever in the context of global warming.
Communications
The global climate is changing and the past no longer explains the present.
Community risk reduction
The Red Cross and Red Crescent has traditionally focused on response. But now other aspects, including risk reduction, are also given priority.
Youth
Red Cross Red Crescent youth take action to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Getting started
The Red Cross Red Crescent has a growing body of experience working on addressing climate change. Here’s how to use it to get started.