As climate change continues to escalate and the global temperature climbs past the critical 1.5°C threshold, South Africa faces a defining moment. The path the country chooses now will determine the quality of life for generations to come. If the goal is a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable society, then young South Africans must be at the forefront of that journey.
This vision was made clear at the recent Youth Climate Roundtable and Watch Party hosted by the United Nations in South Africa. The gathering served as a platform for young voices to rise voices that echoed the urgency of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ address, “A Moment of Opportunity.” Rather than waiting for a seat at the table, young people are stepping up to lead, demanding systemic change, and driving innovative solutions for the country’s energy and climate future.
Youth Are Not the Future They Are the Present
Drawing strength from historical movements like the 1976 student uprisings, today’s youth refuse to be sidelined. They are not just reacting to the climate crisis they are shaping responses. They are not passive observers they are builders of the new green economy, determined to be seen not as victims of an environmental catastrophe they didn’t create, but as essential stakeholders in its resolution.
In South Africa, climate impacts are no longer abstract concepts. Extreme weather events, such as persistent droughts and destructive floods, are already disrupting lives and livelihoods. Most recently, floods in the Eastern Cape devastated over 1,400 classrooms, affecting more than 43,000 students. Such incidents disproportionately harm young people, especially in underserved communities, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive resilience planning and early warning systems.
Turning Crisis Into Momentum
Despite these challenges, young people across South Africa are refusing to surrender to despair. They are seeing opportunity where others see obstacles. They are embracing the energy transition as a pathway to a more just and resilient economy one that prioritizes people, the planet, and prosperity for all.
From green job creation and affordable clean energy to community empowerment and public health gains, youth understand the holistic benefits of a clean energy future. Their call is not just for renewable energy, but for renewed systems ones that are fair, inclusive, and representative.
“This isn’t just about solar panels or wind farms it’s about dignity, jobs, and a livable planet. It’s about ensuring that no one is left behind,” said one participant.
Seven Youth-Driven Priorities for a Just Transition
During the roundtable, young South Africans presented a clear and practical roadmap to guide the country’s just transition:
- Move from talk to implementation: Prioritize tangible climate solutions over endless consultations. It’s time for action that benefits both people and the planet.
- Reform climate finance: Open up funding opportunities for youth, especially those without traditional academic credentials. Innovation must not be limited by bureaucracy.
- Close the information gap: Ensure that accurate, accessible climate data reaches frontline communities to enable informed decision-making and accountability.
- Uplift displaced voices: Include migrants, refugees, and marginalized youth as key contributors. Their lived experiences bring unique insight into climate resilience.
- Give youth real power: Empower young people to run for office, lead projects, and shape public policy. Climate justice must be part of political reform.
- Enable local leadership: Equip municipalities with resources and autonomy to implement climate solutions tailored to their communities.
- Shift from policy-making to delivery: South Africa has developed sound climate strategies—but they remain unrealized without firm political will and youth-driven implementation.
These aren’t lofty ideals they are grounded proposals rooted in reality. They reflect a generation that is well aware of what’s at stake and deeply committed to delivering meaningful progress.
Youth Leadership Is a National Asset
Beyond planning and proposals, the roundtable also fueled a broader youth-led campaign supporting South Africa’s ambitious climate targets. The movement is aligned with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan, both of which are central to meeting global climate commitments.
From community-led awareness campaigns to civic engagement and education programs, youth are already spearheading climate action. What they need now is systemic support from governments, businesses, and civil society. This means meaningful inclusion, targeted resources, and shared leadership.
Time for Institutions to Catch Up
As South Africa leads the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, the country has declared a national priority to strengthen resilience and proactive disaster management. This leadership role offers an opportunity to set an example for global climate governance by showing that inclusive leadership, especially from young people, isn’t a symbolic gesture, but a strategic imperative.
The clean energy transition must not be a top-down initiative dominated by distant policymakers. It must be co-created with those who will inherit its outcomes. That means removing systemic barriers, investing in youth-driven innovation, and embedding young voices in every level of the energy, policy, and development sectors.
A Movement Rooted in Urgency and Hope
The energy at the Youth Climate Roundtable was not one of despair, but of defiant optimism. Young people came together not just to be heard, but to lead. They understand that the just transition is not a distant goal it is already underway. And they are shaping it now.
“This is not just our future it is our present,” one youth activist declared. “We can’t wait for tomorrow. We have to lead today.”
Conclusion: A Just Transition Needs Youth at the Helm
South Africa’s clean energy journey stands at a critical juncture. It will either be built with the leadership, vision, and innovation of its youth or it will fail to meet the urgency and complexity of the climate crisis. The question is no longer whether young people should be involved it is how quickly institutions can adapt to their leadership.
Climate action can no longer be reactive. It must be anticipatory, inclusive, and rooted in justice. And it must be led by those with the most to gain and lose from its success: the youth.
South Africa has an extraordinary opportunity to become a global model for youth-led climate transformation. The time to act is now. The tools are available. And the leaders are already stepping forward.
All that’s left is for the rest of society to follow their lead.
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