How Are You Affected by Climate Change?
At Mentor Point Youth (MPY), we believe that the fight against climate change begins with awareness and education, especially among young people, who will inherit both the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Our Climate Change Awareness programme is designed to empower youths with the knowledge and tools needed to understand the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on their lives, communities, and futures.
Climate change is not a distant or abstract issue—it is already affecting our world in profound ways. The rising frequency of extreme weather events, increased flooding, longer heatwaves, and changes in ecosystems are just some of the tangible signs. But how do these global trends affect the daily lives of young people in the UK, and what can be done to mitigate the impact? Our programme addresses these questions through interactive workshops, discussions, and practical activities.
Understanding the Impact
The Climate Change Awareness programme starts by helping youths explore how climate change is impacting their own communities. Through engaging presentations and real-world examples, we illustrate the ways in which environmental degradation and shifting weather patterns are already influencing factors such as:
Health: From the increasing prevalence of heat-related illnesses to the spread of diseases, climate change is a growing public health crisis. Participants will learn about the effects of poor air quality, rising temperatures, and the threats posed by new pests and diseases.
Economics: The impact of climate change on jobs, industries, and local economies cannot be ignored. Our programme delves into how extreme weather events disrupt industries like agriculture and tourism, and how shifting global markets might affect future job prospects.
Food Security: Changing weather patterns can lead to crop failures, food shortages, and rising food prices. Young people will learn how climate change threatens the availability of essential resources and why sustainable practices are necessary to ensure food security for future generations.
Natural Environment: From the destruction of habitats to the loss of biodiversity, our programme highlights the devastating effects climate change has on wildlife and ecosystems. This section encourages participants to consider their role as stewards of the environment and the long-term consequences of inaction.
How Are You Affected?
Once we have explored the wider impact of climate change, the programme turns to a more personal reflection: How are YOU affected by climate change? In this part of the programme, participants are encouraged to share their experiences and observations about how climate change is influencing their lives and the lives of people around them. This open discussion allows young people to connect the global climate crisis with local challenges, whether it’s an increase in flooding, changes in seasonal patterns, or higher energy costs.
By understanding how they are personally affected, youths are better equipped to take ownership of the issue. Through group discussions, we challenge participants to think critically about how their daily actions contribute to climate change and how they can make small but meaningful changes in their own lives to reduce their carbon footprint.
Viable Solutions for the Future
Education is only the beginning—our Climate Change Awareness programme is action-oriented, designed to inspire young people to become part of the solution. We explore a wide range of viable solutions that can be implemented on both a local and global scale, including:
Sustainable Practices: Participants learn about sustainable living practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and choosing eco-friendly products. We provide practical tips on how to live more sustainably and make greener choices in their everyday lives.
Renewable Energy: The programme introduces young people to the benefits of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower. We discuss how transitioning to clean energy can help mitigate climate change and the potential for future careers in this growing sector.
Community Action: Youths are encouraged to think beyond individual actions and explore how they can contribute to broader community efforts. This includes participating in tree-planting initiatives, supporting recycling programmes, and engaging in local activism to demand stronger climate policies.
Climate Leadership: We also emphasise the importance of leadership and advocacy. By teaching youths how to raise awareness and influence policy through campaigns, social media, and public speaking, we empower them to become climate advocates and lead by example in their communities.
We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it
The Climate Change Awareness programme culminates in a powerful call to action. Each participant is challenged to make a personal commitment to reduce their environmental impact, whether through small daily changes or by taking on leadership roles in their communities. By the end of the programme, we hope to equip every young person with the knowledge, confidence, and sense of responsibility needed to be part of the solution to one of the greatest challenges of our time.
