3 ways young people campaigned for climate justice in 2021

Fairtrade youth activists have been at the forefront of the fight for climate justice this year. Here are three inspiring examples of young people taking action to shape our planet’s future…

Fairtrade Youth Exhibition entry by Jenson aged 9 who thinks farmers should be paid more for the hard work they do, and chocolate companies should pay fairly.

1. They campaigned with creativity

Art, music and the written word are powerful tools in the campaign for change. During Fairtrade Fortnight 2021, young people used creative expression to power-up the campaign for climate justice.

The Fairtrade Youth Exhibition was held to showcase young people’s visions of a better world for farmers and workers around the world, and the planet we all share.

The Exhibition received over 800 entries from young creatives. Their work highlights that we all have the power to make a difference and encourages us to create the world we want to see.

Take a look at the Youth Exhibition Hall entries and get inspired.

The Youth Exhibition Hall will reopen for entries for Fairtrade Fortnight 2022.

2. They stood in solidarity with their global neighbours

Four young people from around the world on a video call

Fairtrade activists have challenged boundaries in order to open up conversations about climate justice.

Using the power of technology, young people from all around the world have come together to learn from one another, and discuss the changes needed to address the climate crisis.

Watch a stimulating discussion between Fairtrade Youth Activists Rutuka Patil from India, Deobrah Osei-Mensah from Ghana, Henry Grub and Sophie Griffith from the UK.

3. They sent a powerful message to COP26 decision-makers

The tree of promises with hand-written messages at COP26

In the run-up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, young people urged politicians to be fair about the climate promises made during COP26.

Their requests took the form of hand-written messages displayed on hand-crafted banana, cocoa and coffee leaves, calling attention to the farmers who are most affected by the climate crisis.

As the number of written messages increased, a ’forest of promises’ began to take root across the country and, with the support of Fairtrade Schools, WWF and partners, thousands of these leaves were hung on a special Tree of Promises, placed right at the centre of the COP26 negotiation area.

I’m asking world leaders to think about farmers when making decisions about the climate crisis.
Anonymous

Listen to young activists ask Fairtrade farmers about their COP26 experiences.

Get involved in the campaign for climate justice

Young people still have the chance to get involved in the journey for climate justice.

Opportunities to learn and campaign will be offered in the Fairtrade Fortnight 2022 Choose the World you Want Festival which runs from 21 February to 6 March 2022.

Find out more about Fairtrade Fortnight in schools.