"Old Generations Hold the Power, But They Need to Listen to the Young" - With older populations controlling much of the wealth and votes, they must be engaged for real progress
Environmentalism has evolved into a dynamic and multi-faceted movement, especially as younger generations continue to make their mark. On Day 2 of the Blue Earth Summit, this panel brought together some of the most passionate voices pushing the future of environmentalism forward. John Elkington, a seasoned business leader and sustainability pioneer, moderates the discussion, while Will Travers, co-founder of the Born Free Foundation, Dominique Palmer, a climate justice advocate, and Clover Hogan, a youth activist and founder of Force of Nature, engage in an intergenerational conversation. They explore how activism, policy, and business need to collaborate in an era where environmental crises are accelerating.
The Lowdown:
Younger voices are driving much-needed radical action, but they're also facing unprecedented challenges, from political pushback to burnout.
There’s a pressing need for platforms where young people can co-create solutions, especially within business and politics.
“Eco-anxiety” is widespread among young people, and it stems not just from the enormity of the climate crisis but also from global inaction.
The environmental movement must involve everyone—not just activists. This means embedding environmentalism into all areas of society, from business to daily life.
"This Isn't Where the Change Happens—This Is Where the Ideas Start."
Environmentalism needs to move beyond conferences and summits. Everyone in the movement knows each other, but real change happens when these ideas push against the barriers of society.
Environmentalists should no longer be seen as a separate group; the movement must permeate every aspect of life.
Policy discussions and activism often feel like a “cascade of ideas,” but these need to be transformed into tangible actions.
It's essential to avoid self-congratulatory spaces and look outward to truly engage a broader audience.
“We don’t want environmentalists telling everyone else what to do. We want an engaged civic population where everyone is deliberating on the solutions.” — Bella Lack
"We Are Nature Defending Itself."
The term "environmentalist" might feel limiting, but at its core, it’s simply about caring for the environment. For younger generations, it’s not just about nature; it's about social justice, and those conversations need to happen together.
Activism is evolving—youth voices are now advising policy and leading initiatives, often with fewer resources.
Intersectionality is key to Climate Justice. Issues like gender and economic disparities must be tied to environmental conversations.
Young people worldwide are working on the frontlines, often not calling themselves “environmentalists” but leading change.
“The biggest lesson from the 2019 climate strikes was how much young people can do with so little.” — Dominique Palmer
"Older People Need to Be Part of the Change Too."
It's not just about mobilizing younger generations—older populations must also be engaged. They often hold more power, resources, and influence, yet their mindset tends to be more conservative.
Aging populations vote more, hold more wealth, and are often resistant to change. Mobilizing them is crucial.
Bridging generational gaps in climate activism creates a more powerful movement.
Elders in the space must help open doors for younger voices, especially in decision-making forums.
“We’ve got aging populations in most of our societies. Older people need to be part of this discussion.” — John Elkington
"Why Wait Until 40? Give Young People a Voice Now."
There’s no hierarchy in who should have a say in environmental matters. Young people shouldn’t have to wait until they’ve "earned" their seat at the table—decision-makers must create spaces for their input now.
Having youth on organizational boards brings fresh thinking and challenges the status quo.
Involving younger generations provides different perspectives that are crucial for finding new solutions.
Decision-makers who don’t include youth in the conversation risk becoming irrelevant.
“If you haven’t got the voice of the teens and the 20s on your board or advisory panel, then please do. It brings fresh thinking.” — Will Travers
"Eco-Anxiety Is About More Than the Crisis—It's About Inaction."
Young people are not just disillusioned by the scale of climate change—they’re frustrated by the lack of action. Eco-anxiety stems from seeing little meaningful response from leaders and institutions.
Youth are often invited into discussions but are left feeling tokenized or unheard.
Many leaders are disconnected from the realities of the climate crisis, and young voices are crucial in bringing a sense of urgency to the table.
The business-as-usual approach is unsustainable, and young people are pushing for a total rethinking of societal systems.
“The more disillusioning part of Eco-anxiety is not the enormity of the climate crisis but the inaction in response to it.” — Clover Hogan
"What’s Next: The Future of Environmentalism"
The future of environmentalism lies in moving from ideas to implementation, in co-creating spaces where everyone can contribute to climate solutions—especially in politics and economics.
Political and economic systems are currently stagnant, but by involving younger voices, we can drive transformative change.
The role of radical protest may shift, but creating spaces where youth can channel their energy into policymaking and systemic reform is essential.
“Politics and economics need spaces where young people can deliberate, test ideas, and create something better.” — Bella Lack
Quickfire: What Makes You Hopeful About the Future?
Dominique Palmer: Youth-led organizations are gaining traction, but there’s more to do. We need direct consultations with youth to create actionable policies that don’t just represent young people but are led by them.
Will Travers: It’s about getting out of our comfort zones. Engaging everyone from business to government in a way that bridges gaps and delivers real-world solutions. And yes, I’d even pay more taxes if I knew it was going directly to nature.
Clover Hogan: Get uncomfortable and challenge business as usual. Cultivate joy and community while fighting for the future we want.
The future of environmentalism will be shaped by a radical collaboration across generations, sectors, and systems. The voices of youth, combined with the experience of older generations, could hold the key to navigating the challenges ahead.
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