Empowering Young People in the Global South to Create Climate-Smart Communities

Understanding the Global South

For a lot of us in the development atmosphere might have come across this word often just like the SDG goals. The term Global South refers broadly to regions in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania that share historical, economic, and social challenges stemming from colonial legacies and underdevelopment. These areas often experience higher poverty rates, limited access to education, and inadequate infrastructure compared to their Global North counterparts. In simple terms, the global south often refers to underdeveloped countries or areas in the world. Despite these areas having great human capital and an abundance of resources, these regions continue to suffer.

One of the most pressing challenges for the Global South is the impact of climate change. Many communities in these regions are highly dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods, leaving them vulnerable to the effects of rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and land degradation. These vulnerabilities are even heightened by a lack of education on sustainable practices, leading to environmental harm, such as land pollution, which often, in my opinion, stems from ignorance about its consequences.

Challenges in the Global South

Environmental Degradation:
Land pollution is a serious issue in many parts of the Global South. Dumping second-hand clothes (a case in Ghana) plastics, burning waste, and unsustainable farming practices degrade ecosystems, harm soil fertility, and release toxins into the air and water. Often, these practices occur because people are unaware of the long-term impacts. Galamsey in Ghana is another instance that is causing a lot of devastation to forests and water bodies.

Limited Access to Education:
Additionally, in many areas, access to quality education is limited, the underlined word here I quality. Without a foundational understanding of climate science or sustainable practices, communities inadvertently engage in activities that harm the environment. For example, deforestation for firewood or overuse of fertilizers is common in rural communities striving to survive.

Economic Constraints:
Almighty Poverty is a pervasive issue that forces many people to prioritize immediate needs over long-term sustainability, what would you do if you were in their shoes? Even when they are aware of the negative effects of certain practices, they may lack the resources to implement environmentally friendly alternatives, these are the harsh realities.

Youth Unemployment:
Why do you think most youths are migrating to the global north? Despite being the majority demographic in the Global South, young people often face high unemployment rates, limiting their ability to contribute meaningfully to community development. This untapped potential represents a lost opportunity for innovation and leadership in addressing climate issues.

Building Climate-Smart Communities

1. Youth-Led Climate Action
It is obvious from youth-led activities that young people in the Global South can lead the charge by creating climate-smart solutions. For instance, youth organizations can develop projects like tree planting campaigns, organic farming initiatives, and clean-up drives that directly address local environmental issues. It can be as small as cleaning the gutters.

In Kenya, the Green Belt Movement founded by Wangari Maathai demonstrates the power of grassroots action. The initiative combined environmental restoration with women’s empowerment, serving as a model for integrating education and community action.

Empowering Women and Girls
Empowering young women and girls is especially critical in the Global South, where they often face additional barriers to education and participation. Programs like Solar Sisters in Sub-Saharan Africa (Uganda) train women to sell solar-powered products, promoting clean energy while providing economic opportunities.

Leveraging Technology
(Whether we like it or yes) social media has come to stay and it has become a part of our lives that we cannot do without. Mobile technology and social media can amplify the reach of educational campaigns. Apps that teach sustainable farming practices or alert users to climate risks are becoming increasingly popular. For instance, the PlantVillage app helps farmers in Africa adapt to climate change by providing tailored advice and weather forecasts.

Community-Based Solutions
Education must extend beyond classrooms and into communities. Local leaders, religious groups, and traditional authorities can play vital roles in disseminating information. For example, storytelling—a deeply ingrained tradition in many Global South cultures—can be an effective medium for communicating the importance of sustainability.

Overcoming Challenges to Empowerment

1. Providing Resources:
One thing is being all pumped-up ready to take action, and another is not having the tools to take that action. Access to resources is crucial. Governments and international organizations must invest in infrastructure, provide funding for genuinely sustainable projects, and make tools like solar panels and compost bins affordable for low-income families.

2. Addressing Systemic Barriers:
Tackling poverty and inequality will require systemic changes, including better governance, anti-corruption measures, transparency, and fair trade policies. These changes will create an enabling environment where education can thrive and communities can prosper.

3. Scaling Up Success Stories:
Projects that have shown measurable success should be replicated and adapted across regions. This requires collaboration between governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Although the challenges are significant, the potential for transformation is immense. Behavioral change starts with education, and when young people are empowered, they not only improve their own communities but inspire broader regional and global progress. Together, with commitment and collaboration, the Global South can lead the way in building a greener, more sustainable future.