Empowering Youth to Tackle Climate Change
Across the globe, young individuals are harnessing technology to confront climate issues head-on. These young innovators, driven by personal stakes, are crafting unique solutions. Over a billion children, representing half of the global youth population, face extremely high risks from climate impacts. Organizations like UNICEF are uniting their efforts to support these youth-driven initiatives.
SAP is also committed to addressing climate change through cross-generational collaboration. As the leading provider of enterprise application software, SAP aids organizations like UNICEF by integrating sustainability into corporate value chains. By merging corporate resources with youth expertise, SAP aims to accelerate impactful solutions.
Air pollution, a significant facet of climate change, is a global concern. International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies spotlights this issue, emphasizing its borderless nature. Air pollution not only exacerbates natural disasters but also endangers the health of vulnerable populations worldwide.
In Mongolia, rapid urbanization and a reliance on coal have intensified air pollution challenges. Despite a coal ban in its capital, the nation continues to grapple with severe smog and health risks. Youth like Enkhuun Byambadorj refuse to accept this reality and are leading the charge for change.
Innovative Approaches to Air Quality
At just 17, Enkhuun co-founded Breathe Mongolia, leveraging data and technology to combat air pollution. Motivated by personal experiences, she recognized the potential of tech-driven solutions. Breathe Mongolia provides centralized air quality data, making it accessible to Mongolian communities.
Enkhuun emphasizes the power of tech-based tools in reaching broader audiences. “These are all tech-based tools that we use to reach more audiences and more people than we could otherwise,” she explains. Breathe Mongolia now serves as the region’s primary air quality information source, available in both English and Mongolian.
Climate Week, held during the UN General Assembly, highlights the significance of youth innovation in addressing climate challenges. Organizations like SAP collaborate with youth initiatives like GenU, which was established by UNICEF in 2018 to equip young people with essential skills and resources.
GenU focuses on:
- Providing educational resources
- Facilitating key global conversations
- Connecting youth with decision-makers
This initiative underscores the importance of youth participation in solving pressing global issues.
Collaboration for Lasting Impact
Young people bring a unique blend of passion and a digital-first mindset, essential for creating impactful solutions. Breathe Mongolia is just one example among millions of global organizations prioritizing people and the planet. SAP supports over 10 million social enterprises, many led by young leaders.
In collaboration with partners such as Generation Unlimited, ChangemakerXchange, and We Are Family Foundation (WAFF), SAP aims to bridge the opportunity gap. Ensuring youth have the necessary resources to innovate is a top priority, extending beyond events like Climate Week and UNGA.
Year-round, SAP’s leadership team exemplifies this commitment by involving young experts in their innovation and sustainability strategies. This inclusion opens doors, granting young leaders a platform to contribute to corporate decision-making processes.
Whether participating in Climate Week or engaging virtually, everyone has a role in combating climate issues. Understanding youth challenges and incorporating their perspectives are crucial for effective solutions. Resources like The Possibilists global study and WAFF’s intergenerational collaboration research provide valuable insights.
Supporting Young Climate Innovators
For young climate innovators in North America and Sub-Saharan Africa, resources are available through initiatives like Changemakers for the Planet. These programs offer support and opportunities to leverage their innovative ideas and drive significant change.
The dedication of young leaders, combined with corporate and organizational support, creates a powerful force in the fight against climate change. By fostering collaboration across generations, we can pave the way for sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
As we continue to address these global challenges, the contributions of young innovators like Enkhuun and the support of organizations like SAP and UNICEF remain vital. Their combined efforts demonstrate the potential for meaningful impact and a brighter, more sustainable future.
Tags: Climate ActionClimate ChangeCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Generation UnlimitedSAP CSR
hudsonjade
Thank you for highlighting these efforts! More power to the youth! 😊
trinitysolar
Enkhuun is only 17!? What was I doing at 17? Probably not saving the world, lol.
rileyradiance8
How can tech giants ensure they’re not just using these initiatives for PR?
Grayson
So cool! Can anyone join the Climate Week activities or is it invite-only?
lauren
This is great news, but what’s the biggest challenge these youth face in their efforts?
wyatt
Love seeing big companies like SAP getting involved. Keep it up!
jason
Just wondering, how does SAP ensure the longevity of these projects?
ryan
Enkhuun’s story is amazing. Are there other examples of youth-led climate initiatives?
CamilaWhisper
Great job to these young leaders! But how scalable are these solutions globally?
MadisonMoonshadow9
Wow, this is so inspiring! How can we support initiatives like Breathe Mongolia? 🌍