An Inheritance of Uncertainty: The Consequences of Climate Change

How do you plan for a future shaped by decisions made long before you were born? As students, we are encouraged to consider our futures, like career aspirations and long-term goals. However, these plans are increasingly overshadowed by the current climate crisis which predates our generation. This creates fear among young people about the climate, but also anxiety about the uncertainty about the future. Despite this concern, there is still an abundance of youth activism, as they attempt to tackle ongoing crises. 

However, the ongoing climate crisis is only prevalent due to the centuries of industrial and economic development. Around 1760, industrialisation began to emerge in Great Britain, spreading to Europe and North America by the early 19th century. Industrialisation has relied heavily on fossil fuels like coal to power machinery and factories. As the production increased, carbon emissions rose rapidly, resulting in atmospheric damage. Additionally, industrialisation contributed to consumption of finite, natural resources, and water pollution. Therefore, this reliance on fossil fuels has become essential for modern economies. 

Nevertheless, as the effects of global warming become apparent, many young people are questioning their futures and how they may turn out to be. As one college student said the future is “uncertain” and “unpredictable”, anxieties surrounding time after school are becoming increasingly prevalent. Young people are the ones who will face the long-term impacts of climate change, such as increased droughts, heatwaves, floods, and wildfires. Therefore, reinforcing the belief that 7 out of 10 young people are worried about climate change and its effects, according to the YouGov poll. These crises create a rippling effect, as in the UK, the physical consequences of environmental instability are indisputable as we have experienced wetter winters, drier summers and record-breaking temperatures. Thus, our houses are unprepared to handle these changes, resulting in overheating in homes over the summer, and falling prey to flooding in the winter. As a result, the climate crisis is no longer a future concern, but a present-day anxiety. 

However, this fear has become a catalyst for action. Enkhuun Byambadorj is an environmental rights activist living in Ulaanbaatar, a city with some of the most toxic air due to coal burning. During winters, smog can spike to 27 times the safe level. She co-founded the non-profit Breathe Mongolia to demand cleaner air. Their petition demanding action on air pollution led to a public hearing in parliament. Her activism reflects a wider global pattern where young people, aware of the consequences, are refusing to remain silent.  

While large-scale activism plays a crucial role, as students our influence remains significant. We can use our voice to raise awareness perhaps through simple conversations or through social media. Moreover, voting when eligible allows young people to influence decisions that can directly shape environmental policy. However right now, your everyday choices like reducing fast fashion consumption or using public transport can contribute to a wider cultural change. Although the younger generation should not have the sole responsibility to fix this global climate crisis, we are able challenge it through both social and individual change. 

Lily Field 

Sources: 

What was the Industrial Revolution's Environmental Impact? - Greenly 

Young People's Climate Anxiety Soaring - Woodland Trust 

How Climate Change is Impacting The Property Market - AWH 

Young climate activists demand action and inspire hope | UNICEF