Year: 2025 | Month: December | Volume 13 | Issue 2
From Climate Grievances to Conflict Prevention: An Analysis of the Impacts of Youth Climate Activism on Peace-building in Africa
Brian Muthuri Kithinji
DOI:10.30954/2454-9525.02.2025.6
Abstract:
Despite Africa contributing less than 3 per cent of global emissions, climate changes continues to exacerbate challenges such as resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities, which often leads to conflicts. This paper explores the emerging role of youth climate activism as a proactive force in conflict prevention. Youthled movements in Africa have mobilized to raise awareness, advocate for policy change, and implement grassroots initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable practices. By engaging in peaceful activism, youth not only amplify the urgency of climate action but also address underlying grievances related to environmental injustices and inequitable resource distribution. Drawing on focus groups discussions, structured interviews, and case study reviews, this paper examines how youth activism contributes to fostering resilience, building community cohesion, and promoting dialogue across diverse societal groups. It also explores the potential of youth-led initiatives in fostering sustainable peacebuilding strategies that address climate-induced vulnerabilities and enhance societal resilience. Moreover, it discusses challenges, including limited financial resources and institutional barriers, and proposes strategies to empower youths as agents of positive change in conflict-prone regions. Ultimately, this paper underscores that youth climate activism can contribute to building more sustainable and peaceful African societies, and therefore should be nurtured and supported.
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