Youth and climate justice: Representations of young people in action for sustainable futures

Abstract

This commentary examines the structural barriers youth face in climate justice efforts, despite their growing awareness and vital contributions. It critiques the co-optation of youth through corporate sponsorship and tokenistic representation while exposing how colonialism, capitalism, and systemic violence sustain climate injustice, particularly in settler colonial contexts like Canada. Drawing on environmental justice literature and youth-led initiatives, the piece calls for deeper, transformative youth engagement that challenges the dominant global order and centers justice-focused climate action.