The Youth4Climate Call for Solutions is now OPEN!

It is broadly recognized that our unsustainable patterns of consumption and production are driving the triple planetary crisis. Currently, only 7.2 percent of used materials are cycled back into our economies after use. Estimates show that we are already using more than the available amount of Earth’s natural resources and if current trends were to continue, we would need three planets by 2050. Our current economic system can be considered a “linear economy”, built on a model of extracting raw materials from nature, turning them into products, and then discarding them as waste.  

A successful transition to a circular economy will mean minimizing waste and pollution, keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible at their highest value, and regenerating natural systems. Circular solutions can consider the entire lifecycle of economic activities and products, from electronics to plastics and textiles, as well as improvements in resource efficiency and the designing of products for longevity, repairability, and recyclability.  

With over 1.8 billion young people worldwide, young people are increasingly acknowledged as vital contributors and critical stakeholders in the sustainable consumption and production (SCP) action, playing roles such as negotiators, innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and agents of change. However, they often face underrepresentation in decision-making processes due to inadequate technical, political, and financial support. 

Discrimination based on age, gender, experience, and capabilities, along with limited access to information, further hinder meaningful youth engagement and their influence on SCP action and development processes. These barriers persist, impeding effective youth participation and impact.   

At the One Planet Network, we strongly believe that young people have the right to participate in public affairs, including on SCP and key development issues. Their knowledge, energy and perseverance have spurred a global movement demanding bold SCP measures from their leaders, while also leading initiatives in their countries and communities.  

It is urgent to act now for youth, and more importantly, with youth in the driving seat. The One Planet Network strongly supports youth empowerment, both as a means and an end.