I HAD the privilege of delivering a passionate presentation during the Educational Forum of the Climbs’ 53rd Annual General Assembly attended by nearly a thousand delegates from cooperatives across the Philippines. Organized by the Climbs Life and General Insurance Cooperative, and supported by the Co-operative College of the Philippines, the gathering focused on the vital role of “Identity, Impact, Innovation: Cooperatives — Now and the Future,” particularly within the framework of the International Year of Cooperatives.
My talk, “Filipino Youth: Key Partners in Climate Action,” was a rallying cry for recognizing our youth’s power and responsibility to shape a resilient, sustainable future amid the escalating climate crisis.
(From left) Mental health advocate Ymari Kristia Pascua; the author; and Maco Ravanzo, founder of I AM MAD Volunteers. PHOTO FROM YMARI KRISTIA PASCUA
I drew attention to Unicef’s groundbreaking report, The Children’s Climate Risk Index, which illustrated how children worldwide are among the most vulnerable to climate hazards. Highlighting that Filipino children are classified among those “at extremely high risk,” I emphasized that this reality underscores a pressing need for immediate, bold action. The report paints a stark picture: thousands of Filipino children face relentless exposure to storms, floods and climate-induced shocks, threatening their health, safety and future.
Amplifying this concern, the United Kingdom-based University of Bath’s 2021 global survey on climate anxiety revealed troubling insights: 93 percent of Filipino youth believe that “people have failed to care for the planet,” 92 percent feel that “the future is frightening.” These numbers reflect an urgent emotional and psychological crisis, yet also reveal that our youth are aware, engaged and determined to do better. Despite their fears, the Filipino youth remain steadfast in their belief that they can forge a different path: one rooted in hope, innovation and concrete action.
Throughout history, young people have always been catalysts for change. Their creativity, activism and willingness to challenge the status quo have fueled some of the most impactful social movements worldwide. Today’s Filipino youth exemplify this spirit. They are more willing and able to adapt to sustainable lifestyles, harness digital connectivity for environmental advocacy and push for policies promoting climate justice. Their voices echo a collective call to action, reminding us that the fight against climate change requires new solutions, fresh perspectives and unyielding passion.
Recognizing our youth’s potential role is an optimistic hope and a strategic imperative. Investing in them is investing in the future we want to build, one where resilience and sustainability are not just goals but realities. The enthusiasm and engagement of Filipino youth, who are already active in climate justice, climate education and community-based initiatives, should reassure everyone that meaningful change is within reach. Their access to information and ability to communicate effectively make them powerful agents of transformative change.
Change makers
Attending the Asean Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Conference’s fellowship dinner later in the week, I was reenergized by Filipino youth changemakers who are already making impactful strides. Among them was Lara Jean Salaysay, a Yseali (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative) Academic Fellow, who is poised to make her mark in the green jobs market. She is dedicated to shaping a sustainable future through innovative employment and career opportunities rooted in environmental consciousness.
Dr. Lorenzo Sablay, a medical doctor and NYC mental health coach, exemplifies the intersection of climate resilience and mental health. His work emphasizes that addressing the climate crisis requires ecological solutions and strengthening community well-being and mental resilience. Another passionate mental health advocate, Ymari Kristia Pascua, brings strength and compassion to the forefront of climate action. Her advocacy underscores that fostering mental resilience among youth is crucial for sustaining long-term climate efforts.
Brian Delos Santos, a Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (Sseayp) Ambassador of Goodwill, demonstrates that sustainable tourism can be a potent weapon for climate advocacy. His promotion of ecotourism fosters a deeper connection between communities and their environment, creating economic opportunities aligned with environmental stewardship. Another Sseayp Ambassador of Goodwill, Maco Ravanzo, exemplifies leadership rooted in empowerment. Through the I Am MAD Volunteers, he mobilizes young Filipinos to participate in community service, showing that impactful change begins by uplifting others to become catalysts for transformation.
These leaders embody the spirit of Asean youth, a dynamic mix of passion, innovation and unwavering commitment toward building climate resilience and sustainability. Their stories reveal that they start real change. Their actions serve as a reminder that our young people’s energy, creativity and resilience are vital drivers for confronting the polycrisis era’s complex, interconnected challenges.
The future of climate action depends on empowering more young Filipinos, encouraging their leadership and harnessing their innovative ideas. They are inheriting the world and shaping it today. They are the leaders of tomorrow, but more importantly, they are the leaders of today.
The author is the founder and chief strategic advisor of the Young Environmental Forum and a director of Climate Tracker Asia Inc. He completed a climate change and development course at the University of East Anglia (UK) and an executive program on sustainability leadership at Yale University (USA). You can email at [email protected].