For societies around the world to better understand, mitigate and adapt to climate change, they need to know what is at stake. The planet is warming due to increased concentrations of heat‐trapping gases in our atmosphere. Most of the increased concentrations of these gases over the last century are due to human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels.
A major shift is needed to reduce emissions by half by the middle of the century. According to the IPCC, changes in lifestyles and consumption patterns that emphasize resource conservation can contribute to developing a low‐carbon economy that is both equitable and sustainable. Education and training programmes can help overcome barriers to the market acceptance of energy efficiency, particularly in combination with other measures.
With an informed population, a knowledgeable workforce, enlightened government officials and an environmentally aware youth, the world will be in a far better position to deal with the causes and impacts of climate change. It is therefore important that young people make their concerns heard and engage in actions that bring a fundamental change on how society moves forward in the coming decades.
Education and awareness raising on environmental issues play a pivotal role in sensitizing young people on fundamental environmental issues and empowering them, as young people, to mitigate the impact of these issues. These awareness‐raising initiatives will result in informed citizens able to critically engage in decision‐making and action‐taking for sustainable development.