Net Zero Youth is a nationwide initiative that empowers young people across Canada to explore climate action through storytelling and dialogue. From interactive cohort sessions to real-world engagement, the program provides a structured yet flexible space for youth to navigate climate issues, connect personal experiences with collective action, and develop essential communication skills for advocacy.
Take aways: Youth who participated in three cohorts around Canada (Quebec, Alberta and British Colombia) share what they learned from this initiative, 1. New way to approach climate conversations, 2. a deeper understanding of net-zero policies in Canada, 3. practical skills for intergenerational dialogue, and 3. a feeling anchored in a community of youth leaders committed to a sustainable future.
Empowering youth to navigate climate action through storytelling, fostering dialogue, and building a community for a sustainable future ! Learn more about the project !
Apathy is Boring - Interview
Irmak Taher – project manager
How Can We Think About Engagement?
Climate is the top issue that concerns youth. What are the different ways to take action for the climate within a democratic framework?
Net Zero & Climate Change in Canada projet:
We are hosting three cohort sessions focused on the general concept of net zero—not necessarily targeting those already highly engaged, as many youth are already doing this work.
For young people worried about climate change but unsure how to engage, we explore:
- Climate change policies and the key actors shaping them.
- Climate literacy: understanding who does what and how different policies interconnect to create a clearer landscape.
- How to connect personal experiences with the collective climate struggle.
The goal is to foster dialogue. While we do not use fictional characters, we examine how storytelling has been integrated into climate discourse.
First : What actions do participants imagine?
- Identifying the sectors that consume the most carbon.
- Exploring both individual and collective actions.
Second: What makes a story impactful?
- What is my position in relation to the story?
- How does storytelling connect the individual to the collective experience?
- Storytelling & Community Mobilization: How can storytelling help mobilize communities? The program introduces storytelling as a new approach to engaging with climate issues.
Third Session: Sharing Stories & Organizational Connections
- Participants will share their stories on the ground.
- They will connect with relevant organizations.
Cohorts:
- Sessions are conducted online, with 5 to 15 participants from four provinces (including Quebec).
- Engagement strategies include social media and newsletters.
- Some in-person sessions have been hosted beyond the workshops.
Next Wednesday, there will be a session to discuss how their stories will take shape.
We recognize the need for different entry points into climate action, including ways to depoliticize discussions.
Participant Feedback:
- Being in a space where they can talk with others, express uncertainty, and question what is true has been valuable.
- The program is not about being experts but about contributing to a collective learning process.
- This is not deep canvassing training—it is dialogue building.
Two other interesting projects:
- The Rise Project:
While not initially intended as a creative project, it ultimately led to the use of creative approaches. The project was funded through a two-year grant. - Table Topics: Facilitating Conversations on Politics: For six years, Table Topics has trained youth to facilitate conversations on politics in informal settings, such as hosting discussions over food.
- Participants receive funding (grants) to buy food.
- A facilitation toolkit is provided, including tips, sample questions, and a conversation deck (a card game designed to spark discussions on politics).
More details: Apathy is Boring - Table Topics
Initiators: Apathy is Boring
Country: Canada
Website: https://www.apathyisboring.com/net_zero_and_youth