Climate Change

The Earth’s climate is changing; rising sea levels for example are increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding; and a warming atmosphere is leading to the spread of pests and diseases once limited to the tropics. Climate change is affecting health, food production, livelihoods, security, and the economy. Everyone will feel the impact, but climate change will have a disproportionate effect on the poorest communities. 

Often living in temporary, unplanned settlements, and reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods, they are most vulnerable to the devastation caused by natural disasters.   As a result, climate change is also creating growing numbers of environmental refugees.  Many are young people seeking new opportunities for education and employment.

For over 25 years, YMCAs around the world have been working to protect the earth’s resources for coming generations, and to help communities adapt to climate change.   

YMCA action includes awareness raising and advocacy on environmental issues, as well as agricultural and energy-preservation programmes. YMCA initiatives focus on young people’s leadership and participation.  

At the World Alliance level, together with the Alliance of Youth CEOs (AYCEO) and UNICEF, we are producing a Guide for young people to take leadership in addressing climate change.  The World Alliance of YMCAs also participates in key international meetings to share YMCA good practices on the environment and bring a youth perspective to policy debates.