Young people are leading the fight against climate change both in the United States and around the world.

Thirty-two percent of Gen Zers— more than any other generation—have taken concrete actions to address climate change in the last year. These youth are leading campaigns against fossil fuel companies and are bringing constitutional challenges in court against their state and federal governments, as in Juliana v. U.S. and Held v. Montana. Many of these young people are thinking globally and acting locally, serving on municipal climate commissions, helping their school districts shift to renewables, and demanding that City Hall recognize the climate emergency.

Local governments and officials can work in tandem with young leaders in their community to advance climate action. While young people have the knowledge and fervor required to raise awareness, local governments can provide resources and have the power to enact change through ordinances, policies, programs, and infrastructure development.

Join the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN) and the Environmental Law Institute to hear from a panel of youth climate leaders as they share insights with municipalities about how to engage youth in climate action and their climate action priorities. The panel will provide advice to other inspiring young leaders and suggestions for local governments on how to work with youth activists to foster joint action that brings about meaningful and long-lasting change.