I fear for my future because of climate change. What can I do?
By Max | 17 | NSW
Growing up, I was taught to dream big. I had (and still have) my sights set on leaving my hometown of Broken Hill to attend university in the city- the usual small-town kid cliche of escaping a tiny town to immerse yourself in all that the city’s got to offer.
But standing on the brink of adulthood, about to start my HSC year, I have to start seriously thinking about my future. My dream of getting lost in the city feels overshadowed by two big challenges: the ever-rising cost of living, and climate change.
“For many other young people, the future feels more like an uphill battle than the breezy open road we were dreaming of. ”
The weight of these global crises is becoming more and more impossible to ignore. The planet is heating up, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and intense, and the cost of everything from housing to groceries continues to skyrocket. For young people, this isn’t just a political or economic issue - it’s a personal one. We are the ones who are inheriting the future and the consequences of these challenges, and for many of us, that inheritance is causing immense anxiety.
There has been an uprising in young people experiencing “eco anxiety”, an extreme worry about current and future harm to the environment caused by humans and climate change. Unsurprisingly, those who experience eco anxiety also tend to experience financial stress.
While it’s perfectly valid to experience these anxieties, we shouldn’t let them discourage us. There’s still time for things to change, and there is still hope for a future that isn’t completely doomed.
Youth-led initiatives like School Strike for Climate, the Duty of Care Bill, and YOUNGO (the Official Youth Constituency of the UNFCCC) are encouraging young people to stand up for what they believe in and fight for a better future. These initiatives remind us that young voices hold the power to inspire change.
It’s easy to feel small in the face of global challenges like climate change, the rise of the cost of living, and political uncertainty, but history has shown us time and again that collective action can lead to incredible outcomes. Movements led by young people have already sparked international conversations, influencing policies and challenging leaders to think beyond the short-term. The resilience and creativity of young activists demonstrate that the future isn’t set in stone—it’s being written by those willing to stand up.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that even the smallest of actions can contribute to the bigger picture. Joining a local or national organisation, educating your community, or amplifying others’ voices through social media are all ways to make a difference.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight - it’s through persistence and solidarity.”
The road (or hill) ahead may not be easy, but it isn’t impossible. With persistence, courage, and determination, young people have the power and potential to rewrite the narrative, creating a world where hope isn’t just an idea- its a reality. We must stay hopeful. So let’s continue to speak up, act boldly, and remind ourselves and each other that the fight for a better tomorrow is one worth pursuing.
So, as the shrapnel from the grenade (that is my HSC year) hits me, I’m going to try to not be overwhelmed by fear, but instead, take it in my stride. Like many things, this is just another challenge that I’m going to have to face, and if living in a place like Broken Hill has taught me one thing- it's not to let steep (or broken) hills get in my way, and to persevere.