Business as Usual or Willing to Change? – Emerging Trends – Where We Are Now
A Business as Usual or Plan A approach to youth is to assume that good education, training and law enforcement are the key to young people becoming responsible citizens. However with the enormous pressures on society and families which is likely to increase with the difficulties of peak oil and climate change, young people need many additional direct and indirect supports for personal development, creativity and self confidence building as well as supports for their families, schools and additional youth facilities.
We can assume that if current trends continue, by 2030 young people will display more despair and anger with a society that they feel misled them and has let them down, and reflect the fear and despondency of their parents and grandparents as unrest in society evolves and life becomes more unpredictable and difficult.
If we are willing to change or develop a Plan B on the other hand, this would need to be based on the following principles underpinned by intergenerational justice;
- Children should grow up in healthy and sustainable environments, free from noise, pollution and danger from roads, and within easy reach of green and natural spaces for play and learning.
- An education system which prepares children and young people for a bright sustainable future, not a failing consumption economy. That means understanding the roots of climate change, poverty, insecurity and obesity, and looking at our values.
- The services that children and young people encounter as they grow up – their schools, doctors surgeries, youth centres, children’s homes, playgrounds, hospitals and transport services – should be examples of sustainable operation so it becomes the norm.
- Children don’t stop learning when they become adults. Whether it’s in the workplace or in communities, now or in the future, being skilled at sustainable development is essential for our national success.
- Children and young people feel ready to stand up for what they know is right and prepared to take responsibility for their own future.
What follows is one version of how Youth might become more empowered, prepared and involved in the transition to a more resilient and localised society over the next 21 years.
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