This Earth Day, Wednesday 22 April, CSE and Community Energy England (CEE) are fundraising to ensure more young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have the opportunity to take action on climate and energy issues in their local areas. The enthusiasm is already there. What’s missing is the access.

For one week only, the Big Give will match all donations pound for pound. With your support, we can make double the difference to young people, ensuring they have a real say in the energy system that will shape their lives. 

Showing young people that their voices matter

For too long, young people have been left out of climate and nature decisions. Despite growing up surrounded by big conversations about climate change and our energy system, four in five young people feel they’re not being listened to. They want to act, but don’t know where to begin, or believe they won’t have a significant impact. We want to change this. 

When current climate engagement mostly happens in schools, many young people miss out, particularly those disengaged from formal education or facing barriers to participation. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are even less likely to access climate education opportunities.  

Community-based initiatives such as community energy organisations, local climate action groups and youth clubs can provide a much-needed alternative space for young people to explore ideas about energy and nature. 

Sian works with Hartcliffe Club for Young People in Bristol, one of the community organisations already doing this work with CSE. Through their Nature Fridays project, young people get outdoors, explore how climate and nature connect to their everyday lives, and see that their actions can make a real difference locally. Sian has seen the project’s impact first-hand:

Your support will make twice the impact this Earth Day 

For this week only, your donations will be matched pound for pound. With your support, we can make double the difference to young people, giving them the tools and knowledge to get involved in local initiatives and take action in their own communities.

CSE and CEE will work with local youth clubs, community energy organisations, schools and local climate groups to:

• Deliver workshops in local communities.
• Produce digital learning materials and youth stories.
• Provide small grants and mentoring for young people to engage in community energy.
• Build partnerships with schools, youth organisations and local groups.
• Support young people to become community energy ambassadors in their local areas.

Young people are the most enthusiastic about community energy but the least likely to be involved. With your support, more young people will gain the confidence and opportunity to take action and help shape a fair, sustainable energy future.  

How you can support the campaign

Will you join us? Find out more and donate here. Or share our social posts to spread the word. We need everyone to take action this Earth Day.