Across the UK, young climate justice campaigners have been making their voices heard – through art. Schools up and down the country have been taking part in Creative for Climate Justice, an initiative that gives young people a platform to use their amazing creativity and send a loud and clear climate justice message to MPs and Government Ministers.
This inspiring scheme is a partnership between CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam GB, Send My Friend to School, and the Royal Society of Literature, with support from the Climate Coalition.
No matter your age, join our fight for climate justice.
Bringing their concerns and creativity to parliament
Students came up with creative ways of sharing their opinions about climate change and their hopes for the planet – in drawings, poetry, sculpture or prose. Displayed in schools and community exhibits, these powerful messages culminated in a special exhibition at the Houses of Parliament.
It wasn’t just about showcasing their artwork; several of the young creatives led meaningful conversations with MPs, urging them to take action on the climate crisis.
feel proud to be part of a movement that highlights the urgency of climate justice, and I hope I can help inspire action. I want MPs to recognise that we should care about the future of our planet and commit to stronger policies that protect the environment and support people and communities most affected by climate change.
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Chris Law, MP for Dundee West, expressed his admiration for the young artists: ‘I’m truly inspired by the knowledge, commitment, and passion to defend our planet. I learned from my two young tour guides, Olamide and George, to double my efforts to campaign in this Parliament.’ His experience with the students showed him just how crucial it is to listen to and support the voices of young people in the climate movement.
Similarly, Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South, congratulated the students from her constituency who had their poetry displayed at the exhibition. She shared, ‘The inspiring poems reflected on young people's concerns about climate change and their vision for the future.’
The students’ artwork was not just visually striking but also deeply thought-provoking, shining a light on the urgency of climate action.
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Find out how you can get involved by engaging with your MP to push for climate justice action and other issues important to you
Why is it important to engage young people about the climate crisis?
The climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues shaping the future of children and young people worldwide. As the next generation of leaders, activists and thinkers, it’s crucial that they have a seat at the table in conversations about our planet’s future.
The actions of today will directly affect the world they inherit tomorrow, and young people have a unique and vital role to play in this fight.
I want our artwork to show that people can have a big impact on the climate of our Earth, and tell them to keep it healthy. I was nervous about going to the Houses of Parliament, as I have never been there, but excited.
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Now, more than ever, it’s essential to empower young people not only to learn about the issues but also to reflect on their own roles in creating a more sustainable future. The Creative for Climate Justice initiative has done just that—giving children the space to channel their creativity into action, learn from one another, and amplify their voices to a wider audience, including policymakers.
For Nethaya, the experience was equally powerful: ‘It’s easy to feel like one voice can’t make a difference but when we all come together, our voices are powerful. Keep learning, keep speaking up and never underestimate the impact you can have in creating change in our world.’ Her words reflect the power of unity and the collective strength of young voices demanding action.
It’s important to recognise that these young artists are not just dreaming of a better world—they're actively shaping it.
