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Our participatory approach
Researchers from Dublin City University and Trinity College Dublin are working together to study young people’s views and actions on climate change over time. The project looks at how different influences, like family, friends, school, and social media, affect what young people know, believe, and do about climate change.
Young people will be a big part of the research in different ways. Some will take part in interviews, where they will talk about their personal experiences with climate change, what made them start thinking about it, and how they imagine the future. Others will be part of a three-year study to track how their opinions and knowledge change as they grow older. The study will explore things like trust in climate science and how serious young people think climate change is. There will also be a citizen science project where Transition Year students will become researchers themselves. They will work with a research team to design and conduct their own studies about climate change attitudes and actions.
One of the most important things about this project is that young people are not just being studied, they are conducting this study alongside the research team. Their voices, ideas, and experiences are at the centre of the research. The results of this project will help improve climate education and shape policies that support young people as they face the challenges of the future.
NextGen Youth Advisory Group (YAG)
The NextGen Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is a team of young people aged 12-21 from across Ireland who are helping shape how we understand and act on climate change.
The YAG ensures that youth voices guide every stage of the research. Members of the group advise on how research is designed and shared, ensuring that surveys, interviews, and engagement activities are inclusive, relevant, and meaningful for young people. The YAG meets regularly to share insights, build skills in research and climate communication, and collaborate with the research team in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Members receive recognition and fair compensation for their time and expertise. Together, the Youth Advisory Group plays an important role in making sure young people’s perspectives and experiences are at the centre of Ireland’s climate change research and action.
More details on our youth advisory group members are given below.
My name is Sarah, I am currently studying economics politics and law in DCU. I have previously worked with Azza and when I heard there was an advisory group on climate action I knew I had to apply. I have previous experience with being a climate ambassador and working in the children and young people's citizens assembly on biodiversity loss. I hope to contribute with my experience from these projects and bring positive changes.
My name is Cassia. I grew up in Zambia where my dad ran a climate project in a national park which made me want to get involved. I was homeschooled which meant I was able to focus my schooling on what interested me.
My name is Ida, and I am a secondary student in County Meath. I am the coordinator
of my school’s Green Council. I am getting involved in this project as it enables me to voice my opinions on sustainability and the future of our environment. I hope to give
a voice to young people in rural Gaeltacht communities while developing this project.
Hi I am Nia. I am studying law with politics. I became involved with project as I have an interest in international development and relations and climate change and the way we approach education towards it is fundamental in the global future.
My name is Saoirse. I’m a secondary school student, and I was motivated to join this project because I’m very interested in climate change. I believe it’s really important for young people to be educated about this issue, and I hope to make learning about climate change more accessible and engaging for others my age.
My name is Numra. I am a student of a Bachelor of Science degree in Maynooth University.
I participated in this research about young people’s perspectives about climate change because I am really interested in learning about new perspectives and working towards the improvement of our environment and exploring the causes of climate change.
Hi, my name is Jack O’Rourke, and I am in 6th year in a Kildare Post Primary School. After seeing a lot of misinformation in relation to climate change in my life, especially from my peers, I gained a strong desire to learn more about climate change. From this project I hope to help to change young people's perspectives and educate them about climate change.
My name is Máire O’Rourke and I am a 1 st year student in General Science at Maynooth
University. I’ve always been a believer in that if everyone does something small, then we can all
make a big difference. I want to inspire people to care about the world that we are supposed to take care of and hopefully encourage people to make small improvements that will ultimately end in a much bigger impact.
My name is Mark Nykolyshyn and I'm a first year International Relations student at DCU! I was intrigued to get involved due to my deep admiration towards finding a solution to the Climate Change Crisis. I will help this cause by providing evaluated critiques over research that we have conducted.
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