Mobilising the Next Generation of Planetary Health Leaders: The Dynamism of Youth Engagement in Malaysia

Abstract

With planetary health gaining traction as a global movement and problem-solving approach, this trans-disciplinary field is well-placed to provide an exciting and dynamic platform to promote engagement with young people. Previous studies have shown that although there is great energy and passion from youth, the global planetary health community struggles in sustaining young people’s motivations and engagement in today’s crowded physical and online environments. Planetary health advocates are also dealing with an increase in climate anxiety that has taken a toll on the emotional and mental wellbeing of young people. Here, we review our experience in engaging youth groups and networks in Malaysia through a four-pronged approach (consultation, facilitation, capacity-sharing, and evidence-building), as well as challenges commonly faced by the planetary health community in educating and building a youth movement. After a year of engagement, we found that mobilising the next generation of planetary health leaders requires a change in existing power dynamics to a capacity-sharing model, an emphasis on clear, simplified, and effective communications that utilise the mainstream youth spaces (e.g., social media), and hopeful messages to counter apathy and anxiety into action.

Integração de Conhecimentos de Ensino de Ciências Naturais Para uma Educação em Saúde Planetária: Estudo em uma Comunidade Ribeirinha da Amazônia

“…In Basic School Education, there is a significant audience representing the future (Melo et al, 2022), and it is essential to encourage them to become leaders in planetary actions (Faiesall et al, 2023). This is a positive and strategic step to stimulate changes in the system and to disseminate Planetary Health within communities.…”

Integração de Conhecimentos de Ensino de Ciências Naturais Para uma Educação em Saúde Planetária: Estudo em uma Comunidade Ribeirinha da Amazônia

“…Na Educação Escolar Básica, encontra-se um público com grande representatividade para o futuro (Melo et al, 2022), sendo fundamental encorajá-los para que possam se tornar líderes em ações planetárias (Faiesall et al, 2023), sendo um passo positivo e estratégico para estimular mudanças no sistema e para disseminar a Saúde Planetária nas comunidades. É fundamental que inserir Saúde Planetária em sejam trabalhadas abordagens transdisciplinares com os estudantes para ajudar definir o campo da Saúde Planetária (Tilleczek et al, 2023).…”