The involvement of young people in environmental and climate issues—from the local level all the way up to international negotiations—can ensure that political and strategic decisions are made in a way that is (more) future-oriented. Young people can also serve as advocates, inspiring other young (and older) people to actively participate in society and address the challenges of our time.
In designing and conducting the study “Youth Participation in Austria: Current Status in the Environmental and Climate Sectors and Recommendations,” the authors proceed from the principle that it is the responsibility of policymakers and public administrators to reach out to young people, and that it is not primarily the responsibility of young people to fight for a voice. This report, with its strong focus on recommendations, aims to contribute constructively to the development of a new relationship between policymakers and government officials and young people. The social dynamics generated by the involvement and participation of adolescents and young adults hold great potential.
Suggested citation:
Knoll, Bente; Renkin, Agnes; Andreas, Marcus (2023): Youth Participation in Austria. Current Status in the Environmental and Climate Sectors and Recommendations. Available online at https://www.b-nk.at/studie-jugendpartizipation-in-oesterreich/, last accessed on July 14, 2026.