Young people around the world leading climate and health action
By GCHA’s Youth Climate and Health Network (YCHN), International Federation
of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) and the Young World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)
From malaria research to food safety and community resilience, young people around the world are finding practical ways to respond to the growing impacts of climate change on human health.
On 12 August 2026, International Youth Day, young changemakers from across the world came together for Local Voices, Global Impact: Youth Climate & Health Fest, a virtual event celebrating youth-led solutions to climate and health challenges.
The event was co-organised by the Global Climate and Health Alliance’s Youth Climate and Health Network, the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations and the Young World Federation of Public Health Associations. Six young leaders shared initiatives addressing challenges ranging from climate-related diseases and food safety to mental health, environmental awareness and community action.
The initiatives showcased a range of approaches to addressing climate-related health challenges. In Zimbabwe, Africa University’s Malaria Institute is exploring the links between climate change and malaria transmission, while a youth-led initiative in Nigeria is investigating the health and environmental risks of smoked fish production. Other projects highlighted included student-led climate advocacy in Pakistan, community environmental action in Colombia, and other initiatives addressing mental health and climate anxiety.
Beyond the event, the organisers launched an online platform featuring a wider collection of youth-led projects. These initiatives cover everything from air pollution and waste reduction to climate-resilient healthcare, community education and health equity. Together, they highlight the many ways young people are responding to climate change in their own communities, while drawing attention to an important reality: the climate crisis is also a health crisis.
By sharing these experiences, the initiative aims to increase the visibility of youth-led solutions and encourage greater collaboration and support for young changemakers.
Watch the event: Local Voices, Global Impact: Youth Climate & Health Fest
Explore the projects: Youth Leadership on Climate and Health Action
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