Climate change
By Fatna Ikrame El Fanne, Co-Founder and Director of Projects at Youth For Climate Morocco.
Fatna is an environmental engineer, climate activist and is a judge on the Oxford Saïd-Burjeel Holdings Climate Change Challenge.
In recent years, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has witnessed a surge in youth-led climate action, as young people take the lead in addressing environmental challenges. With the increasing threat of climate change in the region, which includes rising temperatures, water scarcity and desertification, young environmental leaders have become catalysts for change, promoting sustainable solutions and advocating for policy reforms.
The growing role of youth in climate action
According to the World Bank, nearly 60% of the MENA region’s population is under 35 years old making youth a crucial demographic for driving climate action. In Morocco, youth activism is flourishing, with young leaders initiating projects in renewable energy, waste management and sustainable agriculture. Their enthusiasm is evident in the growing participation of Moroccan youth in global environmental movements such as the Fridays for Future campaign, where thousands have mobilised to demand climate justice.
In 2020, a study by the Arab Youth Climate Movement (AYCM) found that over 70% of young people in the region consider climate change to be a major challenge, with nearly 50% actively participating in local environmental initiatives. In Morocco, for example, the government has implemented youth-oriented programmes like the Green Generation 2020-2030 initiative, aimed at involving youth in the transition to sustainable agriculture. This initiative has already created 350,000 job opportunities for young people, focusing on eco-friendly practices in farming.
Youth-led initiatives
Across the MENA region, several youth-led initiatives are addressing environmental challenges through innovative approaches:
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Youth for Climate Morocco (YC4M) – Morocco
Y4CM, a youth development organisation, has played a key role in mentoring Moroccan youth in climate advocacy. Through their Climate Change Action Project, young leaders are trained in environmental policy, project management and sustainable development. These young activists are driving awareness campaigns in schools and communities, advocating for waste reduction and promoting renewable energy solutions.
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Arab Youth Climate Movement (AYCM) – North Africa
In North Africa, the AYCM has become a powerful voice for young climate activists. In Tunisia, AYCM youth members have worked on various climate resilience projects, including solar energy workshops for rural communities and water conservation programmes. Their efforts have been instrumental in spreading climate literacy and empowering local communities to adopt sustainable practices.
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Youth-led renewable energy projects – Egypt
Egypt, another major player in the MENA region's renewable energy scene, has seen youth-driven projects in solar energy and wind farms. The Egyptian Youth Climate Coalition (EYCC), in collaboration with local universities, has been working on solar-powered water desalination units to combat water scarcity in arid areas. These projects highlight the role of young people in pushing forward innovative climate solutions.
Challenges facing youth-led climate action
Despite remarkable progress, young climate leaders in the MENA region still face significant challenges. A key issue is the lack of financial resources. Many youth-led initiatives struggle to secure funding, as governments and organisations prioritise large-scale, top-down projects over grassroots movements. A 2021 report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) found that only 12% of climate-related funding in the MENA region is directed toward youth-led projects, reflecting the need for more inclusive financial support mechanisms.
Another challenge is limited access to decision-making platforms. Young activists often face barriers to engaging with policymakers, as their voices are not always given the space they deserve. This has hindered the implementation of youth-driven climate policies at national and regional levels.
Gender inequality also poses a challenge, as young women in some parts of the MENA region face social and cultural barriers that limit their participation in climate action.
The importance of supporting youth-led efforts
Supporting youth-led climate action is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the MENA region. Youth brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas which are vital in addressing complex environmental challenges. Governments and international organisations must create enabling environments that provide financial support, technical expertise, and policy inclusion for young leaders.
Partnerships between local governments, non-governmental organisations and international bodies are essential to amplify the impact of youth climate initiatives. The African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) have already made strides in supporting youth leadership through programmes like the AU-EU Youth Cooperation Hub, which funds youth-led environmental projects across Africa, including North Africa.
Youth-led climate action in Morocco and the MENA region is a powerful force for environmental change. Young people are stepping up as leaders, innovators and advocates for a sustainable future. Despite the challenges, their passion and determination continue to drive significant progress in renewable energy, water management and climate resilience. Supporting these efforts is not only a moral imperative but a practical necessity to ensure a greener and more resilient future for the region.
By investing in young leaders, providing them with the resources they need, and amplifying their voices on the global stage, the MENA region can unlock the potential of its youth and empower the next generation of environmental leaders to shape a sustainable future.
