Sea to Sky Youth Are Eager For Environmental Solutions: What They Are Asking For, What Is Still Missing 

Young Voices, Big Impact set out with a simple but powerful purpose: to meaningfully listen to the opinions of young people across the Sea to Sky region in relation to the environment. 

This initiative is aiming to better understand youth perspectives on environmental issues. Its overall objective is to grow the organization’s understanding of what environmental issues matter most to the local youth (ages 14-30) in the Whistler area, and build a model to support the increased engagement in conservation, climate action and circular economy initiatives through participatory action.

Youth are vastly underrepresented from environmental decision-making spaces, and are often underrepresented overall in environmental conversations. There are a series of social, cultural and economic factors that play into this, and whilst it is important to recognize these nuances as indicators for larger systemic issues, the scope of this work is centred around a participatory action model, which is an approach to research and problem-solving that involves the active participation of the people most affected by an issue in every stage of the process. Instead of being passive subjects, we are working alongside the youth to:

• Identify problems
  
• Develop solutions
  
• Take action
  
• Reflect and evaluate outcomes

The goal is to empower participants, create more relevant and sustainable change and ensure that solutions are grounded in lived experience. Through a mix of different engagement formats, including an online survey, in-class school workshops, Indigenous youth group workshops and community outreach, we have gathered a wide range of voices. This report captures what we heard from young people. Their concerns, their hopes, and their ideas.

Young Voices, Real Insights

Our recent survey revealed a powerful snapshot into how young people are interacting within the environmental sphere and what issues are facing them in these areas. The survey began by asking questions around the understanding and awareness of climate change. The results below show that a large portion of respondents do have “A lot” of knowledge and concern regarding these issues.

Knowledge and Concern about Climate Change and its Impacts

In particular, the largest concern that was noted was the damage to the environment and wildlife, followed by threats to food and water security:

Major Concerns of Climate Change Identified from Participants

When asked about climate action as a response to address climate and other environmental issues, respondents revealed their thoughts on what the most important actions were:

Most Important Climate Actions Identified by Participants

When diving deeper into the demographics, 85% of all respondents were high school students. This age group is showing enthusiasm, with 60% of high-schoolers expressing an interest in their schools offering more hands-on climate action and sustainability related activities and learning.

Another finding was that 80% of all respondents have lived in the Sea to Sky region for over five years. This reflects a strong connection to the local land and the connection that many young people feel to their local environment. 

In line with that, 82% believe that youth have a responsibility in solving environmental challenges. Listed below are some testimonials from youth as to the importance of their involvement.

The young will inherit the earth. They have had little to do with the climate crisis, but they will face the consequences. If we do nothing, our future children will inherit something much much worse.

It is the young minds, heart, and action that carry the next generation forward. That brings new ideas and perspectives and fight.

These concerns were also noted as strongly felt. In response to how often they feel anxious about climate change, the most frequent answers among youth were “often” and “always,” reflecting significant concern about what the future may hold.

It’s this deep feeling of hopelessness and discouragement.

I become overwhelmed and concerned for the future. Will I be able to see and impact / change / improvement?

Young people care, and they’re not only ready to get involved, they are already taking personal action to help against climate change.

Participants Climate Actions and/or Desired Actions

Respondents emphasized the need for greater accountability at higher levels of leadership, noting that a top-down approach would be more effective and impactful in driving meaningful change than current bottom-up efforts, which are often shaped by a culture of blame. The below priorities were identified for government and relevant organizations. Furthermore, a keen interest to be involved in governmental processes and decision-making was identified.

We want to be involved in political choices.

Top Priorities for Local Government and Organizations to Address

Interest in Opportunities to Participate in Government Decision Making

Youth also want to be involved in environmental initiatives in the community. The ways in which they want to be involved are showcased below:

Activity Preferences Identified by Participants

We explored youth opinions further through school groups and Indigenous group workshops. Creating space for organic conversations and focused group discussions allowed young people to speak openly about their needs, experiences, and priorities.

Young Voices, Real Talk

Voices of the Classroom: Student Youth Visions

Across multiple workshops, spanning high schools and youth centres, young people in the Sea to Sky region shared insights about climate action, nature, and their role in building a more sustainable future. In total, 146 participants took part and collectively expressed a desire for more hands-on, empowering, and in-person experiences that connect them to the environment, each other, and opportunities for meaningful change.

Image: Sets of activity cards were laid out, each representing different climate actions and ideas contributed by youth participants in our workshops.

Across the region students highlighted the importance of learning new, applicable life skills in relation to the environment. Youth overwhelmingly rejected passive or online events, expressing a strong preference for hands-on, in-person activities, particularly when tied to community, creativity, or skill-building. They called for programs that teach relevant, practical skills such as wilderness skills, gardening and plant identification. Outdoor music events, compost soup days, and photography competitions were mentioned, highlighting a desire for creative, community-rooted fun that blends environmental learning with play. 

Digital fatigue was a strong theme; youth do not want more online activities, instead preferring energetic speakers and creative, outdoor sessions. Responses shared by many to the question ‘What would increase youth involvement in local climate action?’ included:

 More fun hands-on activities.

Solutions!! There are so many solutions and creative technologies, let’s highlight and share that to give hope and inspiration.

More opportunities and more media, to feel like we are making an impact.

Joy filled/hope based/forward thinking discussions, not a doom and gloom or this is up to you discussion.

Top 15 Preferred Activities

There is a strong desire among youth to take on leadership roles, whether through mentorship, gaining certifications, or through volunteer roles. Students in Pemberton Secondary School EcoClub have already taken initiative by improving the compost system and other students at Whistler Secondary School are showing a strong interest in reviving efforts like their dormant environmental club. Leadership appealed both for its impact and also as something that looks good on their resumes. Suggestions to improve participation include incentives like volunteer hours, competitions, or certification opportunities.

To support greater engagement, students stressed the importance of interactive, tech-free formats, like recurring drop-in sessions or regular events. Youth in the Sea to Sky region aren’t short on ideas. They are asking for real inclusion, regular opportunities, support and visible follow-through from adults and organizations. They want community-rooted, creative, and practical experiences, not online checkboxes.

Voices of the Land: Indigenous Youth Visions

We also attended two Indigenous Youth events; the SLCC Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program Cohort and the Lil’wat Youth Conference. Young people gathered and shared their visions and frustrations, as well as ideas for climate action. 

Participants spoke on the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems. Their perspectives were deeply connected to place, especially the mountains and water, stating the cultural, spiritual, and environmental significance of these spaces. The conversations emphasized that climate action cannot be separated from relationships with land and identity.

Images: Activity station set up, members of the indigenous youth program and AWARE team member Maddie behind the stand.

Suggestions from the group for connecting youth more deeply to land and place included creating a program focused on planting native flowers and plants, which can allow youth to build a hands-on relationship with the land. As well as this, having more outdoor experiences was highlighted as important for well-being and for reconnecting with the natural world. Another valuable suggestion was the creation of spaces where local, First Nation stories and legends can be shared and learned. Storytelling is crucial for deepening an understanding of history and heritage, and also for strengthening intergenerational connections and respect of traditional knowledge for all. 

However, participants highlighted a recurring barrier. Real opportunities for youth engagement, especially those rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems or connected to the land, are often limited, poorly promoted, or tokenistic. As well as this, there was a strong feeling that there was insufficient effort to involve Indigenous youth into climate action efforts. 

The youth also spoke about the disconnect between words and action, in particular, the lack of action from institutions and decision-makers. 

Barriers to Involvement: Moving Beyond Tokenism

A prevailing theme throughout the discussion was climate-related hopelessness.

I feel powerless. 

I am not sure how to help because I know there are bigger things that are out of our control.

Our role doesn’t matter if there’s more people producing waste and pollution than there are people cleaning. We’re just slowing the decline.

I ignore climate issues to cope… I lose hope or am defeated and need a break.

This emotional weight was cited as a barrier to involvement. Although it was widely acknowledged that climate anxiety can fuel action and make youth want to participate more, they said it can also result in withdrawal or avoidance. Many students described feeling:

• Doomed, overwhelmed, angry, powerless and sad
  
• Frustrated by a lack of visible progress from older generations and decision-makers
  
• Burdened by a sense of responsibility for the future, feeling that their actions may not matter

Notably, students expressed a desire for hope-filled, empowering content that balances reality with positive action and solutions. They emphasized wanting to learn new things, especially practical life skills, that would make them feel more capable to make a difference. Knowing why their involvement matters and how their involvement is valuable was identified to be needed for participation. As well as this, the need for thoughtful and empowering engagement is crucial.

In this way, youth participants expressed a strong desire to see tangible outcomes from their contributions, such as receiving the results of this survey. Without meaningful follow-through, there was skepticism that their input would lead to change. While there was evident enthusiasm for being part of climate solutions, participants noted that opportunities for youth engagement are either rare or poorly promoted. This lack of visibility has reinforced feelings of exclusion and frustration, highlighting a need for improved event and opportunity visibility.

Make  opportunities more visible and accessible. 

Make it easier to access, because lots of youth want to be involved but don’t know how.

Your Voices, Our Next Steps

Young people have clearly expressed their expectations for local governments, schools, and organizations. In response, AWARE will focus on expanding the campaign to ensure these priorities are represented and acted upon. Guided by our commitment to participatory action, we will continue to centre youth voices in shaping the next steps, working collaboratively to turn their ideas into meaningful change.

• To ensure Youth voices continue to guide and shape climate action in Whistler, AWARE will establish a monthly Young Voices, Big Impact Committee. Rooted in our commitment to participatory action, the group will play a key role in turning these youth-identified priorities into meaningful initiatives
  
• One of the most urgent pieces of feedback was the need for better event visibility and communication. Youth repeatedly noted that they often find out about climate-related events only after they’ve occurred. We’re committed to improving outreach through platforms they actually use, specifically Instagram, which emerged as the most used social media across all age groups
   
• Embed Indigenous leadership and knowledge at the core of program design by co-developing initiatives with Indigenous youth, ensuring that land-based learning, and storytelling are not add-ons but foundational elements to the campaign
  
• Actively involving youth to shift the conversation from consultation to co-creation. Ensuring that there are visible roles, decision-making power, and long-term support for Youth-led action
  
• Supporting youth through flexible and accessible formats such as drop-in sessions and outdoor events that prioritize fun, connection, and learning

Your Voice Matters, Keep Taking Action

Thank you to all the schools, educators, and workshop hosts who welcomed AWARE into their spaces in order for us to have these vital conversations with our local Youth. We’re also incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts through the survey. Your voices are the foundation of this work, and your participation is the driving force for this movement.

Discover Young Voices, Big Impact Fall 2025

Discover Young Voices, Big Impact Spring/Summer 2026

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Young Voices, Big Impact is made possible with the generous support of GFL and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW).