Global climate change is an inter-generational challenge that must be jointly addressed. Youth currently studying from high school to university are the core members of the “2050 Net-Zero Generation”, so their active participation is crucial in advancing climate action. On August 15, the Ministry of Environment along with the Ministry of Education, Professor Shin-Cheng Yeh of National Taiwan Normal University, and the executive secretary and teachers from the Geography, Biology, and Earth Science Curriculum Centers of Senior High Schools held a press conference on “Advancing Climate Action Among Youth.” This event officially launched a series of collaborative activities under the Net-Zero Generation program, encouraging youth to engage in climate action.

In his remarks, Minister Peng noted earlier that morning the Ministry of Environment held a forum with youth chosen from the “Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative.” He hoped that each youth, after fulfilling their overseas aspirations, would be able to provide concrete policy suggestions from the perspective of a “future Minister of Environment.” He emphasized that during promotions of the 2050 net-zero emission target, youth often express concerns and doubts about the pace of carbon reduction. Recently, at the Ministry's public hearing on carbon reduction targets, high school students offered their opinions, stressing that they will be the leading generation in 2050, and therefore action cannot wait until then but must begin now. Their level of concern for net-zero surpasses even that of the current generation.

The President also attaches great importance to the role of youth in climate action and has decided to include two youth representatives on the National Climate Change Committee. However, this alone is insufficient to reflect the breadth and depth of youth perspectives. To expand opportunities for engagement, starting in the second half of this year, the Ministry of Environment will launch a series of youth-specific climate actions, guided by two approaches: “enhancing literacy and knowledge” and “creating platforms for youth participation”. The Minister called on Taiwan's youth to maintain “continuous attention” and take “proactive action” on climate change issues, working hand in hand to change the future.

Professor Shin-Cheng Yeh pointed out that although climate change is most closely related to geography, biology, and earth science, it is in fact interconnected with all academic disciplines and will become an important theme for future careers and life planning. Through this initiative, the Ministry of Environment has integrated diverse programs for youth engagement in climate action, providing more avenues for participation. He reminded us that “the future belongs to youth,” encouraging young people to value and actively express their opinions.

Professor Shin-Cheng Yeh pointed out that although climate change is most closely related to geography, biology, and earth science, it is in fact interconnected with all academic disciplines and will become an important theme for future careers and life planning. Through this initiative, the Ministry of Environment has integrated diverse programs for youth engagement in climate action, providing more avenues for participation. He reminded us that “the future belongs to youth,” encouraging young people to value and actively express their opinions.

Climate Education in High Schools: On August 18, the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Geography, Biology, and Earth Science Curriculum Centers of Senior High Schools, the Graduate Institute of Sustainability Management and Environmental Education of National Taiwan Normal University, and the Research Center for Energy and Electricity Development of National University of Kaohsiung, will hold the “Capacity-Building Workshop for High School Teachers on Climate Change Education.” This workshop will help teachers integrate the latest climate policies and simulation tools into curricula. In the second half of the year, an online course for high school students is planned, including an online test. Those who pass will receive certification from the Ministry of Environment, which can be incorporated into their learning portfolios, thereby enhancing youth capacity for climate action.

University Youth Engagement: The Ministry of Environment will organize 20 annual campus tours across northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan, as well as offshore islands. Through interactive exchanges and competitions, students will explore net-zero issues. Themes will include Taiwan's national carbon reduction target from the Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 (September–October), open government and AI applications (October–November), and youth dreams and green-collar talent (December to next year). Young people across the country are welcome to register and participate.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has also launched the “Climate Change Literacy Interactive Platform” (https://ccl.moenv.gov.tw/), offering online quizzes, historical survey results, data requests, and popular science resources. It also features a fun test, “What kind of climate animal are you?” to enhance public understanding and engagement.

The press conference also featured four Taiwanese youth representatives selected for the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, who will participate in COP30 in Brazil at the end of the year. Their areas of concern include sustainable finance, energy transition, spatial governance, climate risk, and indigenous communities. These four youth engaged in direct dialogue with Minister Peng, discussing topics such as enhancing the influence of Taiwanese youth on the international stage, linking indigenous issues with climate action, Taiwan's sustainable transition in the context of global trends, energy transition and integrated land use planning, and communication strategies for various energy transition issues. They hope to showcase at COP30 the perspectives and capacity for action of Taiwanese youth. Three high school teachers from the Curriculum Centers were also invited to share how to enhance students’ understanding and participation in climate action, and to put forward concrete recommendations for strengthening youth agency in climate action.

The Ministry of Environment emphasized that climate change has far-reaching impacts, and youth participation is not only the foundation for the future but also a key driving force for action today. Moving forward, the Ministry of Environment will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Education, academic curriculum centers, universities, and civic groups to build more diverse, accessible, and influential channels for youth engagement, ensuring that the 2050 net-zero target becomes a shared commitment across generations.