Letters | Swedish model shows Hong Kong how to engage youth on climate change
- As Hong Kong pursues its ambitious goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050, the city government needs a new approach to climate dialogue with the youth
- By constructing policy networks involving youth practitioners and youth-based platforms, linkages between the government and civil society can grow stronger
As a 21-year-old environment advocate volunteering at a local environmental organisation, I believe we need a new approach to youth climate dialogue. Meanwhile, the Environment Bureau should draft a comprehensive framework that emphasises an extensive domestic consensus and strong political links between the proponents of efficiency and those of equality.
Specifically, we found that we could not effectively follow up on the progress of a particular policy after rounds of informal and one-off consultations.
How can we create more participatory and civic-minded policy processes to build support from youth groups? The Swedish corporatist model on environmental governance might offer a hint.
In response to the European Union low-carbon road map, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency invited selected policymakers, policy advisers and NGOs to participate in a hearing. Environmental Minister Lena Ek also set up a formal reference group alongside informal seminars, preparatory inquiries and public inquiries for a climate road map for 2050. At a later stage, the country’s energy agency established a new consensus on the long-term direction, after which it became possible to develop a shared vision and solutions.