Aria Kani, Program Manager at Break the Divide • June 17, 2024
In the rich mosaic of Canadian demographics, immigration shines as a vibrant thread weaving through the fabric of our nation. According to Statistics Canada’s 2022 report, immigration emerges as the driving force behind our population growth, with projections indicating immigrants could make up as much as 29.1% to 34.0% of our population by 2041. However, amidst this demographic shift, a pressing challenge emerges: how can immigrant and newcomer youth in Canada truly connect with their environment and community, especially in the face of the looming climate crisis?
The Problem:
As Canada’s demographic landscape evolves, international students and newcomer youth often find themselves struggling with barriers to accessing essential resources, including climate education and community engagement. This disconnect not only impedes their ability to actively participate in environmental initiatives but also hinders their sense of belonging and empowerment within Canadian society. Without the necessary social networks and understanding of the local context, climate action can feel overwhelming and unattainable for most people.
Barriers to Engagement:
Several barriers contribute to the challenges faced by immigrant and newcomer youth in engaging with environmental issues. Limited access to comprehensive climate education, cultural and language barriers, and a lack of community support networks all pose significant obstacles. Add to that the complexity of navigating unfamiliar systems and structures within Canadian society, which further exacerbates the problem, leaving many feeling disconnected and disempowered.
Our Approach:
At Break The Divide, we recognize the critical importance of fostering a sense of belonging and bringing awareness to environmental identity (i.e., a sense of connection based on history, familiarity, and/or emotions, which affects the way we feel and approach the environment) among newcomer youth. Through our unique Climate Skills and Community Building Fellowship, developed in collaboration with the Canadian CED Network and the Synergia Institute, we address these barriers head-on. Our program provides a supportive and inclusive space for participants to explore climate change, develop practical skills, and build meaningful connections within their community. Participants get to share their unique points of view, shaped by their unique backgrounds and lived experiences, as well as learn from one another.
Empowering Newcomer Youth:
Through engaging climate education modules (that focus on uncovering alternative systems of operation for a greener society), regular in-person and online study circles, and climate action project development, participants embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, learning, and empowerment. Beyond gaining knowledge about climate change, they find a sense of belonging and community—a space where their experiences and emotions are validated and embraced instead of ignored and shamed. Youth are allowed to be frustrated, angry, anxious, or overwhelmed about the climate crisis without any judgment. They are allowed to miss the environments from the lands they’ve moved to Canada from and feel upset about the impacts of the climate crisis globally. Most importantly, they are allowed to express these feelings and share them with others. This sense of connection equips them with the tools and confidence to take meaningful climate action and thrive in their new environment.
Leaving No One Behind:
As we navigate the complexities of the climate crisis in Canada, it is imperative that immigrant and newcomer youth (that constitute a large portion of our society) are not left behind. By fostering an understanding of their environmental identity, and their respective climate emotions, and empowering these young people to become agents of change, we not only address the pressing issue of climate change but also contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future for all Canadians.
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