Amanda Smith, Head of Learning and Education, explores some of the challenges young people face today and how CAT is taking action.

In Wales, we’re lucky to have a national commitment to longterm thinking. The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act puts the needs of tomorrow at the heart of decisions made today. It’s a powerful reminder that the world we’re shaping now, environmentally, culturally and politically, is the one young people will inherit.

At CAT, we believe the next generation deserves more than a seat at the table. They deserve to be heard, supported and given the tools to help shape the future themselves.

Reality for young people today

Today’s young people are growing up in a time of rapid change and uncertainty. The effects of climate breakdown are being felt around the globe, and things are projected to get much worse.

Climate anxiety is now widely recognised as a serious issue. A growing number of children and teenagers report feeling overwhelmed by the scale of environmental problems and powerless to make a difference. This emotional burden can affect their mental health, education and even career choices.

But alongside the worry and distraction, there’s also energy, passion and a strong desire to make a difference. More than ever, young people are deeply engaged. They’re asking questions, demanding action, and imagining new ways of living. From school climate strikes to community projects, they’re showing they care and are ready to lead the conversation.

But young people can’t do it alone. They need support to make their voices heard and prepare for their future careers and lives.

Supporting young people at CAT

CAT has always been about practical solutions and positive change. Our work with young people builds on that foundation, helping them explore ideas, develop skills and find hope in action.

Every year, CAT welcomes school and university students to our Visitor Centre in Mid Wales. These visits are immersive learning experiences that show practical solutions in real life. Students explore renewable energy systems, green buildings, organic gardens and sustainably managed woodland. They learn about climate science, low-carbon technologies and ecologically conscious design. All this learning happens within a living, breathing ecosystem where they are surrounded by nature, practical examples of sustainable solutions, and the evidence of 50 years of environmental innovation.

For many, it’s a transformative experience. They leave with new knowledge, fresh ideas and a renewed sense of hope. They see that solutions exist and that they can be part of making them happen.

A visiting teacher from Solefield School in Kent described how, “One student came back to me years after this trip to say it had inspired him to pursue sustainable engineering.” He’s since gone on to study Sustainable Engineering at university and is now fully qualified and doing well in the field.

Bold Futures: Imagining what’s possible

One of CAT’s most impactful programmes for young people is Bold Futures, a workshop designed to help participants imagine a sustainable future and understand the role they can play in bringing it about.

The workshop takes young people through a creative and reflective process. They explore what a zero-carbon world might look like, consider the changes needed to get there, and identify the skills and actions that could help make it a reality.

It’s wonderful to see how full of hope children are about the future of their homes, schools and communities. They imagine green spaces, full of play and thriving with nature.

The Bold Futures programme is not about telling young people what to think, it’s about giving them space to think for themselves. The emphasis is on agency, imagination and possibility. Participants often leave feeling more empowered, more connected, and more motivated to take action in their own lives and communities.

POP25: Reaching a wider audience

In November, CAT hosted POP25 (Protecting Our Planet Day), a major partnership event with STEM Learning, the UK and European space agencies and other organisations. Broadcast live from CAT to over 200,000 school-aged students and teachers across the UK, the event showcased practical solutions to climate change and celebrated the role of young people in building a better future.

POP25 brought together educators, scientists, activists and students to share ideas, spark conversations and inspire action. Alongside a live broadcast from CAT, the event also went live to an environmental research vessel in the Arctic and other incredible areas of cutting-edge research. It was a wonderful example of what can happen when organisations work together to support climate education and youth engagement.

Hosting POP25 was a chance to amplify CAT’s message and reach a wider audience while being part of something truly inspirational for young people.

Skills for the future

As the world moves towards a zero carbon future, the demand for green skills is growing. Young people will need to be equipped not just with knowledge, but with practical abilities, from sustainable construction and renewable energy to ecological design and systems thinking.

CAT is playing an important role in this transition. Through our postgraduate programmes, short courses, residential volunteering programmes and partnerships with schools and colleges, we are helping young people develop the skills they’ll need to thrive in a changing world.

This isn’t just about jobs, it’s about purpose. Many young people want to work in ways that align with their values and contribute to positive change. CAT’s education programmes help them do just that.

CAT’s unique blend of teaching and physical examples of solutions in action provides an inspirational learning experience. Dr Dai Morgan brings his students from the University of Cambridge to CAT every year to become inspired describes that “CAT offers something unique. It’s immersive and integrative-a real example of sustainability being worked out in real time. Being in that environment, around people who are doing things differently and showing what’s possible, creates space to reflect and reconnect with what really matters.”

Listening and learning together

We believe young people’s voices matter. We’re not just here to teach but to listen, learn and be inspired by the young people we welcome to CAT.

Whether it’s through workshops, site visits, youth panels or national events, we’re committed to creating spaces where young people can explore, connect and grow. We know a better future is possible. And we know young people are key to making it happen.

How you can help

The climate crisis is a generational issue that affects us all. By supporting CAT, you’re helping to give young people hope, connection and direction, so they can make change happen today and tomorrow. You’re investing in education, empowerment and a better future for everyone.

If you are part of a school or youth group, could you bring them to CAT for an immersive and impactful experience? Learn more about group visits to CAT at cat.org.uk/groupslearning.

About the author

Amanda Smith – Head of Learning and Education is passionate about the power of education to change lives and outcomes for both children and adults, encouraging them to understand that the choices they make in their everyday lives, as individuals, policymakers or businesspeople.

Amanda has over 20 years’ experience in teaching, school leadership, adult training and organisational improvement. She is a highly qualified and experienced educator, with Qualified Teacher status and the National Professional Qualification for Head Teachers and is a Specialist Leader of Education. Her expertise includes the design and development of high-quality education materials, assessment of impact on learners, and provision of an environment to support learning and retention of key skills, as well as monitoring and quality assurance of programmes.