Learning from Youth-Led Climate Action: Lessons Learned from Society of Renewable Energy

In the face of the pressing global climate crisis, the urgency to take meaningful action has never been greater. Despite international commitments and agreements, progress towards crucial targets like the 1.5-degree limit has been sluggish. Recognizing the urgency, 118 countries pledged to triple renewable energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030 and enhance energy efficiency at COP 28 in Dubai. However, amidst this challenge, the rise of youth-led initiatives offers a beacon of hope. One such example is the Society of Renewable Energy (SRE) in Indonesia, which demonstrates how small steps, taken with dedication and innovation, can lead to significant impacts in the fight against climate change. The Role of Youth in Climate Action: Youth engagement in climate action is not just about idealism; it's about recognizing the reality that today's youth will be tomorrow's leaders and decision-makers. Their eagerness to learn and their innate ability to connect across various mediums of communication give them a unique advantage in tackling complex issues like climate change. SRE understands this dynamic and harnesses the power of youth by providing platforms for education, collaboration, and action. The modern problem needs to be solved by unique solutions, especially in dealing with GenZ needs. Current and future generations require the bold trigger for deepening their understanding and taking part of the real implementation. The SRE Approach: SRE's approach is multifaceted, blending top-down and bottom-up strategies, sectoral focus, and practical experience. With 47 student chapters across Indonesia and over 3,500 regenerative members, SRE has established itself as a ecosystem for young climate enthusiasts. Through activities ranging from awareness campaigns to hands-on apprenticeship programs, SRE equips its members with the knowledge and skills needed to drive real-world change. There are six programs from full journey experience becoming a green leadership. Bold movement led to big attention: Throughout their five-year journey in climate action, SRE has remained steadfast in their commitment to inclusivity within climate and clean energy advocacy. This dedication has been coupled with a focus on practical experience, allowing members to apply acquired knowledge in real-world contexts, thus bolstering their capabilities in addressing pressing environmental challenges. One of SRE's flagship programs is rural electrification, where renewable energy power plants have been installed in over 80 locations, benefiting thousands of people, including 300 youth actively involved in the process. The method is a grant without return in the future, in other way, they need pay for operational expenditure includes the replacement component and worker. SRE mobile is around million USD from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and international donors. The other program, SRE's sustainability job platform called HIRE, has helped 20 young individuals secure employment opportunities. The platform is free for every green jobseeker to find their future jobs. These tangible outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of youth-led initiatives in creating meaningful impact on the ground. The youth established the end-to-end solution in the modern situation. Currently, the accumulated youth impacted by this initiative reached more than 400 thousand people who joined at least a program and a million people who pay attention to youth movement. The youth movement has motivated the government to support youth initiatives and expand collaboration under a larger umbrella involving several governments institutions Green Leadership and Collaboration: SRE is on a mission to nurture a million young leaders under 30, aligning with global needs. These leaders, dubbed "green leaders," will be equipped with specific indicators to monitor their climate and energy knowledge, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Additionally, they will engage in various climate action activities such as conferences, exhibitions, and competitions, as well as participate in social-climate volunteering endeavors like pro-bono consultations and field projects. Moreover, SRE identifies sustainability indicators across different domains, including nature (e.g., carbon reduction, renewable energy capacity, biodiversity conservation), economics (e.g., annual income increments), society (e.g., access to infrastructure), and well-being (e.g., stakeholder partnerships). Embracing a penta-helix collaboration model, SRE fosters holistic partnerships among stakeholders. To ensure progress tracking, a dedicated team consistently monitors activities through digital internal dashboards, supported by student chapter leaders. Communication and Advocacy: In expanding its reach and impact, effective communication plays a pivotal role in rallying support for climate action. SRE recognizes this truth and employs various platforms, such as green podcasts, to share information in a manner that's not only informative but also inviting and enjoyable. Through these podcasts, SRE manages to connect with millions of listeners, igniting within them a shared vision of a sustainable future for Indonesia. Moreover, SRE leverages the power of social media, utilizing eye-catching graphics and short videos to convey their message effectively. This approach not only captures the attention of audiences but also resonates particularly well with Generation Z, who are known for their preference for visually engaging and concise content. By adopting this friendly and accessible approach, SRE fosters a sense of camaraderie and inclusivity, encouraging more individuals to join the movement towards a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. Towards a Sustainable Future: SRE embarked on a journey, starting with small steps, gradually evolving into a venture as social entrepreneurs and eventually transitioning into full-time entrepreneurs within a span of five years. Drawing wisdom from past experiences, SRE now aims to establish green investment funds to aid in supporting advocacy movements by other youth groups. It's evident that a lack of funding often leads to most failures. Hence, SRE looks towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds, green financing from international financial institutions, and other innovative funding avenues as beacons of hope for the younger generation. In this interconnected ecosystem, support flows both ways. Entry-level groups can lend their support to larger initiatives, fostering an environment where experiences are shared, and growth is nurtured. SRE's ambition is to establish 100 youth groups over the next five years, employing a penta-helix model for collaboration. Government collaboration will be pivotal, serving as crucial partners in connecting with other stakeholders. This partnership must begin with the government supporting targeted initiatives and implementing blended support, combining both efforts and funding to ensure success. Conclusion: In the journey towards mitigating climate change, youth-led initiatives like SRE exemplify the power of incremental progress and collective action. By empowering young people, fostering innovation, and fostering collaboration, these initiatives offer a glimmer of hope in the face of daunting challenges. As we continue this path, let us draw inspiration from the small steps taken by organizations like SRE, knowing that each action brings us closer to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.