Re-thinking Green Transitions in Islington

A collaboration with young people and policymakers in Islington

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Young people are often cast as humanity’s last hope in the face of climate catastrophe. However, just 9% of British 18–24-year-olds believe that young people significantly input into climate decision-making, according to a 2023 YouGov Poll. Eco-anxiety, online disinformation, and disillusionment with formal political institutions are feeding youth disengagement with environmental politics.

Against this background, this peer research project opened up space for young Londoners to imagine, discuss and share their visions for just and green neighbourhood transitions. Working in partnership with Islington Council, Partnership for Young London and four young researchers in Islington, we set out to bring young people to the heart of public and policy debates around the green transition in Islington.

This pilot project (2024-2025) became the first stage of our collaborative work on youth-led green transitions in London. It created the foundation for a pan-London project (2025-2026) which brings young people and policymakers together from across the capital to explore what young people want from London’s green transition and how youth participation can be strengthened.