Rethinking Green Transitions in London

A pan-London initiative for youth-led climate action

Young people are full of creativity when it comes to climate action, yet their voices are rarely heard in policy debates about London’s green future. Across the capital, local authorities and civil society organisations are working to change this. Many are trialling innovative tools for youth-led decision-making and co-design – from peer research in local councils (see our recent project in Islington) to the GLA’s Youth Climate Summit. However, this work is often done in silos. Where good practice is shared, it is often at a strategic level between practitioners, rather than in forums that centre the experiences and aspirations of young people themselves.

To strengthen and sustain youth participation in London’s green transition, this project sets out to create pan-London exchange with young people and policy decision-makers about what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to happen next.

Building on our first phase of peer research in Islington (2024-2025), the project will empower a team of peer researchers to lead an exchange between young Londoners and policy practitioners across the capital. In collaboration with LSE Cities, Partnership for Young London, and Islington Council, our young peer researchers will map the ecosystem of London’s innovators in this space, design and deliver a participatory research event with young people and policymakers in Autumn 2026, and publish a set of insights and recommendations to aid London policymakers looking to develop practical, creative approaches to a youth-led green transition.