´ºÉ«Ö±²¥

For and postdoctoral scholar Dr. Ana Rame, PhD'25, the final tally was stark. In a survey of more than 500 environmental policies, researchers found that youth were referenced only 22 times. 

“What we’re seeing is a real disconnect,â€� says Drolet, PhD, professor in the at the University of Calgary and a Registered Social Worker. “Youth are deeply impacted by climate change and have strong views about what needs to change, but there are very few formal spaces for them to be consulted or meaningfully engaged.â€�  

As the impacts of climate change intensify, young people are increasingly being asked to live with the consequences, yet they are rarely invited into the policy conversations shaping their future, says Drolet. That gap is at the heart of Drolet’s new research project, funded by the (CIHR), examining the structural determinants of health and climate justice for youth in Alberta, with a focus on how — and whether — youth perspectives are reflected in existing policies.

A striking policy gap

The project began in 2025 with an extensive policy scan that included provincial policy documents across multiple sectors including health, housing, economics and social services. 

“Youth considerations are largely absent,� Drolet says. “Yet young people are thinking about what climate change means for their health, their mental well-being, their education, and their economic future. Their concerns are real, and largely invisible in policy.�

The research team is now moving into its next phase: working directly with youth to understand their experiences, priorities, and ideas for change.

Youth as knowledge holders, not just respondents

The project is using individual interviews with youth, focus groups with youth and community leaders, and a Delphi survey with youth, to build collective insight and consensus on complex issues. The team is recruiting youth aged 15 to 24 from across Alberta to participate in the study.

The CIHR-funded project is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including community partners such as the and , a youth-led non-profit organization in Alberta. These partnerships ensure that youth are not only participants, but active collaborators in the research process.

Climate change, mental health and the power of action

The project responds to growing evidence that climate change is affecting young people’s mental health. Research shows rising levels of eco-anxiety, driven by fears of environmental degradation and a perceived lack of action.

Drolet believes that engagement itself should be part of the solution.

“When young people are involved in meaningful action, whether that’s research, storytelling, community projects or policy dialogue, it can foster hope,� she says. “Action builds resilience. It helps counter the sense of helplessness.�

Rather than focusing solely on negative impacts, the project is designed to create opportunities for youth leadership, experiential learning and collective problem-solving, approaches that align closely with social work values of empowerment and social justice.

From Alberta to a national conversation

The long-term vision extends beyond this initial study. Drolet hopes the findings will help lay the groundwork for a youth climate and health network, first in Alberta and potentially at a national level, a platform where policymakers recognize youth as essential contributors rather than afterthoughts.

“There’s a real opportunity here to change how governments engage with youth,� she says. “If we’re serious about climate justice, youth need a seat at the table.�

Preliminary findings from the project will be shared at a CIHR knowledge mobilization workshop in Montreal this month, bringing together researchers, partners and emerging youth voices from across the country.

Call for youth participants

The research team is actively recruiting youth to take part in the study. Youth may be eligible if they are 15 to 24 years old, live in Alberta, and have an interest in climate change, environmental issues, or youth health.

Participants chosen for the study will take part in a one-on-one, 60-minute interview, join an online focus group session, and share their experiences and perspectives on climate action, youth health and policy. Participants will receive a $50 honorarium for each interview or focus group completed as a token of appreciation. 

Participation is voluntary and confidential, and, while there may be no direct personal benefit, participants will help co-create policy guidance that centres youth voices and advances climate justice.

Interested participants can contact Drolet at jdrolet@ucalgary.ca.