Project News
Youth Climate Justice Canada – Fieldwork Successfully Completed!
The Youth Climate Justice (YCJ) Canadian fieldwork has come to a wonderful close! Led by Dr. Nabin Maharjan, the research brought together 30 young people aged 8–17 through a series of five participatory workshops, culminating in an art exhibition and intergenerational exchange held just after World Environment Day, 6 June 2026.
From April to June 2026, Dr. Nabin Maharjan led art workshops with 30 young people aged 8–17, primarily Nepali Canadians from South Asian communities living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This is the Youth Climate Justice project’s third art-based case study of children’s views on climate action, along with fieldwork in Nepal and with an international group online in 2025.
Supported by an artist and photographer, children and youth in Canada explored their experiences of the climate crisis, environmental rights, and climate action through photography, painting, and collage. Using photovoice and drawing methods, the young people produced an impressive 94 artworks connecting with the project's research objectives.
“May the flowers overgrow on the factories. This artwork shows how our generation is fighting for the planet. Blue is a color that represents hope and growth, while also showing the devastating reality we live in. The flowers and nature taking over the bottom of the page while the factories on top represents the power imbalances between those who want change and those who have the power to act (but choose not to out of greed)” - Young Participant
A final art exhibition was held just after World Environment Day, 6 June 2026, welcoming around 80 invited guests from local GTA organisations. The closing ceremony brought different generations onto a common platform: four community leaders and activists took part in the intergenerational exchange, and three participants shared their gratitude to the YCJ project for creating space to present their perspectives on climate change. The case study was especially meaningful in bridging a shared, collective aspiration for climate action across generations through the young people's artworks.
“Organizing to Save. The result of an organized climate action. Coordinating and collaborating with others to collect trash. Using watercolors and markers, this bold painting catching viewers’ eyes. This aligns with the leadership style of coordinator, with a list of tasks to do. This is one way this style best matches me” - Young Participant.
We extend our warmest thanks to our local partner, Canadian Newa Guthi (CNG), for creating such a welcoming and supportive space for this research, and for helping to bring together participants from across the community.
We are now organising equivalent art workshops for children/youth in Argentina and Ireland — stay tuned for further updates!
You can also read more about our participatory workshop methodology on the YCJ blog.