Tuesday April 22, 2025
By Andy J. Liu, BFA Intern and University of Melbourne Student
Our generation has the power at the ballot box. We will vote for candidates who will stop the climate crisis,” — Layla Wang, UNICEF Young Ambassador.
At the Youth Film & Storytelling for Change Workshop, held during Climate Action Week Sydney, the power of narrative to influence climate action was front and centre. Co-hosted by Better Futures Australia with Unboxed Media, UNICEF Australia, the Climate Media Centre and the National Film and Sound Archive, the event brought together emerging storytellers and seasoned communicators to explore how personal stories can shape public discourse—and climate policy.
Held on 12 March, the workshop featured insights from a compelling line-up including: filmmaker Liz Courtney, journalist Stephen Long, Sutherland Shire councillor and youth ocean advocate Kal Glanznig, youth filmmaker Elinor Johnston-Leek, and UNICEF Young Ambassadors Lincoln Ingravalle and Layla Wang. Together, they explored how storytelling—through film, journalism and digital media—can cut through complexity, bring climate issues closer to home, and inspire action across generations.
Stories that Inspire Action
Participants noted that despite Australia’s vast potential—being one of the sunniest and windiest countries on Earth—around 60% of electricity still came from fossil fuels in 2023. But the share of renewables is growing, now close to 40%, putting Australia on the path toward its national target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030. This momentum is promising, but young Australians are calling for more coordinated, inclusive and fair action to reach our clean energy goals faster.
Rising energy costs and ongoing reliance on fossil fuels particularly impact younger and more vulnerable communities. Workshop participants called for policies that lower household bills, support climate-resilient infrastructure, and invest in new industries and local jobs.
From Climate Anxiety to Climate Agency
The event’s theme—“Stories that Shift the Narrative”—underscored the role of lived experience in moving people from awareness to action. Storytelling not only informs; it builds agency. As Glanznig noted:
When it comes to climate advocacy, never view these problems as too big or view these problems as something that you can't make a difference. You just have to work out what that first step is and then take it,” — Kal Glanznig, Youth Ocean Advocate & Councillor at Sutherland Shire Council.
He and his team's short film “Dive into the Ocean” highlighted how rising sea levels threaten our coastlines and marine ecosystems—and the need to act now to protect what we love.
Other youth-created films addressed a range of topics:
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The Benefit of Acting Now encouraged Australians to embrace clean energy and sustainability as a shared opportunity.
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Did You Know offered a hopeful lens on climate action, urging Australians to focus on emerging industries and to use their vote as a tool for change.
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Nature – Our Stories explored the importance of connecting urban living with green spaces for well-being and resilience.
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Climate Change Fuels Domestic Violence shed light on the cascading impacts of climate stress, including displacement and social inequality.
These young creators aren’t just raising awareness—they’re advancing ideas, sharing hope, and showcasing solutions. And they’re reminding us that behind every data point is a human story.
Youth Voices and Australia’s Climate Leadership
With Australia and Pacific nations preparing to potentially co-host COP31 in 2026, youth voices are helping to shape how Australia steps up to the global stage. As Lincoln Ingravalle emphasised:
It’s not about Australia paying for or supporting. It’s about the Pacific — and Australia is part of the Pacific. We’re all in it together,” — Lincoln Ingravalle, UNICEF Young Ambassador.
Young Australians recognise that their stories can shift national narratives and influence international leadership. As the largest voting bloc, Millennials and Gen Z hold significant power in shaping Australia’s future—politically, socially, and economically.
Participants also highlighted how storytelling can empower climate-vulnerable communities and inspire action grounded in solidarity with our Pacific neighbours. Whether through cost savings, community resilience, or new job opportunities in a clean economy, stories of impact and hope can build momentum for long-term change.
Keep the Story Going
Guests closed the workshop with a call to action: keep telling your climate stories ahead of COP31.
Help more Australians — and the world — see how our choices affect the nature, oceans, and communities we love."
📽️ Watch the films from the workshop on the Better Futures Australia YouTube channel
Visit the Better Futures Australia YouTube channel to view all the short films above.
Are you a young Australian with a story to tell? We’d love to hear from you.