We cannot ignore the unfair burden placed on Cambodia’s youth and children by a global crisis they did not create. At Action Education / Aide et Action (AEA), we firmly believe that solutions start with education. It’s clear that we must act together to confront climate injustice, and it’s time to empower Cambodian children, youth and local communities to shape the world they will inherit. Discover our climate actions in videos by clicking on the links.
While rich countries — historically the biggest contributors to carbon emissions — have more means to protect themselves from the most devastating effects of climate change, poorer nations like Cambodia face greater vulnerability. Despite contributing the least to global emissions, the Global South suffers from extreme weather, rising seas, and escalating resource scarcity, all while bearing the brunt of a crisis largely engineered by the wealthy, industrialized world of the Global North.
Furthermore, climate change is not just a global injustice — it’s also an intergenerational one. Future generations, especially in vulnerable Global South communities, will inherit the irreversible damage caused today. The very children and young people who have done the least to fuel global warming will be left to deal with the devastating long-term consequences, including worsened health, economic instability, and displacement.
Therefore, it’s urgent to involve Cambodian children, youth and communities in climate action now because they are already experiencing the brutal consequences of climate change. From erratic weather disrupting farming to rising sea levels threatening coastal communities, Cambodian youth, particularly in rural areas, are on the front lines. Empowering them through education ensures that climate responses address today’s challenges while being sustainable for future generations.
Empowering the Next Generation: The Power of Action to Spark Education
The CO-SAVED project, co-funded by the EU and co-led by AEA, includes activities that integrate environmental education with practical action. Educating the next generation on waste management, plastic reduction, and sustainability is essential for building a climate-conscious generation that will lead the charge in creating lasting, positive environmental change.
By actively participating in climate solutions, schoolchildren see firsthand the impacts of pollution and develop a deep understanding of environmental challenges. Take a beach clean-up, for example: it’s not just about addressing pressing issues like plastic waste and pollution — it’s about equipping children with practical problem-solving skills while instilling a deep sense of ownership and responsibility for the planet. > Watch the video
Involving Cambodian youth is an investment in a resilient, sustainable, and equitable future. By empowering young volunteers to take action, like planting mangroves to absorb carbon and protect coastal ecosystems, we cultivate a generation of informed, engaged leaders ready to tackle the climate crisis in their communities and beyond. By tapping into their creativity, passion, and energy, we unlock the potential for innovative solutions that can drive real change. > Watch the video
Eco-Tourism: Bridging Local and Global Communities
Climate justice demands urgent collective action. The injustice is global, and it disproportionately devastates vulnerable communities. No country, no community, can face this alone. While holding the biggest polluters accountable is crucial, we cannot forget the urgency of empowering those most affected.
Through the CO-SAVED project, we support the education and livelihoods of Cambodia’s fishing communities, using eco-tourism as a powerful tool to connect them with global visitors and promote climate action.
For local communities like Phum Thmey in Kep’s mangrove forest, eco-tourism is more than just a source of income – it’s a lifeline to protecting the ecosystems that sustain them. By learning sustainable management, community members build lasting livelihoods and preserve coastal biodiversity. Eco-tourism strengthens the vital bond between people and nature, empowering local communities to actively address climate change while supporting the local economy and nature conservation. > Watch the video
At Kampong Samaky eco-resort in Kampot, eco-tourists are immersed in the beauty and urgency of mangrove conservation. Through hands-on engagement with local ecosystems, visitors from around the world can gain powerful insights into the critical climate challenges we all face and the role they must play in protecting our planet. > Watch the video
Together, we are not just preserving the Earth – we are building a more just, sustainable world for all.
