Background

Over the past decades, the climate crisis has intensified, bringing rising temperatures, extreme weather, air pollution, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity. In India, young people are increasingly aware of these urgent sustainability challenges, yet many students, especially from underserved backgrounds, face significant barriers such as limited access to mentorship networks, insufficient knowledge of civic pathways, low confidence when it comes to taking action, and few to no opportunities to turn passion into real, tangible impact.

While awareness about environmental issues is growing, most programs remain unable to instill practical guidance, leadership training, or peer networks that enable young people to campaign within their own local communities. This leaves motivated youth isolated and unsure how to proceed with their sustainability concerns.

What does this mean for the next generation whose energy and fresh perspectives are critical to driving meaningful environmental change, yet remain constrained by these gaps?

This is where Youth Environment Society (YES!) steps in. Designed with empathy, accessibility, and youth empowerment at its core, YES! removes barriers to building networks of young leaders campaigning for sustainability. The initiative focuses on students from underserved backgrounds and integrates mentorship, practical guidance, hands-on leadership training, and community-based action. By listening to young voices and equipping them with tools and confidence, YES! transforms environmental concern into structured, actionable advocacy at the local level.