Youth for Climate Action: Solutions for Climate Disasters & Ecosystem Protection

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat but a lived reality for Sri Lanka. Coastal erosion, intensifying floods, prolonged droughts, and biodiversity loss continue to disrupt lives, exposing deep gaps in disaster preparedness and ecosystem protection. Young people across the island are not only witnessing these impacts firsthand but are also stepping forward to be part of the solution. Yet, their voices often go unheard in formal decision-making spaces.

Determined to change that, the Conference of Youth (COY) Hackathon on Solutions for Climate Disasters & Ecosystem Protection was launched as a dedicated, youth-led platform for innovation and collaboration. The hackathon bringing feeds directly into preparations for LCOY Sri Lanka 2025 and will shape the country’s official National Youth Statement on Climate Action.

A-PAD SL was honored to contribute to this vibrant, youth-led initiative through a multidisciplinary panel discussion attended by over 100 young participants. Representing national disaster governance, Ms. Anoja Seneviratne from the Disaster Management Centre opened the session with an overview of Sri Lanka’s disaster response landscape. Dr. H.B. Jayasiri of The Ocean University of Sri Lanka brought in valuable environmental insights, while Dr. Erandathie Pathiraja from the Institute of Policy Studies offered critical socioeconomic perspectives. Adding a community-based lens, Ms. Rochelle Scharenguivel from A-PAD SL highlighted the importance of grassroots advocacy and locally led resilience-building in the face of climate disasters.

Speaking on the importance of community-centered approaches, Ms. Scharenguivel emphasized that “hazards become disasters when we fail to protect those at risk” underscoring that disasters magnify existing social vulnerabilities like poverty, inequality, and limited access to resources. That’s why making grassroots action and meaningful youth participation is essential.

With youth taking the lead and platforms like LCOY amplifying their efforts, Sri Lanka is witnessing a growing movement of young climate advocates determined to influence both national and global climate agendas.