In the face of an escalating climate crisis, the need for collaboration between environmental non-governmental organisations and youth has never been more pressing. Young people are not only the future; they are the agents of change we need today.

Their energy, creativity and determination can drive forward the innovative solutions required to combat climate change and protect our environment. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute’s 4th Annual Youth Climate Summit, where more than 150 students from across the island come together for a transformative week of education and action.

The YCS brings together a diverse group of students aged 13 to 22, with 70 per cent representing public schools, thanks to the support of the Ministry of Education. This inclusivity ensures that the solutions we develop are as diverse as the challenges we face.

During this event, young people engage with global climate issues and learn how to become catalysts for change in their own communities. But more than that, the YCS lays the groundwork for a year of youth-led initiatives focused on conservation, sustainability and climate justice.

The summit is more than just a gathering of minds; it is a launch pad for youth action. With hands-on engagement from Bermuda's most respected environmental NGOs, these young leaders are equipped with the tools, knowledge and mentorship to create real, tangible change. This partnership between youth and NGOs forms the foundation of a year filled with climate mitigation activities aimed at protecting Bermuda’s fragile ecosystem.

Among the participating organisations is the Bermuda Zoological Society, whose mission is to inspire appreciation and care for island environments. The BZS achieves this through educational programmes, conservation projects and exhibits that highlight the delicate balance of ecosystems such as Bermuda’s. By connecting students with the BZS, we foster a deeper understanding of our unique biodiversity and the steps needed to protect it.

Keep Bermuda Beautiful also plays a key role, focusing on reducing waste and eliminating litter. Its work ensures Bermuda’s landscapes and oceans remain pristine. KBB empowers young people to take responsibility for their environment, leading clean-ups and promoting waste reduction in schools and communities.

Greenrock, another summit partner, engages the community in sharing sustainable solutions for Bermuda. Its efforts are centred on creating a more sustainable future by educating the public on energy efficiency, renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints. Students at the YCS learn practical ways to reduce environmental impact, making sustainability central to their climate-action plans.

Another engagement focus is the hands-on, outdoor education provided by Waterstart, which promotes personal growth and environmental awareness through experiential learning. Its programmes immerse students in Bermuda’s marine environment, emphasising the importance of ocean conservation while building leadership and teamwork skills.

The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences also plays a pivotal role in the summit. Bios is committed to advancing our understanding of the ocean through cutting-edge research and education. Students gain insight into the critical role Bermuda’s oceans play in global climate systems and learn how they can contribute to preserving our oceans for future generations.

Each of these NGOs brings a unique perspective to the YCS, but they all share a common goal: empowering Bermuda’s youth to lead the charge in environmental conservation and climate action. Organisations such as the Bermuda Audubon Society, which works to protect Bermuda's bird species and their habitats, the Bermuda National Trust, which conserves island’s natural and cultural heritage, and Beyond Plastic Bermuda, which aims to reduce single-use plastics, serve as crucial allies in the fight against environmental degradation.

The importance of youth-NGO collaboration cannot be overstated. These partnerships provide mentorship, resources and support, turning youthful passion into action. Whether through conservation projects led by Nonsuch Expeditions, which uses technology to solve conservation challenges, or youth empowerment programmes run by the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which fosters leadership and civic responsibility, NGOs play an essential role in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.

The challenges we face are significant and complex — climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation cannot be solved by any one group alone. It will take the combined efforts of all sectors and the broader community to tackle these pressing issues. By fostering a deep connection to the environment and empowering young people with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges, we can ensure that Bermuda’s environmental future is shaped by everyone it will affect and benefit.

• Karla Lacey is the chief executive of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. Established by a Private Act of the Bermuda Parliament in 1992 and officially opened in July 1997, BUEI is a registered non-profit (No 326) and does not receive any government funding. The organisation relies on the continued financial support of the community to deliver effective, high-quality educational programmes and initiatives including the Eco-Schools Bermuda programme, Young Reporters for the Environment and the Youth Climate Summit