Youth, faith and environmental consciousness in Africa : a practical theology research imperative

Abstract

Climate change and environmental degradation are arguably among the most significant concerns for humanity and environmental sustainability on a worldwide scale. Today’s youth are at the epicentre of discussions about ecological (in) justice, environmental consciousness, and climate change discourses and practices. This is illustrated by international protests, including the Fridays for the Future and Extinction Rebellion campaigns, to highlight a few. However, both of the aforementioned youth movements are western illustrations of youth who are participating in these discourses. This article first argues that the African youth should be at the forefront of the environmental discourse due to the impact this phenomenon has on Africa. Secondly, this article focuses on why the environmental discourse should be prioritised in the practical theological subject field of youth ministry. Within the practical theology discipline, the tripartite concern with the link between youth, faith, and environmental consciousness has been under-researched.