Abstract ID: 3.11548 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Mountain ecosystems and their communities remain overlooked on both national and international environmental agendas despite their particular sensitivity to climate change, including extreme weather, deforestation, land degradation, and glacial lake bursts. Mountains also face unique challenges that are more nuanced and complicated than those in lowlands. This is a lesser-known fact among lowland inhabitants, and mountains do not receive the attention needed despite their importance to ecosystems, providing water downstream and other benefits. Furthermore, mountain youth face social and geographic isolation, which limits their opportunities and often prompts them to seek opportunities in cities, threatening the sustainable future of mountain ecosystems and their communities. Mountain youth are frequently overlooked in economic, social, and political spheres, contributing to a sense of learned helplessness. This research underscores the importance of better communication and raising awareness about mountain ecosystems, and the communities and youth that depend on them. By focusing more attention on these issues, we can ensure that mountain youth are included in advocacy and policy-making, helping to counteract learned helplessness. Increased attention to mountains and mountain youth will advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster climate change adaptation and mitigation. It will also help to counter learned helplessness among youth and empower mountain youth and provide them with agency to make a positive difference in their mountain communities.