Environmental activism through digital technology

Ecology is the main topic of the decade and it is not ready to stop. Young people, the first to be targeted, are mobilizing under the yoke of the digital age. Among the actors of this change is, Johan Reboul, student and founder of the “Jeune Engagé”.

A planet in reprieve

The phrase “our house is burning and we are looking elsewhere” may have been pronounced 18 years ago at the IV Earth Summit by Chirac, but it is still true. In fact, in 18 years, the state of our planet has not improved. In fact, it has even deteriorated. Between pollution, deforestation, deregulation and climate excesses…we are far from the ecological objectives advocated by international institutions and summits.

Nevertheless, we should not cry defeat too quickly. Johan Reboul proves that ecological commitment is very present, especially among young people. In 2016, he created Le Jeune Engagé, a site that includes Facebook and Instagram accounts. His goal is to motivate young people to make their voices heard in this fight.

Digital technology, a new mobilization tool

Le Jeune Engagé activates the youth by making them aware of the importance of multiple environmental problems. In this respect, digital technology, which offers the possibility of varying content and media, is the ideal tool. Social networks are effective vectors of mobilization. Simply sharing an event or an action is enough to fill up the Climate Walks with young people, for example. However, the credibility of the commitment also depends on a change in lifestyle, which is why Johan offers these subscribers alternative solutions. Indeed, the youth, far from being passive, uses its dynamism to give new impetus to ecological activism. The struggle of Greta Thunberg is an illustration of this.

Climate justice in progress

Social networks, therefore, have a concrete impact. Eighty-nine percent of young people regulate their energy consumption, according to a Diplomeo Survey conducted in 2019. An alternative lifestyle is possible thanks to applications that respect the environment, such as Vinted, BuyOrNot, Too Good To Go, and so on. Furthermore, people are changing their diets as a political choice. The petitions led by the founder of Le Jeune Engagé, against the use of palm oil by the Nutella and Lu brands (2016), are resulting in progress on the part of the food industry. Although large groups continue to use this destructive oil for the forests, smaller companies have banned it or at least partially (Papa Outang, Jacquet, Lay’s, Casino…). From this, we understand that “our wallet is a ballot paper”, states Johan Reboul. Other examples proving the evolution of mentalities include the development of student associations dedicated to ecology and the growing interest of environmentalist parties in public discourse.

Photo credits : Saph photography/Pexels , Markus Spiske/Pexels

Links :
lejeuneengage.com
Facebook – Le Jeune Engagé
Instagram – Le Jeune Engagé

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