FAO.org

Rome, Italy – Recognizing young people as innovators and changemakers, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) actively engages youth and builds their capacities to understand and tackle pressing challenges such as food security and climate change.

FAO's approach to youth engagement involves providing access to the right knowledge and tools to create opportunities for learning, action, and leadership. Part of these efforts are publications and educational resources that offer a wealth of information on topics ranging from sustainable agriculture to disaster risk reduction.

One of FAO’s latest publications, the Energy Challenge Badge Bioenergy Supplement is part of a broader toolkit produced by the Youth and United Nations Global Alliance (YUNGA) to make complex topics accessible and interesting for young people. The Bioenergy booklet, published in collaboration with the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP), combines case studies, practical tips and interactive exercises to provide young readers with an overview of sustainable bioenergy.

The Energy Challenge Badge Bioenergy Supplement is designed for youth, teachers, and educators. It targets three age groups: 5 to 10 years old, 11 to 15 years old, and 16 and older. Additionally, the booklet aims to support teachers, educators, and leaders of Scout and Girl Guides groups, who will implement these activities with children and young people.

Bioenergy, derived from organic matter, is currently the largest renewable energy source globally. While using bioenergy can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential to adopt practices that ensure its production does not come at the expense of forests or food resources.

"There are countless ways for young people to get involved in climate action. One way is immersing in the Energy Challenge Badge Bioenergy Supplement, learning about the importance of bioenergy, how it works, and sharing this knowledge with your peers, families, and communities to spread awareness and inspire action in others," said Maria Michela Morese, FAO’s Energy Team Leader.

The five-part booklet covers various aspects of bioenergy, making it a good resource for those interested in this field. It is divided into:

• Understanding Bioenergy: Basic facts about bioenergy and its importance.
• Bioenergy Sources and Impacts: Major sources and their environmental impacts.
• Producing and Using Bioenergy: Processes involved in production and usage.
• Bioenergy Sustainability: Links between bioenergy, sustainability, and development.
• Take Action: Practical ideas for conserving energy and raising awareness

The Energy Challenge Badge: Bioenergy Supplement can now be downloaded from the FAO Knowledge Repository. To explore the YUNGA Energy Challenge Badge and discover additional educational materials, please visit the YUNGA website.