Environmental Leadership: A Research Study

Introduction

This study explores how the Our Bright Future programme helped young people aged 11 to 24 develop leadership skills linked to the environment. It looks at what leadership meant in different projects, what supported it to develop, and what young people achieved.

The report is written for funders, youth practitioners and environmental organisations.

Methodology

The study draws on multiple data sources collected across the programme, including:

• surveys

• interviews

• case studies

• project reports

• a review of relevant literature

It synthesises insights gathered over several years of independent evaluation across 31 projects.

Findings

The study found that young people developed environmental leadership through:

• practical conservation

• campaigning

• project delivery

• peer‑to‑peer influencing

Leadership took many forms, from public speaking and organising events to taking initiative on local environmental issues.

Young people gained confidence, communication skills and a sense of agency in shaping environmental action. Supportive staff, opportunities to take real responsibility, youth‑led spaces and involvement in decision‑making were key enablers.

Many projects created pathways for young people to move into ambassador roles, steering groups or community leadership positions. Leadership development also strengthened participants’ aspirations for green careers and further volunteering.

Considerations

Environmental leadership varied widely across projects, shaped by different delivery models, local contexts and participant needs. Evidence is based partly on self‑reported experiences and may not represent all young people in the programme. Learning should be interpreted as findings into what enabled leadership development rather than a measure of long‑term impact.