ABSTRACT
In this chapter the authors present the rare argument that one of the elements of a democratic system is that it should empower citizens to participate in the drafting of laws, including young people who, due to their age or other reasons, do not have effective opportunities to influence the governing of their own affairs. The chapter presents two empirical cases in different political contexts where young people are pursuing to influence law drafting. One describes the legislative process in which young people were (e-)consulted nation-wide for their views on the reform of Finland’s climate law; and the other describes the renowned climate appeal made by six Portuguese young people to the European Court of Human Rights. These cases are particularly interesting for the book’s argumentation. They show how young people around the world are trying to influence decision makers to enforce more effective climate policy, which in turn is related to their well-being now and in the future. The cases demonstrate that creating sustainable well-being requires negotiations and cooperation between generations and highlight how such negotiations can be pursued through legislative means.
