Why do Young People Find it so Difficult to Talk about Natural Resources?

Over the summer, I was given the unique opportunity as a Regional Ambassador to represent the Young Canadians for Resources (YCR) organization headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Much of this role focused on engaging with, networking with, and creating informative content catered to young people focused on fact-based conversations and education.

As a student studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, my work was focused on representing the Province of Saskatchewan and throughout the summer I focused on creating content featuring resources within the Province of Saskatchewan or having conversations with young professionals and students that had experience working or studying in Saskatchewan. However, there were many young professionals that were hesitant to have an open conversation with me due to the simple fact that they didn’t want their opinion or thoughts being shared publicly where they could be misinterpreted while they are beginning their careers.

Before I joined YCR, I was in a similar position, and I believe that many young Canadians will likely feel the same way. It was unfortunate to hear that successful friends and colleagues of mine, that have career-experience in natural resource sectors and/or have a resource-based education, were scared to discuss, and share their knowledge around natural resources. A project that each Regional Ambassador took on throughout the summer was to lead several 15-minute recorded zoom conversations about what each ambassador’s friends and colleagues know about Canadian resources and the experiences they’ve had related to resources within industry, on campus, in the media, and with friends and family.

Unfortunately, these quick conversations related to Canadian resources were perceived as something that could damage their reputation instead of assisting it.  YCR Ambassadors struggled to get their friends and colleagues to join the conversations because many young people didn’t want to seem unknowledgeable or controversial about natural resource topics.

The conversation around natural resources has become extremely polarized. I found that many views come with a “this OR that” mentality. Oil and gas OR renewables, reduce emissions OR continue resource development, where I believe the conversation should be following a “this AND that” pattern. Not only does the current OR conversation divide people, but young people are also worried about their future if they openly discuss resources. Not even a particular resource. All natural resources! It seems like young people are boycotting the conversation altogether out of fear of losing job opportunities, having their words manipulated, and being judged on a conversation that is so important to Canada’s prosperity.

To me, this seems like a strange concept. Shouldn’t a company be looking for an employee that is a leader in understanding how our country maintains its economy and how it impacts global markets? Wouldn’t a company want an employee who is open to discussion, and has the humility to learn new things from others?

To be clear, I am not trying to say young people should all offer the same perspective. I think challenging perspectives is how we build a better future. The point I am trying to get across is: how can we get to a better future that most people want, if no young people are talking, and no one is challenging each other? I want to urge young conversations to become: “please explain to me why you think this way on this topic,” “how can we come together to create innovative technologies that reduce carbon emissions while providing the supply of resources that society’s demand for these resources grows?” “How can young Canadians be the leaders in responsibly produced resources?”

I understand that countries have agreed to net zero goals and that the world is amid an energy transition. Similarly, I understand that this transition is resulting in an all-time high demand for critical minerals and energy technologies. Not to mention that countries without the necessary resources are faced with an energy or food crisis. Canada is fortunate to have fresh water, critical minerals, agriculture, and numerous energy sources. So, I am wondering, what happened to the conversation about how fortunate we are to live in a country so resource rich? Or the conversation thanking the millions of Canadian resource workers that are providing the necessary amenities that we use in our day-to-day lives?

Nevertheless, there is potential for future conversations. The young Canadians I was able to speak with seemed to have a shared hope for the approach to having these polarizing conversations. Open-mindedness being the main principle, as well as willingness to listen to others. Easier said than done, but perhaps a mentality that each person can bring forward when addressing controversial topics. There was also a communal agreement towards having a respectful conversation instead of going into it with a need to “win an argument” mentality. That made me consider that young people are starting to realize that the conversation surrounding natural resources isn’t happening at all, or at least not efficiently. It appears young people are looking at ways that we can come together to transform the way we discuss resources.

Although it might be cliché, be the change that you want to see in the world. It is difficult to foster innovation without conversations around the challenges and successes of the world’s critical resource industries. My request for all people is to start conversations around natural resources with an open mind, respect for the other person, and a willingness to learn and adapt.