February 2022
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This chapter reflects on the impacts of significant disasters in Ōtautahi Christchurch between 2010 and 2020, particularly impacts for young citizens who have faced an unprecedented series of disasters including earthquakes, fires, floods, drought, terror attacks and a pandemic. Youth have mobilised in response to these events and yet government responses have at times been deeply disempowering, supressing rather than encouraging youthful agency. This chapter considers the way Christchurch’s experiences shed light on broader challenges facing liberal democracies. In an increasingly chaotic and uncertain climate future, characterised by frequent and cascading crises, the question of how we maintain democratic practises during disruption is an urgent one. We highlight the importance of youthful participation in disaster recovery and the wider struggle to ensure democratic practices are inclusive, equitable and accountable particularly for children, youth and future generations.KeywordsCanterbury earthquake sequenceDemocracyDisaster recoveryStudent Volunteer ArmyYouth agencyYouth participation