Project description

YOU PRO CLIMA is fueled by the significant impact of climate change, especially on young people living in urban and rural peripheral areas. These regions often grapple with economic and social challenges, leading to skepticism toward national-level climate policies. Despite this, they exhibit a keen interest in addressing local environmental issues with immediate impacts on their lives. Youth worldwide harbor concerns about the future environment, often experiencing “eco-anxiety.” While more young people are becoming climate activists, organizations struggle to actively engage them, especially in the post-Covid-19 era. Studies underscore the disparity in awareness and activism levels between urban and rural areas, with peripheral regions.

The project’s core objective is to engage local communities, with a particular emphasis on empowering young individuals in these areas. It seeks to deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness between local and global environmental issues. By fostering empowerment among youth and communities, YOU PRO CLIMA aims to enhance quality of life and mitigate feelings of hopelessness. Through piloting initiatives across various peripheral regions, the project endeavors to catalyze similar efforts and foster effective climate action at local, national, and international levels.

Target groups

The main target groups of the project are:

• Young people aged 18-25
• Youth leaders from partner countries
• Staff members of partner organizations
• Staff members of associated partners

The project also addresses other target groups including:

• Community members and stakeholders
• Organizations working on youth, participatory approaches, and environmental issues
• Local and European policymakers

Methodology

YOU PRO CLIMA’s methodology centers on developing digital learning tools and implementing a learning program focused on community engagement for environmental action. The learning program targets three key areas: participatory action facilitation, awareness-raising techniques, and advocacy promotion. Through blended mobility events and community and policy labs, participants will apply these methodologies in urban and rural peripheral areas across partner countries. This hands-on approach aims to empower participants with the skills and awareness necessary to effect positive change in their communities.  

Vision

YOU PRO CLIMA envisions a future where young people in peripheral areas are empowered to lead the charge against climate change. By fostering youth engagement and connecting communities, the project aims to shift from passive awareness to active involvement in environmental action. Our vision is to cultivate a generation of environmentally-conscious citizens who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to drive meaningful change in their local and global communities. 

Innovation

YOU PRO CLIMA is groundbreaking for its practical approach to engaging youth in peripheral areas in the fight against climate change. By specifically targeting youth from periferal areas and providing them with a tailored learning program on community engagement for environmental actions, the project addresses a critical gap in existing initiatives. Moreover, the development of a comprehensive digital toolkit enhances accessibility and practicality, empowering youth to actively participate in governance processes at all levels. Methodologically, the project’s focus on place-based initiatives and participatory methodologies ensures that youth are directly involved as competent agents of change from start to finish, making meaningful youth participation a central tenet of its innovation.