In March 2023, the Erasmus+ project “Way to Go Against Climate Change” brought together youth workers from across Europe for a powerful and transformative training held on Réunion Island, France. The program focused on equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to understand the urgency of climate change, its root causes, and the role that current generations play in shaping the future. By blending science, storytelling, and shared experience, the project inspired youth workers to become educators, activists, and advocates for sustainable living. The message was clear: climate action starts with people, and youth workers have the power to guide communities toward more responsible, eco-conscious behavior.
In France, the signs of climate change are no longer distant or abstract. They are visible in the rising temperatures, unpredictable storms, and longer periods of drought that are affecting agriculture and local ecosystems. In recent years, wildfires have also become more frequent and destructive in parts of the country. The environmental challenges are deeply felt, particularly by younger generations who worry about the world they will inherit. In urban areas, pollution remains a serious concern, while rural regions struggle with changes in farming conditions and biodiversity loss. Despite this, many communities lack strong, accessible climate education. Young people are aware, but often feel powerless. That’s why local youth organizations, including Together for Youth, recognize the need to turn concern into informed action.
The training in Réunion Island offered a unique experience far beyond the classroom. Being surrounded by natural beauty made the message of climate protection more personal and emotional. The island itself provided a living example of how ecosystems and communities are directly affected by climate change. Participants learned about the connections between climate justice and intergenerational responsibility. Workshops and activities explained how the choices made today will shape the world for generations to come. This idea—of protecting not only the environment but also the rights of future citizens—made a strong impact on everyone present.
One powerful part of the training was learning how to communicate climate science in ways that are clear and motivating. The project introduced new non-formal education methods that made complex topics easier to understand. Icebreakers, energizers, games, and reflection circles helped participants internalize what they were learning and think about how to bring it back to their communities. International exchange was also a key element. Youth workers from different countries shared their experiences and challenges. Some came from cities with large populations, while others came from isolated rural areas. But all of them felt the same urgency to act. This sense of solidarity created a safe and inspiring environment where ideas could grow and multiply.
After returning to mainland France, the participant from Together for Youth was inspired to take immediate action. The experience in Réunion sparked the development of a new local program called “Climate Circles.” This initiative was designed to create small, interactive spaces where young people could learn about climate change in a supportive environment. The project began with a series of workshops in community centers and schools. Each session focused on a different topic, such as plastic pollution, food waste, fast fashion, and transportation choices. These workshops did not rely on lectures, but instead used storytelling, role-playing, and group challenges to explore how climate change touches every part of life.
The success of “Climate Circles” soon led to wider interest. More youth centers reached out to host sessions, and some municipalities offered space and small funding to continue the initiative. The team also launched an online platform where youth could share their own eco-actions, such as planting trees, starting zero-waste challenges, or helping organize local clean-up days. By giving young people a place to share their voices and ideas, the project helped turn awareness into empowerment.
The impact of this initiative has grown in different directions. In schools, students became more vocal about environmental topics and some even began forming eco-clubs. Teachers noticed that their students were more curious, more engaged in discussions about the planet, and more eager to change their everyday habits. In the community, the workshops brought together youth from different backgrounds, helping them discover that climate action can also be a way to build friendships and solidarity. For the youth workers involved, the experience strengthened their belief that education is a powerful tool for change.
On a broader level, the success of “Climate Circles” has opened new opportunities for collaboration between NGOs, schools, and local government. There is growing recognition that youth voices are needed in climate policy discussions, and that grassroots education is essential to build a sustainable future. The initiative has now reached hundreds of young people, many of whom had never attended a climate-related event before. By starting small and focusing on real human connections, the project managed to create something meaningful and lasting.
The long-term vision of Together for Youth is to expand this model to more regions of France and perhaps even partner with organizations in other countries. The hope is to build a network of youth-led climate circles that exchange ideas, experiences, and encouragement. Climate change is a global issue, but the solutions begin locally—in the conversations people have, the choices they make, and the values they pass on.
Reflecting on the journey from Réunion Island to the heart of local communities in France, the importance of youth engagement is stronger than ever. Young people are not just concerned—they are capable. When given the right space, tools, and trust, they show great creativity, resilience, and care for the planet. The Erasmus+ project planted the seeds of awareness, but it is through continuous local action that these seeds grow into real transformation. With each small step, young people are shaping a future that is fairer, greener, and more just. And they are proving, every day, that climate change is not just a challenge—it is a call to come together and act with courage, hope, and purpose.