In March 2023, a group of dedicated youth workers from across Europe traveled to Réunion Island, France, to take part in the Erasmus+ project “Way to Go Against Climate Change.” The program was organized as a response to the growing concern about climate change and its long-term consequences for both current and future generations. The training brought together participants with a shared mission: to better understand the causes and impacts of climate change, and to explore how young people can be involved in creating sustainable solutions. Through group activities, international discussions, and educational workshops, the project encouraged youth workers to take concrete action for the environment and to inspire their local communities to do the same.
In Italy, climate change is already a visible and growing concern. Extreme heatwaves, longer summers, and changing rainfall patterns are now common in many regions. In cities like Milan and Rome, pollution levels continue to rise, while southern areas face increasing problems with drought and agricultural decline. Coastal communities are also starting to feel the effects of rising sea levels. Young people often hear about these problems on the news, but they don’t always feel they have the tools or the voice to make a difference. Many youth in Italy feel disconnected from political processes or overwhelmed by the scale of the climate crisis. In this situation, education and community support become key elements in turning fear into action.
The training in Réunion Island offered a completely different environment for learning. Being in the heart of nature made the experience more emotional and personal. Participants from many different countries gathered in this unique island setting, where the effects of climate change are very real. Discussions focused on environmental justice, the responsibilities of today’s generation, and the power of small actions that can create big change. One of the most impactful sessions was about intergenerational justice. Youth workers were introduced to the idea that the decisions made today will directly shape the lives of tomorrow’s children and grandchildren. This way of thinking created a deeper sense of purpose. It was no longer just about solving problems today—it became about protecting the future for everyone.
During the training, participants visited local communities and learned how people in Réunion Island are adapting to environmental changes. One inspiring example was a small eco-farming project where young volunteers were growing vegetables using traditional and sustainable methods. The farm not only provided healthy food, but also worked as an educational space for schools and families. Seeing such a practical and successful model gave participants hope. It showed that real change can happen when people work together and share knowledge. Another session focused on youth-led climate actions in other European countries. Participants shared ideas like zero-waste school programs, urban gardening, and clean-up campaigns. This exchange helped connect people from different backgrounds and showed that climate action is possible anywhere, no matter the location or resources.
After returning to Italy, the youth worker representing Associazione Minerva wanted to bring the experience home. Inspired by the practical tools and emotional motivation from Réunion Island, the team launched a local project called “Future Green Steps.” The goal of the project was to raise awareness among young people about the importance of climate responsibility and to give them real ways to take action. The first activity was a workshop held in a local high school. Students learned about the basics of climate change, the importance of intergenerational justice, and how human behavior affects the environment. The training used creative methods such as simulation games, visual storytelling, and reflection circles. These non-formal tools helped the students connect with the topic in a personal way.
The second phase of the initiative was community-focused. Associazione Minerva organized a youth-led environmental day in a public park. Young volunteers led clean-up efforts, planted native trees, and set up stations with educational games and posters about climate science. Local families joined the event, and children were especially excited to take part in the hands-on activities. At the end of the day, a large discussion circle was created where youth could speak openly about their concerns and dreams for the environment. This space was important because it allowed young voices to be heard and respected.
The impact of “Future Green Steps” began to grow quickly. The schools involved asked for more workshops, and youth centers reached out for collaboration. Some young participants became climate ambassadors in their own neighborhoods, organizing small projects like plastic reduction campaigns or car-free school days. The local government also took interest and offered a small grant to support the next phase of the project. Teachers reported that students who took part in the workshops became more active in class discussions and even used their new knowledge in science and social studies assignments.
Most importantly, the project showed that when young people feel empowered and supported, they become leaders of change. They do not wait for politicians or experts to solve everything. Instead, they look for solutions in their daily lives, their schools, and their communities. They speak up, they act, and they share what they learn. The Erasmus+ training in Réunion Island gave youth workers the knowledge and confidence to spark this kind of transformation. It helped turn the idea of sustainability into something living and real.
Looking forward, Associazione Minerva hopes to expand the “Future Green Steps” initiative. The plan is to create a training program for other youth workers across Italy, using the methods and materials developed during the first workshops. The long-term goal is to build a network of climate educators who can continue spreading the message in schools, youth centers, and rural areas. Climate change is a global issue, but change always starts locally. When one young person learns to care for the planet, they inspire others around them.
Projects like “Way to Go Against Climate Change” are essential for building a new generation of climate-conscious citizens. They help youth workers grow, learn, and bring valuable knowledge back to their countries. Through connection, creativity, and shared purpose, real change becomes possible. In Italy and beyond, young people are showing that they are not just the future—they are the present. With the right tools, guidance, and space to act, they can lead the way toward a more sustainable, fair, and hopeful world.