In March 2023, a group of youth workers from across Europe gathered in Réunion Island, France, for an Erasmus+ training titled “Way to Go Against Climate Change.” This project brought together people with different backgrounds, cultures, and ideas, but with one common goal—to better understand climate change and how to address it through youth work. The training focused on exploring the causes and effects of climate change, the responsibility of today’s generations to protect the environment, and the importance of intergenerational justice. The experience was not just educational but deeply transformative, encouraging every participant to return home with a clear purpose: to make climate responsibility part of everyday life in their communities.
In Spain, the environmental situation has become increasingly worrying in recent years. Extreme heatwaves, water scarcity, and wildfires have affected many regions, especially in the south. Many youth are aware of these challenges but often feel powerless or disconnected from larger environmental discussions. In some areas, there is still a lack of environmental education in schools, and sustainable practices are not yet common in small towns and rural communities. This makes it hard for young people to understand their role in protecting the planet. The NGO Asociación PROJUVEN had been working with youth in these areas, but they felt the need for a more focused approach to engage young people in climate issues in a way that felt personal, hopeful, and doable.
During the training in Réunion Island, the participants had the chance to learn in a very special setting. Surrounded by beautiful nature, from beaches to volcanoes, they were reminded every day of the importance of protecting the Earth. The project offered new tools and ideas through games, creative presentations, simulations, and group reflections. What stood out most was the way the training connected knowledge with emotions. Instead of only talking about science and data, the program invited participants to think about their own lives, their families, and their communities. It helped them understand how climate change is not just a global issue but a deeply human one. Participants shared stories about how climate affects their home countries, listened to experts, and learned from each other through open dialogue.
One of the key ideas of the project was intergenerational justice, which helped participants see how important it is to act now for the good of future generations. They also learned how to use interactive methods to talk about climate in a way that is not boring or complicated. The energy of the group, the kindness of the local hosts, and the natural beauty of the island all played a role in making this experience unforgettable. It was clear that something special had happened—not only more knowledge but more motivation and more belief in the power of youth work.
After returning to Spain, Asociación PROJUVEN decided to create a local program called “Jóvenes Verdes,” or “Green Youth.” This initiative was directly inspired by the Erasmus+ experience and aimed to bring the ideas from Réunion Island into Spanish communities. The program invited small groups of young people to meet once a week and explore local climate issues using the methods from the training. Each group chose a topic they cared about, such as saving water, protecting biodiversity, or reducing plastic use. Then they created a small community project around it.
One group made posters and videos to raise awareness about fast fashion and how it harms the environment. Another group visited local farms and learned about sustainable agriculture. A team of high school students decided to organize a “Green Day” at their school, with games, workshops, and talks about climate. The program also encouraged young people to speak with their families and neighbors, to share what they were learning and inspire others. The goal was not to do everything perfectly but to start with small, real actions and build from there.
The results of the “Jóvenes Verdes” project were beautiful to see. Young people who had never talked about climate before became more aware, more confident, and more active. They learned that their voices mattered and that they could make a difference. Parents were surprised by the passion of their children and became more interested in changing habits at home. Teachers reached out to the NGO and asked to bring the project into their classrooms. Local councils started to follow the activities on social media and asked the youth groups to share their ideas during public meetings. It became clear that climate education, when done with heart and creativity, can grow beyond youth work and touch the whole community.
This experience also helped Asociación PROJUVEN grow. The team understood that climate change cannot be a topic for just one project—it needs to be part of all their youth work. They began working with new partners, applied for local grants, and continued learning from other organizations in Europe. The Erasmus+ training opened a door that is now leading to new paths of impact and collaboration.
Reflecting on this journey, one thing is clear: youth are not waiting for the future—they are building it now. The “Way to Go Against Climate Change” project proved that young people, when given the tools and space to act, can bring hope and action to some of the biggest problems we face. They do not need to be experts or politicians to start change. What they need is trust, guidance, and the chance to be heard.
In Spain and across Europe, the energy of youth is one of the strongest forces for good. Whether in a city or a small village, every action counts. Every conversation, every shared idea, every group of motivated young people can grow into something meaningful. The story of “Jóvenes Verdes” is not just about one project. It is a reminder that even in the middle of crisis, there is opportunity. That with courage, connection, and a bit of creativity, youth can lead the way toward a greener, fairer world.