In March 2023, the Erasmus+ project “Way to Go Against Climate Change” brought together youth workers from different parts of Europe on the island of Réunion, France. The goal was clear: to learn more about climate change, understand its causes and long-term effects, and explore how young people can play a meaningful role in protecting the planet. This project gave participants the knowledge and motivation to return home and work towards real, lasting environmental change in their communities. Organized with the help of Copernicus Berlin e.V., the training became a space where theory and action met, and where youth workers discovered new tools to build a more responsible and sustainable society.
In Germany, environmental awareness is part of daily conversation, but there are still many challenges. Even though the country has strong green policies and has invested in renewable energy, many communities face difficulties when it comes to reducing pollution, changing everyday habits, and including everyone in the climate discussion. In some places, young people feel disconnected from political decisions or do not understand how they can contribute to solving such a big problem. Others worry about the future but lack opportunities to act or learn about solutions. For youth workers like those at Copernicus Berlin e.V., this situation created a clear need: to bring climate education closer to young people, in a way that feels real, personal, and hopeful.
The training in Réunion Island was a turning point. It combined scientific knowledge with emotional learning, helping participants truly feel the urgency of climate action. The unique environment of the island made everything more powerful. Seeing the natural beauty of the ocean, forests, and volcanic mountains reminded everyone of what is at risk. The group learned how rising sea levels, extreme weather, and loss of biodiversity were already affecting local people. But they also saw hope. Local community members shared how they were adapting and fighting back—through education, local farming, and eco-tourism. These stories showed that even small, local actions can have a big impact.
One of the most important parts of the training was learning about intergenerational justice. The participants reflected on how today’s choices will affect future generations, and how young people can act as bridges between the past and the future. This idea became the heart of many conversations. Through workshops, debates, role-play, and simulations, participants explored how to communicate this responsibility and bring others into the movement. The non-formal education methods used during the training made everything feel more engaging. There were energizers, creative games, and deep reflections that helped everyone connect not only with the topic but also with each other.
Back in Germany, Copernicus Berlin e.V. created a new program inspired directly by this experience. The project was called “Climate Circles,” and its goal was to bring young people together in safe spaces to learn, share, and take action. The team wanted to use the same learning tools from Réunion Island to make climate education more personal and meaningful. In each session, young participants explored the causes and effects of climate change through stories, games, and discussion. Then they created small projects in their neighborhoods, such as awareness campaigns, clean-up events, or eco-friendly school clubs. The idea was not to focus only on big solutions, but to show that every positive step counts.
The impact of “Climate Circles” grew quickly. Young people felt empowered and started asking more questions about their role in society. Some started biking instead of driving, others convinced their schools to recycle more or use less plastic. One group even organized a local “green festival” with music, information stands, and workshops for families. Parents, teachers, and even city officials took notice. Suddenly, climate change wasn’t just something seen in the news—it became a community effort. Copernicus Berlin e.V. also created new partnerships with local environmental groups, giving youth more access to expert knowledge and volunteering opportunities.
Another strong result was the increased cooperation between generations. In one school, older people from the community were invited to share how they used to live more sustainably, before fast consumption became the norm. These moments helped young people understand that caring for the Earth is not a new idea, and that many past habits—like reusing, repairing, and growing food—can be part of today’s solutions. It also gave older adults the chance to feel included and useful in climate action.
The connection between the Erasmus+ training and the work in Germany remained strong. The youth workers who attended the project in Réunion stayed in touch with their peers from other countries. They exchanged experiences, updated each other on local progress, and even worked together on online awareness campaigns. This international network gave a sense of belonging and support. Knowing that people across Europe were working on similar goals helped keep motivation high, even when challenges appeared.
The long-term vision of Copernicus Berlin e.V. is clear. They believe that young people are not just future leaders—they are leaders today. They can bring fresh ideas, creative solutions, and strong energy into the fight against climate change. But to do that, they need to be included, informed, and inspired. Projects like “Way to Go Against Climate Change” show what happens when youth are trusted, listened to, and given tools to lead. Real change begins not with policies alone, but with people. People who are ready to take responsibility, work together, and believe in a better tomorrow.
As environmental problems continue to grow, so does the need for communities that are united, informed, and ready to act. The training in Réunion Island was more than an event—it was a moment of transformation. It showed what is possible when education is creative, when youth are empowered, and when action becomes personal. Thanks to this experience, young people in Germany are not just waiting for change. They are building it—step by step, voice by voice, and circle by circle.