Youth! Let's Create Environment and Climate Change Awareness!

"<< Background >>We applied for this project to raise awareness among young people about climate change, clean energy, and human rights. Despite easy access to information, we noticed a lack of engagement in environmental protection. Youth, who represent a quarter of the world’s population, have the right to demand the protection of the planet. Research showed that 85% of students lacked sufficient knowledge about climate change. Our goal was to raise awareness about global warming and engage students in concrete actions to protect the environment. The project focused on three areas: ""Water and Us,"" ""Soil-Vegetation and Us,"" and ""Clean Air and Us."" We combined environmental awareness with democracy, human rights, and social responsibility. We organized international mobilities that allowed for the exchange of experiences and the development of language and digital skills. The project aimed to shape young people into responsible citizens who engage in environmental protection through actions such as collecting plastic, planting trees, visiting elderly people, and leaving water for animals. We wanted to not only educate about climate change but also promote pro-environmental attitudes and social responsibility.<< Objectives >>We applied for this project because we identified specific needs in our community and among our students. Climate change has caused, and continues to cause significant negative impacts across Europe, making this issue critical for both current and future generations. As members of the European community, we recognized the need to raise awareness and take action for environmental protection, social responsibility, and democratic participation among young people who are and will be responsible for saving our planet and educating future generations.Our goals included: Support for climate change and environmental protection: Understanding the natural environment (water, air, soil) and exploring methods to prevent pollution. Social responsibility: Shaping attitudes of responsibility for the environment and engaging in climate protection actions, while raising social awareness.Participation in democracy: Understanding individual and collective responsibility for actions related to climate change and promoting democratic involvement in addressing these issues.Digital, language, and cultural competencies: Developing digital skills through Web 2.0, learning basic English for international collaboration, and enhancing cultural awareness.<< Implementation >>We carried out the three planned activities. The activities took place in the countries of the organizations participating in the project: Italy (Water and Us): Students discussed the effects of water, one of the environmental problems, on climate change and explored ways to protect it on an international platform. They developed discussion skills and improved their language abilities. Poland (Soil, Vegetation and Us): Students learned about the benefits of land protection by engaging in activities both at school and in the gardens. They planted trees, discussed human rights issues, and raised awareness of their responsibility to protect the planet. Türkiye (Clean, Fresh Air and Us): Students discussed on an international platform what can be done to protect clean air, one of the environmental problems. They participated in parliamentary debates, learned about democracy, and improved their English. They gained awareness of air pollution’s effects and the importance of protecting air quality. Additionally, we carried out two activities: “Water Resources and Sustainable Development,” where students tracked water use and created saving plans, and “The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture,” preparing them for mobility in Poland.<< Results >>The results included:Gaining knowledge about natural phenomena such as water, soil, and air, and learning ways to mitigate their negative effects through everyday environmental actions.Climate change, environment, and European Citizenship: a deeper understanding of climate change and its impact on the environment, along with a sense of responsibility for protecting the planet.Enhancing democratic engagement and developing soft skills: better understanding of democratic processes and civic participation.Developing empathy and solidarity through contact with earthquake victims and observing the consequences of such disasters.Development of language and technology skills.Creation of educational materials: newsletters, videos, posters, games, scripts, and other resources for use in schools.International cooperation and cultural exchange: fostering collaboration skills and a better understanding of other cultures while promoting the idea of European citizenship.Increasing awareness of human rights.Incorporating practical environmental actions into school life: beach cleanups, tree planting, studying water footprints, and more.Modification of methods and curricula to include deeper environmental protection issues."