COP27: “People & Planet” project video-presents Youth Survey Results

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The EU DEAR project “People & Planet” also participated in a COP27 side event, reinforcing the links between local and global agendas. They spoke about how youth can contribute to resilient sustainable development in a UNESCO session called  “Amplifying Marginalised Voices for Positive Climate Impact”.

In a video address, two project representatives explain how “People and Planet” promotes sustainable behaviours and young people’s active engagement in local policy-making. They highlight the results of a survey of 3500 young people across Europe, about their views and expectations around the climate crisis. The report’s main conclusion is not surprising: most young Europeans think that protecting the environment is very important. However, they do not always have access to the right tools to fight for this cause.

The report also provides ideas on how to engage young people to fight climate change. 72% feel that education and school curricula are the best way to reach them; but in all its dimensions (formal, non-formal and informal education). Creating youth groups that draft their own recommendations for local authorities is also perceived as a good practice. Finally, they underline that working for and with young people is aligned with the UNFCCC’s “Action for Climate Empowerment” guidelines.

Read the full report “European Youth and Climate Change: A Community Baseline”. Watch the full video on YouTube.   

The event was a UNESCO initiative, by a coalition called “Bridges - Sustainability Science Coalition”. Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, Ms. Gabriela Ramos, was also present.

“People & Planet: A Common Destiny” contributes to policies for sustainability at the glocal (global + local) level and promotes the participation of young citizens as change-makers.