Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and young people are at the forefront of the fight for a sustainable future. However, many feel unheard, underprepared, and excluded from decision-making processes. The ECHOES Project (Youth Voices for Climate Action in European Elections), co-funded by the European Union, conducted a needs assessment study to understand the challenges youth workers and young people face in climate advocacy.

The study revealed critical gaps in climate education, policy engagement, and access to resources, highlighting an urgent need for support in fostering youth participation in climate action.

Key Insights from the Report

• Knowledge and Awareness Gaps: While youth workers generally have strong climate knowledge, young people’s understanding varies, often depending on their access to educational resources.
• Exclusion from Decision-Making: Both groups view governmental climate efforts as inadequate. Many feel excluded from climate-related policy discussions and struggle to engage decision-makers effectively.
• Eco-Anxiety and Mental Health: The study found that over 50 percent of young people experience climate-related anxiety, underscoring the need for mental health support alongside climate action initiatives.
• Barriers to Climate Engagement: The report highlights challenges such as limited access to funding, training, and educational materials, difficulties in reaching policymakers, misinformation, and the competing political and economic priorities that often sideline climate issues.

How ECHOES is Empowering Young Climate Advocates

To address these challenges, the ECHOES Project is committed to:

• Boosting Climate Education: Providing structured learning opportunities on climate action, environmental policy, and advocacy strategies.
• Strengthening Youth Voices: Offering media and communication training to help young people effectively engage with decision-makers.
• Creating Networks and Resources: Connecting youth workers, organizations, and policymakers to build sustainable partnerships in climate action.
• Developing Digital Advocacy Tools: Promoting social media strategies, online petitions, and digital campaigns as effective engagement methods.

By equipping young people with knowledge, tools, and platforms, ECHOES aims to bridge the gap between youth and policy-making, ensuring that young climate advocates have a meaningful role in shaping the future.

Why This Matters

Young people are not just future leaders; they are changemakers today. By supporting their climate advocacy efforts, we can build a more sustainable and inclusive society where their voices are heard and valued.

As the ECHOES Project continues, these findings will guide the development of targeted initiatives and training programs that empower young people to take action, influence policies, and drive real environmental change.

Now is the time to amplify youth voices for climate action.

Bibliography

• UN Environment Programme. (2022). Stockholm+50 Youth Survey Report. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org
• Uchendu, J.O., Goetheer, C.D.J., & van den Broek, K.L. (2024). Report on the EcoreactEU Study on Youth Eco-Anxiety. Retrieved from https://ecoreact.eu

European Commission. (n.d.). Youth Engagement in Climate Action. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu