An open call for youth-led actions aimed to advance the green transition

 
Youth is a fundamental voice in the fight against climate change and the green transition. The younger generation of Europeans are the first to see the impact of climate change, their future largely depends on the decisions that are taken now. Therefore, it is their right to have their voice heard and act as catalysts for change.
 
The recent global citizens' movements pledging for climate action have shown a massive global mobilization of youth in the fight against climate change.
 
In 2019 the EU adopted the European Green Deal, a strategy to fight climate change and make European society sustainable, as a response to the strong requests of climate action. The core of this programme is the transition to climate neutrality by 2050, which will allow the EU to stop contributing to climate change by compensating for all its emissions. Becoming carbon neutral means reducing drastically the use of fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and natural gas in order to cut greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are still around 200.000 people employed in the production of fossil fuels in the EU, and these fuels are often located in specific regions that depend on them economically. In order to prevent these regions from falling into poverty, the Green Deal has provided for a Just Transition Fund (JTF), which will provide €19.5 billion to support the economic conversion of these regions and the reskilling of their workers employed in fossil fuels production and in regions dependent on carbon-intensive industry
 
The transition to a low-carbon economy is a complex process. It will require new mindsets, bold measures, and a radical change in the way Europeans consume and produce. It requires fresh minds, and the minds of young people are well positioned to fully understand and support it.
 
The transition in the regions that produce fossil fuels will be more challenging than in other regions. People make a living out of producing coal and oil; these are part of their life and the story of their community. At the same time, these regions are already suffering because of the crisis of fossil fuels. There are no opportunities for young people there, and many local youths leave to study and work somewhere else where they can improve their lives.
 
This call wants to give hope to young people living in these vulnerable regions. Your regions need you, they need your energy, your ideas, your creativity and your skills. EUTeens4Green wants to provide the resources offering financial support, to make your projects, campaigns and ideas for your community real and tangible.
 
This transition can only be just with youth engagement, and thanks to EUTeens4Green youth can now mobilise to contribute to it. You can be the next generation of climate ambassadors!