New publication: Climate Change Projects and Youth Engagement: Empowerment and Contested Knowledge

How can young people be truly empowered in the face of climate change? A new study from the ConsenCUS project explores this question by looking at the role of EU-funded climate change projects in supporting youth participation and engagement. While climate change exposes younger generations to social, economic and political vulnerabilities, they often lack the resources to influence decisions that affect their future. This research highlights how European projects can create space for youth voices, but also reveals the challenges and power dynamics that shape their involvement.

Based on a year-long collaboration with Greek students in a Horizon 2020 initiative on the social acceptance of Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCUS) technologies, the study shows both the opportunities and the limitations of current approaches. The findings underline the need for more meaningful and long-term engagement with young people to strengthen their role in Europe’s climate transition.