Eco-Anxiety Meets Youth Power
Teaser: What happens when young people from Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, and Lithuania come together? Ideas, solutions, and hope for a greener future.
On April 23–25, Lithuania hosted an international youth meeting as part of the long-term Erasmus+ project YOUth Creating Action Research on Eco-Anxiety (YOU-CARE). The event brought together 36 young people from Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, and Lithuania, uniting them around one pressing theme – eco-anxiety and the role of young people in shaping solutions.
Over the course of three days, participants not only learned and reflected but also co-created ideas for future action:
Day One: Through team-building activities, the youngsters explored the concept of ecological anxiety, identified environmental challenges within their own communities, and shared examples of local initiatives. They also reflected on the importance of inclusivity in research processes.
Day Two: Working in groups, participants developed and presented youth-led participatory action research (YPAR) proposals, showcasing how young people can actively lead research and offer fresh perspectives.
Day Three: The meeting concluded with the joint creation of recommendations for policymakers, ensuring that young voices and ideas are directed towards real decision-making arenas.
Beyond the structured program, the exchange was also a celebration of diversity and connection. Participants introduced each other to their cultures, traditional foods, dances, and games, strengthening friendships while broadening horizons.
The YOU-CARE youth meeting in Lithuania was more than just an event – it was a statement: that young people are ready to face eco-anxiety not with fear, but with action, research, and collaboration.
