The project educated young students (12-18 years old) on the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly those forced to migrate. Through fact-based learning, interactive discussions, and exchanges with migrants, refugees, and students from Europe, Uganda, and Malta, it fostered critical thinking and a deeper understanding of climate-induced displacement. Key Objectives: Delivering fact-based knowledge: The curriculum provided scientific insights into climate change and migration, incorporating testimonies from displaced populations to offer a balanced perspective. Engaging teachers: Training sessions equipped educators with tools and expertise to address climate-induced migration in classrooms, supported by experts and project partners. Raising awareness: The project reached 204 schools, 282 teachers, and 7,271students across Europe through curriculum-based activities, peer discussions, and awareness-raising initiatives. Promoting engagement: Six dissemination events in five countries, three videos featuring young climate and refugee activists, and a report on student-led initiatives in five EU countries inspired further climate awareness actions.
Raising awareness about climate change and its consequences on human lives is more urgent than ever. While migration is often discussed as a challenge in our societies, less attention is given to its root causes, particularly how climate change is driving and will continue to drive human displacement. Extreme weather events such as floods and wildfires have already forced many European citizens to adapt, creating internal displacement within the continent. Yet, discussions around migration tend to overlook the growing impact of environmental changes on human mobility. This project aimed to educate students on the consequences of climate change on people, emphasizing that environmental changes threaten human livelihoods and dignity. Schools must address this issue to equip young people with critical thinking skills, helping them understand the structural factors behind the already existing climate change-induced forced migration and take informed action. By linking climate change to human displacement, the Change Environment! Climate Change & Migration project fostered awareness and engagement and encouraged students to reflect on their role in addressing these challenges and environmental sustainability and social justice.