The primary objective of the EMBRACE project was to tackle the growing issue of climate anxiety among young people in Lithuania, Italy, and Greece by enhancing the capabilities of youth workers. We aimed to achieve this by first gaining a comprehensive understanding of the emotions, thoughts, and impacts associated with climate change among young individuals aged 16-29. With this knowledge, our goal was to develop and implement innovative educational tools, including a state-of-the-art report, digital map of climate action measures and 45 microteaching modules, to equip youth workers with the necessary skills and knowledge. These tools were designed to help youth workers effectively support and educate young people, enabling them to manage their climate-related anxieties and become empowered advocates for environmental change. Ultimately, the project sought to build a more resilient, informed, and proactive generation capable of addressing both the emotional and practical challenges posed by climate change.
The EMBRACE project was initiated in response to the growing concern over climate anxiety among young people aged 16-29 in Lithuania, Italy, and Greece. Climate change, with its profound and unpredictable impacts, has left many young individuals feeling anxious, helpless, and uncertain about their future. Despite the severity of this issue, there was a significant gap in available data and resources for youth workers to effectively address these emotional challenges. Recognizing this, our consortium applied for the EMBRACE project to better understand the emotional responses of youth to climate change and to develop tools and competencies for youth workers. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and innovative educational methods, we aimed to foster resilience and empower young people to become proactive agents of environmental change, thus addressing a critical need in modern youth education and mental health support.