The main objective of the project was to increase the climate literacy of older adults and persons with disabilities (PwD), who are often excluded from education and highly vulnerable to climate impacts. We developed a non-formal learning programme that connects climate literacy with everyday life skills (health, finance, media, digital literacy) to provide practical tools for decision-making. An important goal was to introduce innovative andragogical methods: we tested the “Climate Fresk” and created our own climate cards adapted to older adults and PwD, enabling learning through play and discussion. We also aimed to train educators to work with this target group and ensure delivery of workshops directly in local communities. Through a strong media outreach (radio, TV, articles, videos, picture book), we reached those unable to attend in person. Strengthening partner capacities and building a cross-border cooperation network were key priorities. Ultimately, the goal was to empower older adults and PwD to become active participants, to share climate knowledge within their families — especially with younger generations — and to ensure they are recognised as relevant contributors in climate change adaptation.
We applied for this project because we recognized the “forgotten generation” – older people and persons with disabilities who are often excluded from lifelong learning. While children and youth encounter climate change topics in schools, older adults rarely have such opportunities, especially in rural and isolated areas. Many feel insecure, believing they lack the knowledge to understand complex processes, yet they leave the largest carbon footprint and at the same time suffer the most from climate impacts – from heatwaves to extreme weather events. Through our work in Eko Brezna and the local community, we saw how much older people wish to be included, but lack accessible and tailored educational programs. That is why we designed a program that explains climate issues in a simple and understandable way, while also linking climate literacy with health, financial, media, and digital literacy. With this project, we aimed to restore their sense of value and contribution, empower them to become active members of society, and encourage them to pass new knowledge on to younger generations. Their role in tackling climate change is equally important – and must not be forgotten.