Entries by YEE

Clean air after the AAQD, and now what?

Clean air after the AAQD, and now what?

Join Us for a Workshop on the EU’s New Ambient Air Quality Directive!



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Practical information

  • When

    28th November and January 2025

  • Where

    Online and in Brussels

  • Fees

    Fully funded (for YEE Members)

  • How

    Sign up

Funded by

Related project

Breathing for better future

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Why are we doing this

This October, the EU took a bold step by adopting the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), setting one of the most progressive air quality standards globally. Now, we’re bringing together young climate advocates to drive meaningful change across the EU!

What do we have planned?

Join us for two dynamic sessions—a virtual workshop and an in-person event in Brussels—where we’ll cover everything you need to know about the new AAQD and empower young voices for impactful advocacy.


Online Workshop

Date: 28th of November 2024
Time: 17:30 CET



In-Person Workshop

Date: POSTPONED to January 2025
Location: Brussels

What You’ll Gain



  • In-Depth Knowledge: Understand the key developments of the revised AAQD, especially relevant for young climate advocates.


  • Capacity Building: Equip yourself and your organisation with knowledge and skills to combat air pollution and implement the AAQD nationally.


  • Network of Young Advocates: Collaborate with activists from across the EU to strategise for meaningful change.


  • Advocacy & Campaigning Skills: Brainstorm and create advocacy tools to drive national-level campaigns and compliance with air quality standards.


  • Stakeholder Mapping: Identify and map key actors—governments, industry, and civil society—that can support enforcement efforts.

Travel and accommodation will be covered for participants from our Member Organisations

and reimbursed in accordance with our travel policy.

All participants are required to:



  • Live in the EU


  • Be younger than 35 at the time of the event

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14.11.2024 by
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Creatures of the dark

Creatures of the dark

While nighttime activities are popular with humans for a few nights a year, some creatures keep it creepy all year round.

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Contents

Slow Loris

Slow Loris
Whip Spider

Whip Spider
Spanish Moon Moth

Spanish Moon Moth

Slow Loris

Whip Spider

Spanish Moon Moth

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For many people, Halloween is the one time of the year when being active at night is a must, whether to remember those who have passed or to celebrate the macabre and supernatural.

While nighttime activities like trick-or-treating, themed parties, and haunted house visits are popular with humans for a few nights a year, some creatures keep it creepy all year round.

Why choose to be active at night?

For years, scientists have studied the advantages of nocturnality. A recent study now suggests that activity in darkness provides a survival advantage. This research points to four key survival benefits that helped nocturnal creatures outlast their daytime counterparts, especially during mass extinctions.

Let’s meet a few of these eerie night dwellers!

Adorable but deadly

We’ll start with arguably the cutest animal on this list. The Loris. As the common name, Slow Loris, for the species in the genus Nycticebus suggests, these beady-eyed mammals are not the fastest. But don’t be fooled by their harmless appearance as Lorises are the only venomous primates on the planet.

These dwellers of the night are specially adapted to life in the dark. Having large eyes increases their ability to capture light, improving night vision. When threatened, lorises use their bare patch that secretes oil, mixing it with saliva to create venom. Despite being really slow, these animals are skilled hunters using their slow pace to sneak up on unsuspecting prey. Truly giving new meaning to the saying “silent but deadly”.

A true creepy crawler

Now we move to a true creepy crawler, the whip spider. Despite what the name may suggest, these are not true spiders. Unlike true spiders in the order Araneae, whip spiders belong to the order Amblypygi. (See our previous article on why neither are insects!)

Whip spiders are, like their namesake, predators, hunting all kinds of arthropods. But unlike spiders, they do not possess silk glands for making webs. For this reason, they have developed an active hunting strategy. Using their modified legs, they sense prey items, once found they sprint towards them and grab the prey item with their spikey pedipalps. Witnessing this in action is sure to create an unsettling feeling in anyone. Whip spiders are found primarily in tropical to subtropical climates. They prefer moist dark places coming out to hunt when most of us are asleep. 

Endangered Beauty

For the third and final animal on our list, we stay in the realm of arthropods. Ever heard of the moon moth? Saturnia isabellae or Spanish moon moth is a moth in the large family called Saturniidae. Like most moths the Spanish moon moth flies during the night, searching for a partner or places to lay their eggs.

As the name suggests it is found in Spain, specifically the Pyrenees. What makes this species so special is that it lives in a relict population.

What is a relict (refuge) population?

A relict population is a remnant group of organisms that has survived in a restricted area after once being more widespread and diverse, often due to physical or climatic changes in its habitat.

During the last ice age, this species was more abundant, being well-adapted to the cold. However, as the climate changed it has been confined to all but the coldest parts of the Pyrenees. There its caterpillars feed on pine needles.

Having a restricted and fragmented range and with anthropogenic climate change further threatening its refuge habitat, means that this species is strictly protected under the EU Habitats directive.

So, this Halloween, when you’re out trick-or-treating or visiting a haunted house, remember at sundown all manner of mysterious creatures come alive. Keep your eyes peeled and who knows what you may come across.

More articles about biodiversity

The conclusion of the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) marks a pivotal


Read More

Despite the law’s importance in combating deforestation, the European Union recently announced a 12-month delay.


Read More

While nighttime activities are popular with humans for a few nights a year, some creatures keep it creepy all year round.


Read More

With the next conference of the parties to the convention on biological diversity (COP 16) right around the corner, let’s look back


Read More

Let’s first delve into how two of our member organisations UK Youth 4 Nature (UKY4N) and Jeugdbond voor Natuur en Milieu (JNM)


Read More

31.10.2024 by

Calling All Environmental & Climate Defenders in Europe!

Calling All Environmental & Climate Defenders in Europe!

Your voice is essential—let’s make it count.

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Related project

EN Co-funded by the EU_POS

Co-funded by the European Climate Foundation.

Co-funded by the European Climate Foundation.

Calling All Environmental & Climate Defenders in Europe!

Are you an environmental or climate defender in Europe, particularly involved in the youth movement? We want to hear from you!

We’re launching a major consultation to better understand the challenges, risks, and needs you face as a youth climate defender. Whether you’re dealing with legal barriers, threats, or simply in need of more resources – your experience matters.

Why get involved?

This consultation covers over 15 EU countries and aims to gather crucial insights that will:

  • 〇 Shape clear policy recommendations for the EU.
  • 〇 Inform strategies to support civil society and environmental defenders like you.
  • 〇 Help us organise workshops and training based on your most urgent needs.

What’s the impact?

By sharing your input, you’ll contribute directly to improving support systems for defenders, especially those facing difficult situations. The consultation results will be used to design solutions, from advocacy efforts to practical support resources, ensuring your safety and ability to continue your work.

Your privacy is safe!

Filling in this survey is completely safe, and your responses will remain confidential. All of your data is encrypted and handled with care, ensuring your privacy is fully protected.

What happens next?

  • 〇 We will map out the needs of defenders based on your responses.
  • 〇 A detailed report will be published and shared with key EU stakeholders, including those involved in the Aarhus Convention.
  • 〇 You’ll have access to workshops and materials that empower and equip you to overcome the challenges you face.

Take the survey now and help us build a stronger, safer movement for environmental and climate defenders across Europe.



I'm in!

18.10.2024 by
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Deconstructing Internalised Discrimination in Climate Activism

Deconstructing Internalised Discrimination in Climate Activism

#VoiceItRight

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Climate activism has grown into a powerful global movement, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in the fight against environmental degradation. However, despite its inclusivity on the surface, the movement is not immune to deeper issues of internalised discrimination, particularly within its own ranks. 

Internalised discrimination refers to the unconscious acceptance of the dominant culture’s prejudices and stereotypes by marginalised individuals, often leading to self-limiting beliefs and actions

In the context of climate activism, this can manifest as the perpetuation of environmental racism, the marginalisation of non-Western perspectives, and the reinforcement of Eurocentric ideologies that fail to account for the diverse experiences and knowledge systems of affected communities.

Internalised discrimination in climate activism can have several detrimental effects:

  • 〇 It may lead to the exclusion of voices from the Global South, Indigenous communities, and other marginalised groups, whose experiences and traditional knowledge are crucial in crafting effective and just climate solutions. 
  • 〇 It can create a hierarchical structure within the movement that prioritises certain voices over others, often aligning with historical patterns of oppression and colonialism. This not only weakens the movement’s moral foundation but also undermines its effectiveness by disregarding comprehensive and culturally relevant solutions to climate challenges.

Key Issues

  1. Environmental Racism: Internalised discrimination often manifests through environmental racism, where the voices of marginalised communities, particularly those of colour, are sidelined or ignored in environmental advocacy. These communities are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards yet frequently excluded from decision-making processes. Addressing internalised discrimination requires acknowledging and actively countering this imbalance.
  2. Eurocentric Thinking: Climate activism, particularly in Western contexts, can be dominated by Eurocentric thinking that overlooks or undervalues the contributions and perspectives of non-Western cultures. This can lead to the imposition of solutions that are not suitable for all regions, particularly those in the Global South, where the impacts of climate change are most severe. Deconstructing this bias involves recognising the value of indigenous knowledge and practices, and integrating these into the global discourse on climate action.
  3. Bias and Representation: Activists from marginalised backgrounds may internalise negative stereotypes, leading to self-doubt or a belief that their perspectives are less valid. This can result in lower participation rates among these groups, reinforcing the dominance of more privileged voices. Combating this requires intentional strategies to uplift and empower underrepresented activists within the movement.

Strategies for Change

  • Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about internalised discrimination and its impact on the movement is a crucial first step. Educational initiatives should focus on helping activists recognise and address their own biases, as well as those embedded in the movement’s structures.
  • Inclusive Leadership: Promoting leadership roles for individuals from marginalised communities can help diversify perspectives and approaches within the movement. This can also provide role models for others, fostering a more inclusive environment.
  • Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between activists from different cultural backgrounds can help break down Eurocentric barriers and foster a more global perspective on climate action. These collaborations should be based on mutual respect and a recognition of the unique contributions each group brings to the table.
  • Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policies that address environmental racism and promote equity in climate action is essential. This includes pushing for greater inclusion of marginalised communities in decision-making processes at all levels.

Deconstructing internalised discrimination within climate activism is essential for building a truly inclusive and effective movement. By addressing issues like environmental racism and Eurocentric thinking, and by promoting strategies for inclusive leadership and cross-cultural collaboration, we can ensure that the voices of all those affected by climate change are heard and valued. This not only strengthens the movement but also leads to more just and sustainable solutions to the global climate crisis.

More articles from the #VoiceItRight campaign

10.10.2024 by
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Overcoming barriers to inclusive language

Overcoming barriers to inclusive language

#VoiceItRight

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As we already mentioned, in the context of youth work and climate activism, language plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions, influencing behaviour and reflecting values. Inclusive language ensures that climate activism is accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of background or identity. 

This is crucial to avoid bias, stereotypes or expressions that discriminate against groups of people based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, disability or other factors. 

Inclusive (intercultural) communication: is a transparent, truthful, accessible, and engaging communication that reflects the diversity of the society, promotes a climate of openness to intercultural encounters, and creates a shared sense of belonging.

Understanding barriers to inclusive language

If we want to foster inclusive language in our work for climate action it is important to recognise obstacles and barriers that can be hinder climate activism initiatives and inadvertently marginalise groups. In fact, many environmental terms were developed in context that did not prioritise inclusivity. For instance, the term “Developing countries” can be considered paternalistic. 

Lack of diversity within environmental movements and youth organisations can lead to the exclusion of voices and perspectives that could otherwise share best practices and useful approaches to foster inclusivity. 

By understanding and addressing these barriers we can foster communication that is equitable, accessible and truly representative of diverse perspectives. This awareness can help us to avoid language that can unintentionally exclude, alienate, or marginalise certain groups, perpetuating existing inequalities and limiting participation. A language that is inclusive and culturally sensitive serves as a tool for empowerment, fostering dialogue, and building inclusive movements that reflect the needs and contributions of all people.

Prevalence of technical language

The extensive use of jargon and technical language can make environmental issues seem inaccessible or irrelevant to those without a background in the field. In fact, too often scientists use the deceptively passive “neutral” language to explain climate change-related events to better reflect both scientific accuracy and the true gravity of the situation. 

At the same time, the media tend to follow the scientists’ lead, by adopting the so-called “neutral” language in order to avoid alarming anyone with any uncomfortable emotions. 

This has serious consequences, as it may limit the reach of activism’ initiatives. In fact, only people with certain knowledge on the topic or educational levels feel qualified to participate. 

Cultural and linguistic differences

Environmental activism often originates in contexts where the dominant cultural norms shape the discourse, potentially excluding those from different cultural backgrounds who may have unique perspectives on environmental issues. A core example of this is the role of indigenous communities, who are often at the forefront of environmental stewardship and yet could find their voices marginalised if the language used does not reflect their experiences. 

Western-centric approaches

Too often environmentalism has been shaped by and centred on western perspectives. This western-dominated approach typically emphases certain principles, practices and solutions that may not align with the environmental realities or cultural values of non-Western communities.

An example of this approach relies on the focus on conservation efforts like national parks or wildlife reserves, which are rooted in the idea of preserving “pristine” nature. Despite the good intentions behind these methods, they might hinder or even undermine the traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous and local communities who have been sustainably managing their environments for generations.

Another consistent difference is the tendency of framing environmental issues through a lens of individual responsibility. This includes reducing personal carbon footprints or adopting a sustainable lifestyle. Although these actions are important, they often do not consider structural inequalities that disproportionately affect non-Western and vulnerable groups. In fact, most communities in the Global South who contribute the least to global carbon emissions are the most affected by and suffer the most from the consequences of climate change. However, the dominant narrative may place undue emphasis on individual actions without addressing the larger, systemic forces driving environmental degradation.

Stereotypes

A certain use of language can perpetuate stereotypes and bias or fail to acknowledge systemic inequalities. This has the potential to alienate marginalised groups. For instance, framing environmental issues solely in terms of individual responsibility can overlook the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on low-income and vulnerable communities, who may have less capacity to effect change through personal choices alone. As a consequence, feelings of exclusion or frustration can characterize those who feel that their struggles are not being adequately addressed. 

How to ensure inclusive (intercultural) communication

According to the Council of Europe guidelines, we can distinguish three key components of inclusive communication.

  • Accessibility for everyone
  • Representativity of the population
  • Narratives that favour openness to valuing diversity.

Accessibility

Everyone has access to – and ability to understand and feel targeted by – public communication and information that is needed to fully enjoy their rights. The words and images used, the communication channels, the language style and availability of the core information in several languages, are important features for inclusive communication.

In environmental activism it is crucial to keep a simple language in order to allow the message to come across and reach a larger audience. In fact, language barriers are a problem for English speakers all over the world, not just non-native speakers. As the majority of projects are conducted in a language not native to the participants and the audience, there will inevitably be language challenges.  Also, the discourse surrounding climate change is characterised by complex jargon, unclear definitions, and a constantly changing language.

Furthermore, equality has always to be taken into account: as societies are even more diverse and multicultural, it may be necessary to provide contents in different languages, by providing translations or subtitles. 

When having conversations about climate change, linguistic inclusiveness shouldn’t come last. It is critical that we spread the word about how crucial it is to include linguistic diversity in climate solutions. 

It is equally important to use gender-neutral language to describe a group of people in order to avoid generating a feeling of exclusion.  

Representativity

In the context of climate activism, it is essential to embrace pluralism in the environmental discourse, in order to incorporate a wide range of voices, particularly those from non-western and marginalised communities. 

A clear example are indigenous people, whose wisdom and customs to reduce the effects of climate change’s effects can be complementary to our competence to safeguard the planet. Furthermore, SDG17—partnership, which is at the centre of the Sustainable Development Goals—is also in jeopardy when there is a lack of inclusivity in the discourse.

Inclusive and alternative narratives

By ‘alternative narratives’ we intend pluralist, progressive, and human-rights-based communications of facts and commentaries in relation to phenomena which may be subjected to prejudice, stereotypes and hate speech. In this sense, alternative narratives are a form of constructive and inclusive communication, promoting critical thinking while avoiding a paternalistic or morally superior attitude. 

In the framework of climate action, the human rights-based approach is translated into the attention to how environmental issues disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. This leads to the use of a language that advocates for the rights and well-being of marginalised groups. 

By framing environmental issues within a human rights context, we can highlight the connections between environmental justice and social justice, ensuring that the movement addresses both environmental degradation and the inequalities that exacerbate it. 

Adopting alternative narratives means also avoiding paternalism and morally superior tone, by encouraging people to dialogue and questioning dominant narratives. This approach fosters a more collaborative and respectful movement where all participants feel valued and heard, without making them feel like they are being talked down to or excluded. 

The core point is to focus on building bridges and being mindful of how language can bring people together rather than alienate and divide them. By using inclusive and culturally sensitive language, we can avoid reinforcing existing prejudices and perpetuating stereotypes. 

More articles from the #VoiceItRight campaign

16.9.2024 by
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Diving deeper into eco-emotions: Youth & Activism

Diving deeper into eco-emotions: Youth & Activism

Join an online conversation with Panu Pihkala and Juni Sinkkonen.

Practical information

  • When

    18th September 2024 at 17 CEST

  • Where

    Online

  • Fees

    Free

  • How

    Youtube Live

Funded by

Related project

Dealing with Eco-Anxiety

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Let’s talk mental health – from one climate activist to another!

For this webinar led by our project’s eco-emotions expert Juni Sinkkonen, we have invited Pimpichcha Sullivan-Tailyour from Force of Nature and Natalie Heller from Climate Mental Health Network to have an open conversation about what concerns climate activists today, and how they’re coping with emotion (over)load. 

We will discuss:

  • Personal journeys into climate activism;
  • Activism burnout and everything that comes with it;
  • How to take sustainable climate action.

Speakers

Juni Sinkkonen

The webinar is led by Juni Sinkkonen. Juni is a certified psychologist and eco-emotion expert, who has done research on you ng climate activists and their identities. She will start her PhD in autumn 2024 examining the interrelation between the field of psychology and the societal sustainability transformation.

Natalie Heller

Natalie Heller sits on the Gen-Z board of the Climate Mental Health Network and studies Public Health and Environmental Studies at George Washington University. As an advisor, she works on ways to include youth in the climate mental health movement and how older generations can support it.

Pimpichcha Sullivan-Tailyour

Pimpichcha Sullivan-Tailyour is a youth climate activist and environmental science student at Kings College London. Her activism has mainly consisted of deepening youth’s connection with climate activism, whether it is through education, listening circles or bridging intergenerational conversations. She explores how systems change the vision for the future.

Missed the webinar? Catch the recording now!

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11.9.2024 by
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The impact of language on perceptions of climate change

The impact of language on perceptions of climate change

#VoiceItRight

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Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s the lens through which we view the world, shape our thoughts, and engage with each other. In the realm of climate activism, language serves as a powerful tool that can either unite or divide, empower or marginalise.

Imagine language as the thread that weaves the fabric of our collective consciousness. The words we choose can spark action, inspire hope, and bring about change. But they can also perpetuate stereotypes, alienate those who are already vulnerable, and reinforce existing power dynamics. This dual nature of language makes it a critical component in any social campaign, particularly one aimed at addressing the complexities of climate change.

Why do we need an inclusive language when talking about climate change?

When we talk about climate change, the language used often frames the issue in ways that are too technical, abstract, or detached from the lived realities of those most affected. Terms like “carbon footprint,” “mitigation,” and “adaptation” may resonate in policy circles, but they can feel distant or inaccessible to young people and marginalised communities. This disconnect is not just a barrier to understanding; it’s a barrier to action.

On the flip side, inclusive language invites participation and fosters a sense of ownership. For instance, using stories and experiences from marginalised communities can bring the abstract concept of climate change into sharp focus, making it relatable and urgent. Instead of merely talking about rising sea levels, we might share the story of a coastal community in the Global South that is losing its homes and heritage. Such narratives are not just informative; they are transformative.

The importance of language also extends to how we frame solutions. Eurocentric narratives often dominate the discourse, sidelining indigenous knowledge and local practices that have sustainably managed environments for centuries. By broadening our linguistic horizons and embracing diverse perspectives, we enrich the global conversation on climate action and ensure that solutions are culturally relevant and inclusive.

In youth work, the stakes are even higher. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today. The language we use with them can either empower them to take charge of their future or discourage them by making them feel excluded or unheard. Consider the difference between saying, “You are the future” versus “Your voice matters today.” The former, while well-meaning, places the burden of change on an undefined future, while the latter empowers youth to act now.

Language, Intersectionality, and Marginalised Youth

Intersectionality, a term coined by scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, refers to the way different forms of discrimination—such as racism, sexism, and classism—intersect and create unique experiences of oppression for individuals, particularly those from marginalised groups.

The role of intersectional language in climate activism

In the context of climate activism, language plays a pivotal role in either highlighting or obscuring these intersecting identities and the challenges they face.

For marginalised youth, especially those from communities of colour, low-income backgrounds, or non-Western cultures, the impact of climate change is not just an environmental issue but a deeply personal one that intersects with issues of social justice, economic inequality, and historical oppression. The language used in climate discourse often fails to capture these complexities, instead presenting a one-size-fits-all narrative that overlooks the nuanced realities of these young people.

When climate activism ignores intersectionality, it risks alienating the very groups that are most affected by climate change. For example, discussions that focus solely on carbon emissions without considering how environmental degradation disproportionately impacts low-income communities can render the concerns of these groups invisible. Similarly, climate campaigns that centre Western perspectives may inadvertently marginalise indigenous knowledge systems and the voices of youth from the Global South.

Language that acknowledges intersectionality, on the other hand, can empower marginalised youth by validating their experiences and recognising the unique challenges they face. It opens up space for their voices to be heard, not just as victims of climate change, but as leaders in the movement for environmental justice. For instance, instead of framing climate action as a universal issue with a single solution, language that emphasises intersectionality would highlight the diverse strategies needed to address the different ways in which climate change affects various communities.

Moreover, inclusive language in climate activism can help build bridges between different social movements, fostering solidarity across issues of race, gender, and class. By recognising that the fight against climate change is also a fight against systemic inequality, activists can create more holistic and effective strategies that resonate with a broader range of youth.

For marginalised youth, whose identities are often shaped by multiple layers of discrimination, language that reflects intersectionality can be a powerful tool of empowerment. It can validate their experiences, amplify their voices, and place them at the centre of climate action, where they belong. In doing so, it not only strengthens the climate movement but also ensures that the solutions we create are just, inclusive, and sustainable.

More articles from the #VoiceItRight campaign

Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s the lens through which we view the world, shape our thoughts, and


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Inclusive language ensures that climate activism is accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of background or identity. This is crucial to avoid


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Inclusive language ensures that climate activism is accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of background or identity. This is crucial to avoid


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10.9.2024 by

Call for Applications: YEE Youth Scientific Advisory Board 2024/2025​

Call for Applications: YEE Youth Scientific Advisory Board 2024/2025



Apply now

7-10 h/ month

Volunteering

remote

1 year mandate

Start October 2024

Join the YEE Youth Scientific Advisory Board (YSAB)!

Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Youth Scientific Advisory Board (YSAB). As a member, you will play a crucial role in supporting YEE’s projects, campaigns, advocacy actions, and training programs by providing essential and up-to-date information on selected environmental and climate topics.

This position is remote, and requires 7-10 hours of work per month on average. The membership of the scientific board will run for 1 year (with possible extension). 

Application deadline:

18th September 2024

Your responsibilities

  • ⚬ Provide scientific insights to ensure YEE’s actions, positions, and activities are aligned with the latest research.
  • ⚬Support the drafting of position papers to ensure YEE’s advocacy is backed by independent, youth-centred sources
  • ⚬ Contribute with data and resources for the development of handbooks, articles, and other educational materials.
  • ⚬ Help build capacity and raise awareness among young people on pressing environmental and climate issues.

What we offer



  • An opportunity to influence and shape youth-led environmental initiatives.


  • A platform to share your expertise and collaborate with like-minded individuals.


  • The chance to contribute to meaningful projects that place youth at the centre of environmental research and advocacy.

Candidates we are looking for

Expertise

Members shall be young students or young early career professionals with a background in hard science in one or more of the following fields:

3.9.2024 by
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We want Clean Air Now!

We want Clean Air Now!

YEE organises a fully-funded 3-days programme about clean air and a race in Berlin.



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Practical information

  • When

    5th to 7th September 2024

  • Where

    Berlin, Germany

  • Fees

    Fully funded

  • How

    Sign up

Funded by

Related project

Breathing for better future

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Have questions? Get in touch!



Why are we doing this

The European legislative framework on air quality is being updated.  This is the perfect occasion to get involved in a matter of public health that concerns us all!

Our main goal is to show decision-makers that young people are mobilised and care about air quality issues. With our actions, we aim to urge member states to take responsibility for the transposition of the recently adopted Ambient air Quality directives and follow WHO recommendations.

Learn more about air quality legislation and the consequences of air pollution.

What do we have planned?

The Seminar: We want Clean Air Now! (5th – 6th of September)

Before action comes reflection. That is why we want to start by taking the time to talk about air quality.

Over the course of this 2 days seminar, we will:



  • delve into the key elements of air pollution, how it is measured and which consequences it has (from a medical, environmental and economic standpoint).


  • investigate the main causes of air pollution and work together to discuss concrete action points through interactive sessions.


  • be joined throughout this seminar by experts from different fields helping us to refine our thought process to ensure we come up with actionable solutions and a clear advocacy strategy.

Travel, accommodation, and public transport expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our travel policy.

The Race: Run for Clean Air (7th September at app. 10 AM)

”Run for clean air” is a relay race designed to draw public attention towards the ongoing process of reforming the Ambient Air Quality legislative package.

With this run, we want to bring to light the issue of air pollution to the German population because Germany has been particularly reluctant to include ambitious air quality targets in the European law to safeguard the auto industry.

The race will consist of a 1km path, run by several teams representing different cities with various degrees of air pollution.

This race follows a similar style as previous event – “It’s not the finish line” – that we organised in Strasbourg on the day of the vote in the plenary session of the European Parliament of the last draft of the reform. 

While the race is open to seminar participants, we warmly welcome external participants to join as well.

All participants are required to:



  • Live in Europe*


  • Be younger than 35 at the time of the event

  • *Priority will be given to participants from Germany, France and Belgium

Other upcoming events

31.7.2024 by
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Going to court, again!

Going to court, again!

Interview with Fridays For Future Estonia

Last year, young activists from Fridays For Futre won Estonia’s first ever climate court case, where the state energy company Enefit was ordered to halt the construction of a new shale oil facility. Despite this, Enefit has been issued another construction permit, and the Estonian youth are going to court again. With this second lawsuit, Estonian climate activists are sending a clear message to Estonia and Europe: fossil fuels must be left in the ground, and youth will fight with all possible means.

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In October last year, Estonia’s supreme court ordered the state energy company Enefit to halt the construction of a shale oil facility. This ruling was the result of a case brought forward by a group of young Estonian climate activists, who in 2020 decided to take the municipality of Narva-Jõesuu to court for issuing a construction permit for the shale oil facility. The group of young people argued that the construction permit was given without adequately assessing its climate impacts and the commitments made under the Paris Agreement, as well as the European Union’s objective to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The court ruled that the municipality had assessed the climate impact well enough but not the environmental impact, and revoked the permit. For the first time in Estonia, the Supreme Court stated that the mitigation of climate change is a constitutional obligation.

This is one amongst several recent climate cases in Europe, where especially young people are taking their states to court, for inefficient climate action. In this case, it was Fridays for Future Estonia who stood behind the claim, eventually winning the court case. We have had the chance to speak with some of the young activists behind this case, to learn more about how climate litigation works and why it can be such a powerful tool for climate advocacy:

Last year you won Estonia’s first ever climate court case! What motivated you to use the legal system for your climate action? 

We went to court because we ran out of other options and we were not willing to accept the government constructing a new fossil fuel plant amid the climate crisis. We had already presented public appeals, and organised peaceful weekly climate strikes, not to mention online advocacy. Suing the plant was our last option. As long as the rule of law holds, legal action is the only tactic that authorities and businesses can’t ignore.

How did you start the process? What do you need in order to file a climate court case?

First, it is essential to understand the stages of the oil plant’s completion, specifically the stage at which the operation of the plant can be impeded. The oil plant requires several permits, such as the construction permit and the integrated permit. Initially, we successfully contested the construction permit issued to the plant. This time, we are challenging the integrated permit which allows the plant to operate. Legal experts from the Estonian Environmental Law Center helped us find shortcomings in the permits and prepare arguments for both court cases. We submitted two complaints against the integrated permit: one as an environmental organisation under the name MTÜ Loodusvõlu, and another by a young activist in the movement, to protect her rights. Since this time the case also involved issues regarding human rights and children’s rights, we formed a team of multiple lawyers of various backgrounds to cover all necessary areas of legal expertise. The most crucial aspects of initiating a climate lawsuit are finding the right moment in the long chain of decisions to challenge legally, then finding lawyers who are willing to bring an innovative case, and securing funding to pay them.

This year you are filing new complaints to the court, why?

On May 27, 2024, the Environmental Board of Estonia issued an integrated permit to the aforementioned state-owned oil plant, allowing it to operate for the next 10 years. This is the same plant that we already successfully challenged in court once. By issuing the integrated permit, the Board rejected the arguments presented by us and other environmental organisations, urging them to refuse the permit. The plant will produce shale oil, a fossil fuel so polluting that it is not compliant with EU environmental regulations. That is why the oil is exported and used for fuelling long-distance ships, thereby contributing to the export of carbon emissions.

We based our complaints on the following arguments.

  1. Firstly, by granting the oil plant an integrated permit, the Environmental Board did not sufficiently consider the plant’s climate impact. The plant will increase Estonia’s current greenhouse gas emissions by about 6% and will take approximately 20% of Estonia`s carbon budget, which, in turn, makes it harder to reach our climate goals. Additionally, the measures to mitigate the climate impact are inadequate and largely based on underdeveloped technologies, such as carbon capture.
  2. Secondly, by granting the complex permit, the harmful effects of the oil shale mining required for the plant’s operation on the natural environment were not taken into account. Groundwater layers and wetlands, including Natura 2000 areas, which are already degraded due to mining, would be damaged.
  3. Thirdly, there is no overriding public interest in operating the oil plant. It does not create a significant number of jobs, is not highly profitable, and does not ensure our energy security to the extent that we should collectively endure the environmental damage it causes. 
  4. Fourthly, the oil plant exacerbates climate change, which has dangerous consequences for people’s health, including children’s. For many people suffering from chronic diseases, the impacts of climate change are more serious than usual. For example, heatwaves, which have already become more frequent due to climate change, hinder adequate sleep and increase the likelihood of dangerous epileptic seizures.

What is your goal with the new court case?

We hope to revoke the integrated permit for the plant to stop the shale oil plant once and for all. This way we can push Estonia towards a climate-neutral economy and industry. We are trying to show to all fossil fuel enterprises that hope to burn the last of Estonia’s oil shale for rapid profit, that it is not going to be easy for them.

What would be your advice to a group of young people wanting to start something similar? What is the first thing to start with? 

The first piece of advice would be to not be afraid. Turning to court, especially against a powerful actor like a large corporation or even the government can feel very intimidating. However, even the youngest and most vulnerable people have the right to a healthy environment, including a safe climate, that states and businesses must respect. The second piece of advice would be to build a team so that you are never quite alone. We have greatly benefitted from working together with legal experts, environmental NGOs, and volunteers, who have all helped us with different skills and support.

How can other young people or youth organisations support your new court case?

You can help us by sharing our messages––international pressure could be an impactful way of pressuring the government to stop the plant. Our main court battles lie still ahead. These may last for several years and are going to be costly. We would very much appreciate if you could donate to help us cover the costs of the case: https://fridaysforfuture.ee/en/what-can-you-do/#donate

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30.7.2024 by