Climate Change and Migration - fostering critical thinking skills, lifelong learning competences and democratic engagement among young Students to reflect on the root causes of environmentally induced migration and possible alternatives

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.

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.

The Change Environment! Climate Change & Migration project implemented a wide range of activities to promote awareness and international student exchange on climate change and migration. A baseline study and stakeholder consultations guided the creation of a 4-module curriculum, translated into 7 languages. Teacher training guidelines and support videos were developed to assist educators in implementing the content. Awareness-raising materials, a communication strategy, and a project webpage were launched to engage students digitally. The project was implemented in 204 EU schools, with teachers trained through national sessions. Students participated in virtual exchanges with peers from Uganda and Malta, as well as with climate experts and migrants. Schools organized local awareness campaigns, supported by project partners. A final report documented student-led initiatives. Results were disseminated via social media, newsletters, and multiplier events, including a final event in Brussels, and engaged 243 stakeholders to share outcomes and foster collaboration.

The Change Environment! Climate Change & Migration project delivered strong results in education, awareness-raising, and international collaboration. A four-module curriculum on climate change and migration was co-created with teachers and experts, promoting critical thinking, scientific understanding, and empathy through real testimonies and data. The project connected 204 schools, 2,482 teachers, and 7,271 students across Europe, along with schools in Uganda and Malta, fostering intercultural dialogue through 39 letters and 99 audiovisual materials. Students became climate ambassadors, leading local awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts through social media. Teachers were trained and equipped with resources to sustain the project’s themes in future lessons. All materials were made accessible in 7 languages. Results were widely disseminated online and through 6 major events, including a final event in Brussels with 243 stakeholders. Online outreach achieved 158,000 impressions, amplifying the project’s impact and ensuring lasting visibility and engagement.