Green Diversity?! – Inspiring Youth for Climate Action + Justice

Climate activists around the world have gained more visibility. But to what extent is the climate movement really ‘climate just’, given that most of those involved are from well-educated, middle-class backgrounds? For the global climate justice movement to open up and grow, we need renewed climate justice narratives led by the voices of those most affected. But how? We need to change the way stories are told about these marginalised groups – from passively victimising them to affirming their active resistance. People with origin in the countries most affected are often the least listened to. Yet, they have the possibility to - on the one hand - show how the climate crisis is not a problem of the future but is already affecting the lives of people in numerous countries. On the other hand, they provide ideas how to become active against the climate crisis in their surroundings and how to create resilient environments and communities. We provide a platform for this stories to spread. We need new ways of telling real stories – personal, inclusive and inspiring – that we can use in educational work and climate activism across Europe and beyond. And further, we as organisations need to find our paths to contribute to climate justice.

The implementation of the "Green Diversity?!" project aimed to address the systemic biases within the climate movement and empower marginalized communities to actively engage in climate activism. By strengthening the capacities of youth educators, NGO staff, and volunteers, our objective was to create a more inclusive space for those with fewer opportunities. Through innovative approaches such as storytelling and art-based learning, we sought to develop emotional literacy and foster a deeper understanding of climate justice among participants. Furthermore, by promoting active civil participation and embedding climate justice into the structures of NGOs and associations, we aimed to catalyse systemic change within our own organizations and beyond. The project's tangible outcomes, including the 'Storytelling for Green Diversity' toolkit, the 'I, the climate activist' interactive map, and the 'Climate Justice Policy Box,' were designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue, amplify diverse voices, and spark new debates towards a more equitable and sustainable future.