Can young people really save the planet? The future of Europe’s climate fight

Author: Gevorg Ghazaryan/ Editor: Anna Gumenyuk

The climate crisis stands as one of our generation’s greatest challenges, and young people across Europe and the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries are refusing to wait for solutions. Youth-led climate movements, innovative sustainability projects, and direct advocacy efforts are reshaping the way in which societies approach environmental issues. But while their influence is undeniable, a question arises — can young people truly drive the change needed to save the planet? The answer depends on whether their activism can transition into long-term policy influence and real-world impact.

The past decade has seen an exceptional wave in youth-led climate activism. The Fridays for Future movement, initiated by Greta Thunberg in 2018, has involved millions of young people across Europe, pressuring governments to act on climate commitments. In Belgium, climate activist Anuna De Wever co-founded the Youth for Climate movement, leading school strikes that pressured the government into adopting stronger climate policies. Similarly, in Poland, Dominika Lasota has played a critical role in pushing for a just transition to renewable energy, advocating for youth involvement in environmental decision-making.

Beyond Western Europe, climate activism is also growing in EaP countries. In Armenia and Ukraine, young environmentalists have led grassroots initiatives, advocating for stricter environmental protections and sustainable urban planning. Their persistence demonstrates that youth engagement transcends economic boundaries – it’s truly a global movement united by urgency. For example, a newly established Eco-Activism Centre, founded by Maqoor, a youth-led environmental NGO in Armenia, is dedicated to conducting research and advocating for policy solutions to address environmental challenges across the country.

From protest to practice: youth-led sustainable innovation

While activism has successfully placed climate issues at the centre of political discourse, young people are also creating practical solutions. Throughout Europe, youth-driven projects are developing tangible answers to environmental problems:

• In Austria, young entrepreneurs are pioneering solar energy storage solutions that make renewable energy more efficient and accessible.
• Dutch youth innovators are tackling plastic pollution through zero-waste packaging start-ups based on circular economy principles.
• Spain’s youth-led ‘Plant-for-the-Planet’ initiative focuses on ambitious reforestation efforts to restore forest ecosystems and combat biodiversity loss.

Despite their activism and innovation, young people still struggle to be taken seriously in formal political structures. Many governments establish youth advisory councils, but these often serve as symbolic gestures rather than platforms for real influence. For example, Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) has worked to amplify youth voices in environmental decision-making, but their proposals often struggle to gain traction with policymakers. Similarly, Generation Climate Europe (GCE), a coalition of youth organisations advocating for stronger climate policies, has repeatedly encountered bureaucratic roadblocks, illustrating the limitations that young activists face in shaping actual legislation.

In the EaP region, the challenge is even greater. While some governments acknowledge youth-driven sustainability initiatives, there remains a lack of systematic support for integrating their ideas into national policies. Without direct representation in political institutions or decision-making bodies, the risk remains that youth climate activism will remain a reactionary force rather than a driver of proactive legislation.

The next decade will be critical in determining whether youth-led climate action can turn into lasting policy reforms. For meaningful change to occur, young people must transition from being seen as activists to being recognised as legitimate stakeholders in shaping Europe’s green transition.

To support this evolution, European institutions and national governments should:

• Expand funding for youth-led sustainability projects to help them scale beyond grassroots initiatives.
• Strengthen climate education in schools, equipping young people with the technical knowledge needed to drive effective climate policy and innovation.
• Increase youth representation on governmental climate advisory boards, ensuring direct influence on legislative processes.

Conclusion: a shared responsibility

Young people are courageously leading the charge for climate action, but their ultimate impact depends on whether European and EaP governments genuinely support them – not just with words, but with meaningful opportunities for participation and influence. The journey towards climate justice continues, and Europe’s green future will be shaped by how effectively we can transform youth activism into tangible, lasting change.

By embracing the energy, creativity, and moral clarity that young climate activists bring to the table, we can forge a more sustainable and just future for all generations.