Young people affected by inequality and exclusion are the least likely to be reached by climate engagement. When daily life is shaped by economic pressure, limited opportunities, low political trust and a sense of disconnection, climate action can feel distant from more immediate concerns. This workshop starts from that reality and asks how socially disadvantaged young adults can become active participants in shaping a sustainable future.

Drawing on findings from our transdisciplinary scoping project “What Can We Do Already? Young People Between Climate Crisis, Social Disadvantage and Shaping the Future”, our workshop highlights the links between social disadvantage, lower psychosocial resilience, political disconnect and limited climate engagement. It focuses, in particular, on 18–25-year-olds with lower levels of formal education, from rural areas, East German contexts and migrant family backgrounds, and explores how open, peer-led formats can foster both climate action and civic participation.

Designed as a space for exchange and co-creation, the workshop turns research into practice. Through interactive methods such as a World Café and the “Climate Listening Game,” participants will develop ideas for projects that strengthen self-efficacy, dialogue and bottom-up leadership. Key insight: Lasting climate engagement depends on social inclusion, democratic participation and people feeling that their voices matter.

Details: 

• Date: 12-14/11/2025  

• Location: Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research | Leipzig

More Information: https://www.partizipation-wissenschaft.de/interaktive-workshops-5_25/#3