Youth Climate Justice Programme 2025
Become a Youth Climate Advocate!
The Youth Climate Justice (YCJ) Programme is a wonderful opportunity for young people aged 14 to 17 to become inspiring leaders and advocates for climate justice and climate action. This after-school programme runs from September to December and provides young people with opportunities to develop new skills and grow as young climate leaders in a safe and supportive environment.
Join a Network of Learning and Action
From September to December 2025, YCJ met after school, either online or in person (Dublin). During this period, participants learned from peers and experts through twice-weekly workshops focused on exploring climate justice issues and developing advocacy skills. This year, workshops included:
1) Knowledge enhancement on climate change and climate justice
- Climate Change and Climate Justice (online and in person)
- NYCI Guest Speaker Session: STEM pathway to Climate Justice
- Climate Fresk Workshop (in person)
- Climate Action Week – Street Survey Design (in person)
- Advocacy and Climate Action Ideation Lab (online)
- Design Thinking and Project Management (online)
- Psychology: Overcoming Barriers to Climate Communication
2) Skills training and action project development
- Visual communication: 3 animation sessions
- Public speaking: 2 sessions
- Songwriting and Singing: 2 sessions
- Collage Your Climate Pledges
3) Community building and festive celebration
- Halloween Spooky Swap Shop
- Pre-Earth Gala Gathering
- Youth Night Gathering
Participants were supported to launch their own projects to increase public awareness of climate change and were connected to a strong network of partner organisations involved in the programme. All young people from partnered organisations are invited to the annual ECO-UNESCO Earth Gala, where participants showcase their work to peers, policymakers, academics, industry experts, and NGO leaders. The Earth Gala 2025 was held on 6th December at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
Amplify Your Voice on more ECO-UNESCO platforms
By taking part, participants have the opportunity to amplify their voice through ECO-UNESCO’s social media. Additionally, participants will have the chance to enter their projects into the Young Environmentalist Awards, an all-Ireland environmental awards that recognises and rewards young people who promote environmental awareness and carry out environmental action projects.
The Youth Climate Justice Programme 2025 has concluded successfully. If you are interested in joining the next cohort, get in touch!
For more information, email our Programme Coordinator at ycj.coordinator@ecounesco.ie
Listen to young people explaining why it is important to act for Climate Justice!
The Youth Climate Justice Programme 2025 has been delivered in collaboration with Feachtas, The No Name Club, and Poppintree Youth Project.
The Youth Climate Justice Programme 2025 has been funded by the Department of Education and Youth through the Youth Climate Justice Fund.
Youth Climate Justice Survey 2025
The Youth Climate Justice Survey has been an important part of the Youth Climate Justice Programme. Since 2020, the nationwide survey has been Since 2020, this annual survey has collected and amplified the voices of young people on climate change and climate justice.
The Youth Climate Justice Survey 2025 was launched on September 23rd and has reached 882 responses by 31st December 2025. We aim to hear from even more young individuals aged below 26 from across the island of Ireland. Your responses will guide international, national, and local stakeholders like us and help shape our future efforts.
It is still open! By participating, you will have the opportunity to have your voice heard but will also be entered into a draw for the chance to win a prize (Headphones, One4All Voucher, or a Nintendo Switch).
Make your voice heard and help drive real change! Click the button below to take part!
Previous Youth Climate Justice Surveys
Since 2020, ECO-UNESCO has conducted online surveys to highlight young people’s perception of climate change and climate justice issues. The 2024 Youth Climate Justice survey, developed in collaboration with SpunOut, has been completed by 959 young people across Ireland. This survey features young people’s thoughts on involvement in climate action, challenges faced and the issues they believe should be prioritised.
Youth Climate Advocate Toolkit & Resources
Download the Youth Climate Advocate Programme Resources for Youth Workers, Youth Leaders, and Educators in English or in Irish
If you want to learn more about Climate Justice, check out our resource page below containing articles, book recommendations, short films and videos that help to understand more about Climate Justice and inspire you to take action.
2025 marks the sixth anniversary of our impactful programme! Revisit our special Padlet board created in 2020. This diverse collection of inspiring resources podcasts, playlists, articles, reading lists, TED Talks, and more were shared by our incredible speakers (including activists, academics, politicians, and dancers) during the Climate Justice Eco-Week 2020.
