Empowering Youth for Climate Resilience: A Geographical Education Model from Italy and Turkey

Antonella Senese, Davide Fugazza, Veronica Manara, Emilio Bianco, Laura Brambilla, Sara Settembrini, Elisa Falcini, Daniela Marzano, Michela Panizza, Carmela Torelli, Maurizio Maugeri and Guglielmina Adele Diolaiuti ()
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Antonella Senese: Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
Davide Fugazza: Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
Veronica Manara: Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
Emilio Bianco: Legambiente Foundation, 20127 Milano, Italy
Laura Brambilla: Legambiente Foundation, 20127 Milano, Italy
Sara Settembrini: European Projects Department, Municipality of Cinisello Balsamo, 20092 Cinisello Balsamo, Italy
Elisa Falcini: Directorate of Human Resources and Education, Foreign Relations Office/EuroDesk Info Point, Edremit Municipality, 10300 Edremit, Turkey
Daniela Marzano: Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
Michela Panizza: Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
Carmela Torelli: Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
Maurizio Maugeri: Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
Guglielmina Adele Diolaiuti: Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy

Geographies, 2025, vol. 5, issue 4, 1-16

Abstract: Climate change poses significant risks to both natural and urban systems, and fostering climate literacy among younger generations is increasingly recognized as a key component of resilience strategies. This paper presents the outcomes of a transnational climate education project involving high school students from Cinisello Balsamo (Italy) and Edremit (Turkey), developed under the EU-funded Town Twinning program. The project combined scientific seminars, experiential learning, and digital tools (including carbon footprint calculators and immersive virtual glacier tours) to enhance climate knowledge and civic engagement. Youth Climate Councils were established to co-develop local sustainability proposals and engage with municipal authorities. Quantitative tests and qualitative evaluations confirmed significant learning gains and high satisfaction among participants. A comparative analysis with international initiatives highlights the project’s unique integration of scientific rigor, participatory methods, and cross-border cooperation. The proposed model offers a replicable framework for embedding place-based climate education into urban governance and youth policy.

Keywords: climate resilience; youth engagement; environmental education; transnational cooperation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q15 Q5 Q53 Q54 Q56 Q57 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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