The Rise of Youth Climate Activism in Europe
European youth movements have been among the protagonists of global climate mobilization for years now. Organizations like Fridays for Future, inspired by Greta Thunberg’s demonstrations, have involved millions of young people[1] across the continent, engaging in marches, strikes and demonstrations calling on governments and international institutions to take more drastic measures to combat climate change. The young generation is particularly sensitive to the impacts of climate change, as they and the next generations will suffer the most devastating consequences in the decades to come. For many, the fight for the environment has become a question of social and intergenerational justice: the current generation sees itself as the one with the power to change course and guarantee a livable future for future generations.
One of the main themes emerging from the reflections of young Europeans is the need for more ambitious climate policies. The European Union, unfortunately, is not immune to difficulties in achieving concrete objectives on the ecological front, and many young activists criticize the slowness of action at a political level. Promises to reduce emissions and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources are often perceived as inconsistent. Young people are calling for tougher anti-pollution laws, an end to subsidies for polluting industries and massive investment in green innovation. Youth movements put pressure on institutions to make governments do more to encourage sustainable mobility, reduce waste and promote the transition to a circular economy.
Demanding Action: Call for Ambitious Climate Policies
Another theme that emerges strongly is the growing attention towards responsible consumption and sustainability at an individual level. Young generations are rejecting the traditional linear economy, based on the “take, use, throw away” model, and are moving towards a circular economy. This new vision involves a strong push towards recycling, reuse and waste reduction, with particular attention to single-use plastic. Furthermore, many young people are aware of the importance of a more sustainable diet, favouring local, organic and low environmental impact foods. Many have committed to reducing meat consumption, recognizing the major impact the livestock industry has on greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation[2].
At the same time, there is a growing demand for change in production and consumption models, with particular attention to the fashion and technology industries, sectors that are among the greatest responsible for pollution and the depletion of natural resources. Young generations are asking companies to adopt more transparent and responsible practices, rewarding those brands that respect higher environmental and social standards. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly rooted value in the purchasing choices of young consumers, who demand products made in an ethical and environmentally friendly way.
European institutions have started to listen to the requests of young people, but the path towards significant change is still long. The European Youth Climate Pact[3], an initiative of the European Union, has aimed at involving young people in decision-making processes, giving them the opportunity to express their concerns and ideas regarding environmental policies. Furthermore, the inclusion of topics such as sustainability in school and university curricula is helping to train a generation of young people who are more aware, prepared and motivated to face the ecological challenges of the future.
However, institutional responses are not always adequate. Many young activists continue to denounce the disconnect between governments’ declared commitments and concrete actions on the ground. In particular, the slow pace of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the failure to reach the goals set in the Paris Agreement are sources of frustration. European youth also express concern about global inequality in climate damage, calling for policies that are inclusive and take into account the disparities between rich and poor countries. Another issue is that the political dynamics surrounding youth and environmental policy have shifted dramatically as we consider the 2024 European elections, revealing a growing polarization and changing political allegiances among young voters.In the years leading up to 2024, green parties, which once enjoyed support among young voters, have seen a significant decline in their electoral results. This trend has been particularly evident in France, Italy, Belgium and Germany[4], where young voters, once staunch supporters of the Green Party, have increasingly distanced themselves from the environmental movement’s traditional political platforms. According to a Deutsche Welle report on why young German voters are abandoning the Greens[5], several factors are driving this shift. Rising concerns about economic instability, the cost of living, and perceived failures of the Green Party to address immediate social and economic needs have contributed to a growing disillusionment. In the face of these challenges, many young voters have turned to alternative political options, including right-wing populist and nationalist parties, which downplay the urgency of climate action or reject it outright.
Conclusion: Can Youth Momentum Overcome Political Divides?
Young people, once united in their calls for drastic climate action, are now divided along ideological lines. While a significant portion remains committed to green policies, pushing for ambitious climate actions and social justice initiatives, another segment of youth voters has become disillusioned with the pace of change and increasingly sceptical of the political establishment’s ability to deliver on environmental promises. In countries like Germany, where young voters once overwhelmingly supported the Greens, many have shifted their allegiances to parties that reject climate action or even actively question its legitimacy. This shift reflects broader trends of youth disenchantment with traditional political structures, as well as growing frustration with what is seen as the failure of mainstream parties to address immediate social and economic concerns.
Despite these challenges, European youth movements continue to be a powerful force for change and the reflections of European youth on environmental issues are therefore a powerful call for greater collective responsibility. The awareness that the future of the planet depends on the choices made today is inspiring a movement that has the ability to push for fundamental changes. Young people are taking a leadership role, not only through participation in protests and demonstrations, but also by adopting greener lifestyles and influencing politics and the economy. At the same time, the reality remains that the political landscape has changed. The deepening polarization among young voters — between those advocating for climate action and those turning to more populist, nationalist, and climate sceptical positions – is significant. Only time will tell whether the momentum for climate action can overcome the growing political divide and push European leaders to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future for all.
[1] An example is the massive presence of young people at the third Global Climate Strike organized by the Fridays For Future protest campaign in September 2019, it “mobilized 6000 protest events in 185 countries and brought 7.6 million participants out onto the streets.” Source: de Moor, Joost & Uba, Katrin & Wahlström, Mattias & Wennerhag, Magnus & De Vydt, Michiel & Kocyba, Piotr & Neuber, Michael & Gardner, Beth & Almeida, Paul & Gubernat, Ruxandra & Kołczyńska, Marta & Rammelt, Henry & Davies, Stephen & Collin, Philippa & Matthews, Ingrid & Churchill, Brendan & Jackson, Stewart & Daniel, Antje & Deutschman, Anna & Lorenzini, Jasmine. (2020). Protest for a future II: Composition, mobilization and motives of the participants in Fridays For Future climate protests on 20-27 September, 2019, in 19 cities around the world.
[2] In a recent study it has been shown how the young generation (18-25 years old) perceives environmental and health dimensions of sustainability. “Decreasing food waste and consuming local and seasonal produce were rated as the most important behaviours for promoting a sustainable diet […] Young adults’ knowledge around sustainable diets is mixed, but sustainability is an important motivator in their dietary choices.”
Source: Ruzgys, S., & Pickering, G. J. (2024). Perceptions of a sustainable diet among young adults. Environmental Education Research, 1–17.
[3] See more here: European Union, “European Climate Pact”, https://climate-pact.europa.eu/index_en, accessed: 12. February 2025
[4] Marta Pacheco, “What went wrong for the EU election-losing Greens and Liberals?”, Euronews, 10 June 2024. https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/06/10/what-went-wrong-for-the-eu-election-losing-greens-and-liberals
[5] Tim Schauenberg, “Why are German voters abandoning the Greens?”, Deutsche Welle, 13 June 2024. https://www.dw.com/en/why-are-young-german-voters-abandoning-the-greens/a-69354030
