2019 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that unless humanity stops the global warming from progressing, we will face irreversible consequences. Current initiatives to reduce the rate of global warming are not enough. The Polish report entitled “National Environmental Policy 2030″ concludes that the heat waves will see significant increase in the coming years. The biggest problem for Poland will be the ongoing drought and further reduction in precipitation. According to the report, Lubuskie Voivodeship, where we are based, will be among the regions severely impacted by those changes.

Our research suggests that the environmental engagement, especially among the youth, is incredibly low in our Voivodeship. From our conversations with local governments, we have learned that the majority of the municipalities don’t have active groups or pro-environmental initiatives, and none of the existing ones are directed at young people.

We will recruit groups of young people from each of the districts. We will then organize a series of workshops on environmental issues, civic engagement, and participation in public consultations. Every group will prepare and present a concept for changes to their municipal and district budgets to increase the level of funding for environment-related initiatives. With our support each of the groups will organize a one-day event for their district that will promote eco-friendly attitudes and encourage volunteering. We will prepare games for children, informational packets for the adults and an informational booth with all the information on eco-volunteering and opportunities for engaging locally. Representatives from the local governments, members of local communities and the media will all be invited to attend. The project will conclude with the Lubuskie Forum of Eco-active Citizens that will focus on designing structures for collaboration and development of youth environmental activity in Lubuskie Voivodeship.