Hot and Happening, Child Climate Champions reversing climate change

ongoing

The Hot and Happening project will empower children to become directly involved in decision-making on climate and environment, by scaling up their meaningful engagement in decision-making processes at local, national and European levels. The project will boost children’s participation on climate and environment at all levels, in collaboration with community members and decision-makers, in 5 European countries and in Brussels. The Speaking Minds (SpM) methodology will be applied: an innovative participation tool designed specifically to engage children and youth which, according to statistics, are less likely to participate in local decision-making. SpM will be adapted so it can be used in other countries and upscaled to national and EU level decision-making levels. Approximately 1450 beneficiaries will participate aimed to foster dialogue and empower all stakeholders towards action. The project has 3 specific objectives, which will be achieved in 3 phases. Phase 1, Breaking down barriers, will increase knowledge and awareness of children, decision-makers and community members on child rights and on the right to participate in climate and environment-related issues at local and national levels. Phase 2, Closing the gap, will strengthen democratic and inclusive child participation on climate and environment by connecting and empowering children, local and national decision-makers and local community members to act. Phase 3, Level playing field, will scale up children's views and solutions on climate and environment issues by reinforcing/establishing sustainable, child-friendly and accountable child participation pathways between local, national, and EU levels. The consortium, led by Save the Children Netherlands, covers 5 countries and includes 6 SC organizations (NL, AL, LT, RO, SE, EU), the Dutch Youth Climate Movement, 1 public education authority (RO), and the Environmental and Territorial Management Institute (AL).