The environment and climate action are priorities for the EU, now and in the future. Communication on green pact for Europe3 constitutes the new European growth strategy and recognizes the decisive role of schools, training establishments and universities to engage with students, parents and the wider community on the changes needed for a successful transition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The program will therefore represent an essential instrument for the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes in the field of climate change and sustainable development, both within the European Union and beyond. The Erasmus + program will increase the number of mobility opportunities in forward-looking green fields, which promote skills development, improve career prospects and engage participants in areas that are strategic for the sustainable growth of our planet, by granting special attention to rural development (sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, soil protection, organic farming). In addition, Erasmus +, which focuses on mobility, should strive to achieve carbon neutrality by promoting sustainable modes of transport and more responsible behavior.
Since the environment and the fight against global warming will become a horizontal priority for the selection of projects, priority will be given to projects aimed at building skills in various sectors related to environmental sustainability, including within the framework of the contribution of education and culture to the sustainable development goals, and to develop green sector skills strategies and methodologies, forward-looking curricula that better meet the needs of individuals, as well as initiatives in support of the approaches planned by the participating organizations in sustainable development.
The program supports the use of innovative practices to transform learners, staff and youth workers into real drivers of change (for example, saving resources, reducing energy consumption and waste, offsetting carbon emissions, opting for sustainable food and mobility choices, etc.). Priority will also be given to projects which, through activities in the fields of education, training, youth and sport, make it possible to change behavior in terms of individual preferences, cultural values and awareness of sustainable development, consumption habits and lifestyles.
Therefore, relevant organizations and participants should strive to incorporate green practices into all projects by adopting an environmentally friendly approach when designing the activity, which encourages them to address environmental issues and learn about them, think about local actions and find alternative, greener methods to implement their activities.
Platforms like eTwinning and EPALE will continue to produce support material and facilitate the exchange of effective educational practices and policies in the area of environment and sustainability. Erasmus + is also a powerful instrument to engage in dialogue with a wide range of actors in our society (schools, universities, VET providers, youth and sports organizations, NGOs, local and regional authorities, civil society organizations, etc.) .
