Climate is changing. Each day, new scientific evidence tells us how quickly and disastrously the consequences of climate change on every continent are affecting us. Today’s children and young people risk bearing the worst effects. They are asking us to act, arguing that we are “playing with their future”, and we are accountable to them. Whether in a responsible position at international, European, national or local level, or a citizen, business person, parent, or teacher, one does not have the luxury to ignore the facts. We need to act.

The European Commission has taken strong action in response to this challenge.  With the European Green Deal, including the first European climate law, we have committed to climate neutrality for the continent by 2050. This is a considerable task, but also a great opportunity to change our societies for the better.

More than ever, the complex challenges require action on many fronts. Education, research, innovation, youth and culture have a lot to contribute.