EESC Info question: Ms Merlo, what role does your report see for young people in the green transition?

Nicoletta Merlo: Young people can and must play a crucial role in the green transition for at least two reasons. First of all, it is good to remember that the decisions which political leaders take today on climate change and environmental issues will above all affect young people and future generations, who therefore have a right to have their say.

Another significant aspect to take into account is that the younger generation is the most sensitive to and aware of the need to take up the challenge of the green transition and to act in order to achieve environmental sustainability. In recent years, climate action has mobilised large numbers of young people across Europe. Numerous environmental and social movements made up of young people have sprung up at local, national and European levels, holding demonstrations and demanding tangible measures from governments and policymakers to protect the environment and achieve climate neutrality.

Although the role of young people in building a more sustainable, inclusive and green world is increasingly recognised and 2022 was declared the European Year of Youth, it is clear that young people still find it difficult to make themselves heard and find their place in decision-making – and not just when it comes to the green transition.

In my view, youth organisations should be given the opportunity to make their voices heard within institutions in a systematic and structural manner, not just once in a while, so that they can make a qualified and meaningful contribution to decision-making at all levels and implement ideas and projects related to environmental sustainability.

To make this happen, institutions should first and foremost adopt the Youth Test, provide youth organisations with adequate (and structural) financial support and carry out systematic assessments of the economic, political and social impacts of investments on the younger generation, giving them a clear idea of how, and to what extent, public policies positively affect the lives of young people.

Two other key aspects that need to be addressed in relation to the role of young people in the green transition are education and employment.

In a context of climate and environmental emergency, education on sustainability should become a priority for schools. Children's education on sustainability and environmental protection should start from the youngest age and continue throughout school. A cross-sectoral approach is needed, providing theoretical and practical skills, including through school-to-work pathways and vocational apprenticeships. Lifelong learning is also key, because the success of the ecological transition will also depend on the ability of schools to work in collaboration with local authorities on extracurricular activities, in particular with youth organisations and organised civil society, to enhance public awareness and participation.

2023 has been proclaimed the European Year of Skills, and without skills there is no transition. It is crucial to equip young people with the skills to master the innovation brought about by the green transition, which is inevitably having and will continue to have a significant impact on the world of work. There is therefore a need to invest in training and learning practices that take place in work contexts, particularly in the form of quality apprenticeships and traineeships.

The green transition must be a just transition, ensuring the reskilling and upskilling of workers and quality jobs for all, and that no one is left behind. This is why it is essential for training policies to be integrated with industrial policies, coordinated with other development strategies, and planned in detail at regional and local level, in close cooperation with the social partners.

Finally, innovation is crucial for the success of the green transition. Therefore, a key aspect in achieving the set objectives is to encourage young people with entrepreneurial aptitudes to join the innovation process using specific training and support for innovative projects, and also by ensuring adequate financial support.