Facts for Future: countering climate disinformation in youth work

For an increasing number of young people, social media is the primary source of news and information, while the climate crisis remains one of their biggest future concerns. At the same time, however, mis- and disinformation about climate and environmental protection is widespread in both social and traditional media, ranging from inaccurate reporting and outright climate denial to targeted disinformation campaigns: comments like “the climate has always been changing” in the news feed about floods and head waves, the trending hashtag #climatescam or the widespread fake news of a blackout caused by unreliable renewable energies are just a few examples for that.   

Climate change fuels eco-anxiety, while disinformation erodes trust in science and institutions, reinforcing populist narratives that obstruct climate action. Deliberately spread climate disinformation—both online and offline, in social media and personal conversations—weakens fact-based discussions, undermines understanding of local and global climate policies and displays a threat for democracy.

The training course aims to build capacities with professionals of NGOs and civil society organisations, trainers, youth project managers and youth workers from across Europe in Eisenach from 26th to 2nd July (including two travel days). Through peer exchange and workshops with experts, participants will develop methods to address climate disinformation and populist narratives with young people and discuss strategies how civil society can strengthen a democratic dialogue on climate protection that is based on facts.

Objectives of the training:

• strengthening critical media literacy: participants will learn to identify climate disinformation, analyse fake news, and promote fact-based discussions with young people.
• developing strategies to strengthen civil society in terms of climate populism: methods will be introduced to address populist narratives and their impact on climate policy.
• addressing eco-anxiety and youth engagement: participants will explore ways to help young people cope with climate anxiety and encourage active participation in climate action.
• fostering European exchange and networking: sharing experiences from different countries to develop joint approaches for climate education and combating disinformation.

When and where?

The training course takes place from 26th June-2nd July 2025 (including two travel days) in Eisenach, Germany.

Who can participate?

Whether you are an NGO interested in building a European network, a trainer engaged in non-formal education, a teacher or youth worker that wants to learn more about media literacy or an activist seeking new approaches, this programme offers valuable insights and connections.

This training is open to for people from diverse backgrounds, including professionals of NGOs and civil society organisations, trainers, youth project managers and youth workers working in relevant fields who

• already gained experience in the context of non-formal education and would like to strengthen their skills in addressing climate disinformation
• have an interest to shape future youth projects that address the topic of the training
• are fluent in English
• live in one of the following Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Malta, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, or Türkiye

How to apply?

Please fill in the application form by 11th May 2025.

The participants will be selected on the basis of motivation and the available number of places per country.

All admitted persons for participation in the training will be informed by 14th May, 2025. Persons who were not contacted are on a waiting list and will be contacted subsequently if spots become available.