On September 20th, 2024, young people gathered in Kaunas for a powerful and thought-provoking local event organized under the Responsive Youth for Climate Action (RYCA) project, co-financed by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union 🇪🇺.

The theme of the event—“Environmental Problems in the Modern World”—set the stage for an engaging exploration of how human activity is disrupting the delicate balance of our ecosystems, and how young people can respond with awareness and action.

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🌱 Understanding the Human Impact

Participants explored the root causes and consequences of today’s most pressing environmental problems, including:

• Air pollution and respiratory health risks
• The accelerating pace of global warming
• Ocean acidification and its impact on marine life
• The dark side of fast fashion and clothing waste
• Plastic pollution and the need for circular systems
• Deforestation and loss of biodiversity

Through presentations and peer exchanges, participants reflected on how these global issues are also local concerns, affecting everyday life in Lithuania and beyond.

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🗣️ Debate: Environmentalists vs. Industry Voices

One of the highlights of the event was a debate-style simulation, where participants took on the roles of either “environmentalists” or “industry representatives.” This dynamic role-play allowed youth to explore different viewpoints on the following question:

“How will climate change affect your life, and how can you adapt?”

The debate fostered critical thinking, empathy, and a better understanding of the tensions between economic growth and environmental responsibility. Most importantly, it gave participants the space to formulate their own ideas and priorities about the future they want to live in.

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🤝 Community Collaboration

A special thanks goes to Lietuvos Raudonasis Kryžius – Kauno skyrius (Lithuanian Red Cross – Kaunas Branch) for their support and cooperation in making this event a success. Their engagement underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration when tackling environmental issues.

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🌍 Looking Ahead

This event demonstrated that youth are not only aware of the climate crisis—they are eager to engage, question, and take part in shaping sustainable solutions. As the RYCA project continues across Europe, the voices of young people in Kaunas are helping to define what responsive climate action truly means.

📲 Stay connected with us through @rycaproject and rycaproject.eu to follow upcoming actions, publications, and youth-led initiatives.