The University of Helsinki backs the Youth Climate and Energy Vision 2040 project, in which young people develop their perspectives on the European Union's future energy and climate solutions.
The University of Helsinki is a partner in the politically neutral Youth Climate and Energy Vision 2040 project. Among those selected to participate in the project is University of Helsinki graduate Henna Heikkilä.
The work around the Youth Climate and Energy Vision 2040 seeks to ensure that young people's perspectives play a greater role in climate and energy policy discussions and decisions. The work brings together 15 young people from across different areas of education and research.
"Young people are not consulted enough on climate and energy issues, even though these will affect our future more than anyone's, especially in the long term," says Heikkilä.
The outcomes will be presented to national and EU decision-makers to feed into the development of future climate and energy policy. The work will culminate in a study and advocacy trip to Brussels, giving participants the chance to meet with European Parliament and Commission representatives and others active in the field.
A vision grounded in research
Heikkilä explains that she became involved in the project out of a personal interest in environmental change and a sustainable future. She studied environmental science at the University of Helsinki.
"During my studies I learned a great deal about the state of the world and the direction we are heading. I wanted the chance to bring this knowledge to the fore," she says.
For Heikkilä, the vision development work has felt markedly different from the academic writing familiar to her from her studies.
"Our thoughts and perspectives as young people are at the heart of this, even as research knowledge provides the foundation."
A foundation in critical thinking
Heikkilä notes that her studies were particularly valuable in developing her critical thinking and ability to examine societal issues.
"My studies encouraged me to think about how we got to where we are now, and what different futures might look like. Research-based knowledge is central to this.
"A sound understanding of climate policy and decision-making will be just as important going forward. The University already prepares students well for this kind of vision development work."
Room needed to envision a better future
In Heikkilä's view, discussions about climate and energy tend to focus heavily on threats. This is why, she argues, it is so important for society to carve out more space for imagining positive futures.
"It's all too easy to focus on dystopias and grievances. All the more reason then for our society to make room for visions and utopias of a better future."
She sees it as vital that young people are given the opportunity to help shape the future alongside others.
"I'm grateful that a project like this exists and that young people's voices are being heard. It also opens up new networks and opportunities to learn together."
The University of Helsinki supports the Youth Climate and Energy Vision 2040 project because sustainable wellbeing and solutions to climate and energy challenges must be grounded in research knowledge and shaped together with young people.
