CSO: Forum Fairer Handel e.V.
Area: Education
Location: Berlin and the eastern federal states

Type of project

The project “Living Climate Library” focuses on strengthening trust in scientific evidence and increasing the impact of development education by fostering exchange between science and society. Scientists and practitioners participate as “living books” and engage in dialogue with young people. These peer-to-peer encounters enable complex scientific topics—such as climate change, global justice, and sustainable trade—to be communicated in a personal and accessible way.

The project is based on the rationale that numbers and facts alone are not sufficient to convince people to act in a climate-just way. Instead, authentic encounters and real conversations are described as particularly effective in encouraging reflection and action.

Target

The project targets young people aged 15 to 30 who have so far been little or not at all engaged in climate action. This includes pupils, apprentices, and young adults in transition phases between school, vocational training, and employment.

Science – Based

The project aims to strengthen trust in scientific knowledge by enabling young people to discuss complex research findings with “living books” such as climate researchers. Questions can be asked on equal footing, misunderstandings can be addressed immediately, and proximity and trust in science can be built through dialogue.

Gender

Women are intentionally included among the “living books” to make their expertise visible. Particular attention is given to the disproportionate impacts on women and girls worldwide.

Planned activities

• One Living Climate Library is implemented in 2026 and one in 2027, with 25 participants each. 
• The content from the Living Climate Library and its “living books” is adapted for Instagram and different post formats. 
• Trainings enable additional actors/multipliers to implement a Living Climate Library independently. 
• A guideline for implementing a Living Climate Library is produced.

Action model

The project uses the “Living Library” method to create structured dialogue: instead of borrowing books, participants “borrow” conversations with people acting as “living books” (scientists and practitioners). This format is intended to generate engagement by making scientific issues tangible through authentic encounters, thereby strengthening trust in science and supporting reflection that can lead to action. The combination of live dialogue, multiplier trainings, and a practical guideline is designed to create potential for replication beyond the initial events and to enable learning for the Scientific Committee about how encounter-based formats contribute to the NPB approach.