The Neighborhood Climate Academy
CSO: Cittadini per l’aria
Area: Awareness
Location: Milan – Lombardy Region
Type of project
An awareness program on climate issues aimed at young people and communities in disadvantaged areas.
It is the residents of disadvantaged areas, whose communities have traditionally embraced frugal and sustainable habits due to their cultural heritage, who are now the most exposed to air pollution and the challenges arising from the climate crisis. It is A climate education program with the specific goal of engaging individuals and communities perceived as being the most distant from the urgency of environmental issues.
The project stems from the idea that engaging younger generations – and, hopefully, their communities – on pollution and climate change must also focus on disadvantaged areas and peripheral neighborhoods. These are often places where various forms of poverty (economic, social, cultural) coexist, making environmental and climate urgency the least of their priorities
Target (Disengaged)
The urban area where the project aims to take place has been known for years for its challenges, located in a neighborhood that includes citizens from various ethnic backgrounds – including recent migrants. Among them, young people are the most at risk, as they often struggle to envision a future where they are integrated into society. The young participants in the project at school come from the neighborhood and, in many cases, from its most critical areas.
Science – based
The association bases its work on the study and sharing of scientific data and has always collaborated with researchers, epidemiologists, and experts in air quality and climate. Its goal is to serve as a bridge between the scientific community, the general public, and policymakers.
Gender
The association is creating a video on the impact of air pollution on future and new parents, which can be used to engage the female population of the neighborhood.
Planned activities
- Experimental training path: Adaptation of the French model Banlieues Climat to create a targeted educational program on the topic of climate-pollution, aimed at secondary school students in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
- Participatory workshops: Activities in the classroom and on the territory to explore air quality, climate change and possible local mitigation strategies.
- Involvement of figures at risk of marginalization: In collaboration with Kayros, young people will also be involved in social reintegration paths to promote a truly inclusive approach.
- Public events and advocacy actions: Moments of discussion with institutions, experts and citizens, to share data, proposals and solutions co-designed during the path.
Action model
- Engaging students from a disadvantaged neighborhood in an environmental education activity that has proven to be effective in such contexts.
- Engaging the neighborhood surrounding the school
- Identification of a few students who, as part of their school-work alternation program, will be directly involved in supporting the organization of the two training days, as well as a young NEET from the neighborhood to be engaged as support for the various training activities.