Shaping a Just Future
This statement highlights the critical role of the EU Social Climate Fund (SCF) in addressing the unequal burden of the green transition on young people across Europe. While the SCF aims to mitigate the social impacts of the new Emissions Trading System (ETS 2), youth remain unrecognized as a vulnerable group despite facing higher risks of energy and transport poverty.
Drawing on Generation Climate Europe’s (GCE) recent findings, the piece outlines the structural barriers young people face — from unaffordable and inefficient rental housing to limited access to sustainable mobility and financial aid. It puts forward seven key demands, including the recognition of youth as a vulnerable group, youth-specific financial support, renter-focused renovation incentives, and stronger youth participation frameworks at local, national, and EU levels.
As Member States shape their national Social Climate Plans, the article urges policymakers to ensure youth are meaningfully included in both consultation and implementation. A socially just climate transition must not leave the next generation behind.
