Read Now: Y-Rescue Case Action Report

This report outlines contextual and cultural relevance, the cases and finally insights and recommendations for future work packages.

We conducted a contextual relevance and cultural sensitivity assessment for the four Y-RESCUE challenge cases. It was designed to ensure the cases are inclusive, adaptable, and meaningful across diverse European cities. The assessment combined four evidence sources: a desk-based knowledge review, 21 stakeholder interviews, over 300 youth surveys, and a focus group workshop with 16 experts and stakeholders. Together, these informed the development of challenge cases that reflect shared urban climate issues across Europe, including air pollution, extreme heat, lack of green space, underused urban land, food insecurity, and unequal exposure to environmental risks. The process focused on creating challenge frameworks that are flexible enough to work across different governance systems, climate zones, municipal capacities, and neighbourhood contexts.

The assessment also examined how well the cases align with youth priorities, participation realities, and cultural inclusion. Findings showed that young people are most motivated by climate action that is practical, community-based, visible, creative, and meaningful rather than symbolic. To reduce exclusion, the cases avoid assumptions about digital access, technical expertise, free time, institutional trust, or identical experiences across countries. Particular attention was given to vulnerable groups such as low-income communities, migrants, older adults, children, and people with disabilities. Overall, the assessment confirmed that the four cases address urgent urban climate challenges while supporting equitable participation, youth leadership, local innovation, and practical action adaptable to many European contexts.

Y-RESCUE is a project that empowers young people to lead transformative climate action in urban areas increasingly threatened by environmental challenges.

Launched in 2025, the project will mobilise 300 young participants (aged 18–30) and youth organisations across several European partner countries to co-create local resilience solutions and strengthen youth entrepreneurship in the climate field.

More specifically, throughout Y-RESCUE partners and young participants together will attend workshops, identify challenges, and come up with innovative solutions.

By making the most of peer learning, mentorship, and shared resources, the project will build its participants’ skills in leadership and project management, while ensuring valuable action is carried out to fight environmental challenges.