ClimateAMBASSADORS: Supporting digital innovation, green transition and civic engagement in HE through inter-disciplinary living labs to fight climate change and promote sustainable development
Climate change is no longer solely a future challenge – it is a reality that is already affecting the functioning of our societies today. In the face of a growing number of environmental threats, it is becoming crucial to prepare young people for conscious and responsible action. The answer to these needs is the Climate Ambassadors project – an international initiative co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme.
The aim of the project is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively respond to challenges related to climate change and to build the resilience of local communities. The programme is aimed at people aged 18–30 who want to actively engage in climate action and develop their leadership skills.
The Climate Ambassadors project stands out for its modern approach to education. It will employ innovative teaching methods such as immersive XR simulations, elements of educational games, and practical workshops. Participants will have the opportunity to work on realistic scenarios related to climate disasters, developing decision-making, teamwork, and crisis response skills.
The initiative is carried out by an international consortium consisting of higher education institutions and organizations from various European countries, including Tor Vergata University of Rome, the University of Valencia, Samaritan International, DISE Ltd, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Associació Esplai Social, the University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands), and EucA – European University College Association.
The project is aimed not only at students but also at academic staff and university administrative employees. It offers modern, certified educational solutions that support the development of civic engagement and strengthen the resilience of academic communities to climate-related challenges.
Objectives:
The ClimateAMBASSADORS project will develop and deliver high-quality lifelong learning in climate education for HE institutions. It creates a course for students (ECTS) and develops immersive XR simulations of climate disasters (floods, fires).
The project boosts digital and green skills, encourages civic engagement, and fosters innovative, practical learning to prepare future climate ambassadors.
Implementation:
– Validated ECTS Course for HE: Accredited training for students on climate change and disasters.
– Digital Climate Learning Pack: XR simulations, Climate Response Mapping Tool, e-Hub platform, and interactive resources.
– Blended Transnational Training: Hybrid learning events, co-design sessions, activation missions and Living Labs for community activation.
– Dissemination, Exploitation & Sustainability Strategy: Virtual conferences, webinars, and online resources.
Results:
WP2: Deliver a Climate Response Map Tool, e-Dashboard with peer reviews, 1 Booklet with podcasts, Living Labs guidelines.
WP3: Create an accredited course, XR simulations content, and accreditation criteria.
WP4: Develop XR simulations, Living Lab Portal, and integrate courses into HE platforms.
WP5: 1 Action Plan Kit, C1 mobility, training for students and educators, and implementation of Living
