In Turku, young people have taken a strong role in the city’s climate action. Turku is the only Finnish city participating in the global Youth Climate Action Fund program.
The programme is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which provides financial support for young people to carry out their own climate projects. Collaborative, project-based work with youth is a completely new approach for the city and it has already produced impressive results.
Between 2024 and 2025, the City of Turku has funded 29 climate projects with a total of €111,000. As a result, thousands of young residents have participated in climate-related events, campaigns, and training sessions.
The projects have been visible in everyday city life through events, workshops, climate art, and practical actions that have led to increased knowledge, shifts in attitudes, and the adoption of more sustainable practices. Participants come from a wide range of organizations, from upper secondary schools and student associations to sports clubs, scout groups, and local NGOs.
In Turku, young people are key actors in climate work. They design and implement concrete climate actions across the city. These projects have shown how young people’s creativity, courage, and sense of community can accelerate the city’s transition towards a more sustainable future,” says Mayor Piia Elo.
From Ideas to Action: Young People Building a Sustainable Future
The young participants describe how the projects have given them the opportunity to learn project management, test their own ideas, and make their voices heard in the city’s climate efforts. The initiative has strengthened young people’s sense of community and agency.
The Puhurin Pojat scout troop built a battery and solar power system for their boat, enabling electricity generation without a diesel engine or dockside charging. With professional guidance and help from their network, the system was installed just in time for the boat’s summer voyage. The group hopes their example will inspire others to explore solar power—since, as they proved, it can be done affordably.
The organization HangFlow ry explored sustainable consumption and the circular economy by connecting the theme with young people’s own experiences, emotions, and hopes for the future. Through art, community, and hands-on activity, the topic became meaningful and impactful. Circular economy was seen both as a responsibility and as an opportunity to change direction.
“When you see how consumption affects the environment, you have to choose: continue as before or change course. We chose change,” says Hannaneh Mahmoudian from HangFlow ry.
The student association Humanitas ry aimed to bring together students from different fields and open a discussion on why interdisciplinarity is essential for advancing sustainable development. Their event gave young people the chance to present as experts and build professional confidence. By being held in English, it also allowed international students to take part and feel a sense of belonging. The event showed how youth-led initiatives can create hope that drives change forward.
Bridging Everyday Climate Action and Global Climate Policy
From the city’s perspective, this is a major step forward. For the first time, young people have been involved this closely in Turku’s climate work, and the city is proud to have provided them with a tangible opportunity to carry out their own climate initiatives. The program has created a platform for young people to network, exchange ideas, and connect with others interested in sustainability.
The experience gained now will help build more permanent models for participation and strengthen the role of youth in developing the city’s climate policies. The Youth Climate Action Fund has demonstrated how valuable young people’s creativity and commitment are to Turku’s climate work.
“It has been inspiring to see that many youth projects aim to continue their activities even after the official project period ends. This pursuit of continuity and commitment to sustainable action further strengthens the projects’ long-term impact,” says Project Specialist Petra Svahn.
The impact, however, extends far beyond Turku. The Youth Climate Action Fund connects cities across the globe, providing Turku with a valuable link to the international climate network. Cities share their experiences, ideas, and models, inspiring young people everywhere to take action. Each city implements the program in its own way, but the shared goal is to support youth creativity, dedication, and leadership.
Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies’ funding, young people have had the chance to design and execute projects that not only raise awareness but also drive real behavioral change at the local level. In doing so, the program builds a bridge between young people’s everyday actions and international climate policy—strengthening the role of cities in global climate efforts.
Photo: The project group at Turku Steiner School setting up their climate art project. Photo: Petra Svahn