Youth-led Climate Projects

Here you'll find current events organized by the funded projects in 2025. All events are open to the public.

Student Union of Turku University of Applied Sciences – TUO: A New Life for Clothes!

• An open and free or charge clothing care and repair workshop on two different days.
• Two experts will be present at the workshops to provide guidance on clothing maintenance.
  • Dates and Times:
    • Tue, September 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
    • Tue, September 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • Location: Joukahaisenkatu 7, 20520 Turku
  • More information and registration: A New Life for Clothes!

Luontoliitto: More Flowers for Kupittaa – Life and Wellbeing in a More Sustainable Urban Environment

• Let’s bring urban greenery to the forefront in the densifying city of Turku! This event is free and open to everyone.
• During the event we’re organizing on the last weekend of September, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experts in a panel discussion and participate in workshops. Come dream with us and take concrete steps toward a greener city!
  • Time: September 27th, 1 PM – 4 PM
  • Place: Taidon portaat, inside Turku University of Applied Sciences’ EduCity building.

Kaarinan Sädetytöt, Southwest Finland Scout District: Engaging and Guided Climate Workshops for Youth

• The Samojedit patrol of Kaarinan Sädetytöt invites all 15–24-year-old scouts from the Southwest Finland Scout District who are interested in climate issues to join our workshops.
• These engaging and guided workshops are designed for youth aged 15–24. Each workshop can accommodate around 25 participants.
• Workshops are led by experts in energy, climate, and environmental fields. Participation is free of charge. You can join one or all of the workshops. Light snacks will be provided.
• Register by August 31, 2025 via the Kuksa link.

Workshop 1: Climate Action and Circular Economy
Expert: Julianna Brandt-Smal, Project Manager / Environmentally Friendly Youth Work Project
Date: September 15, 2025
Time: 17:30–19:30
Location: Turku City Library, Linnankatu 2, Studio

Workshop 2: Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction in Scouting and Hiking
Expert: Elina Lamminen from Turku Energia
Date: September 29, 2025
Time: 17:30–19:30
Location: Turku City Library, Linnankatu 2, Studio

Workshop 3: Living with the Environmental Crisis and Eco-Emotions
Expert: Panu Pihkala, researcher of environmental emotions, nature enthusiast, and father of two scouts
Date: October 20, 2025
Time: 17:30–19:30
Location: Turku City Library, Linnankatu 2, Studio

FinnPolar; Reclaiming for the Environment: The Magazine and Zero-Waste Future Project

• Follow FinnPolar's project on Instagram.
• On social media, we share information about past events and content that promotes environmental awareness.

• s/y Pupu – Solar-Powered Sailing, Puhurin Pojat ry, Scouts
  An energy retrofit of a training vessel, setting an example for the use of renewable energy in water transport. The project also includes youth education on solar energy applications in marine environments.
• ReFlow, HangFlow ry
  An environmental education project combining hands-on learning, art, and community building. Includes workshops and excursions where waste materials are turned into artwork.
• For the Environment, Again: Magazine and Zero Waste Future Project, FinPolar Cultural Center ry
  A publication to raise environmental awareness, promoting sustainable lifestyles and waste reduction.
• Trash-Free Shores, Turku Steiner School
  A coastal cleanup event on one of Turku’s recreational islands, culminating in the creation of an artwork made from collected litter.
• Sustainable Scouting – Turku Scout Troops on a Sustainable Path, Southwest Finland Scout District ry
  Supports local scout troops in earning the "Sustainably in Scouting" certification, integrating sustainable development practices into everyday scouting activities.
• A Voice for the Future, Aerial Unlimited ry / Pole&Aerial
  A youth-created performing arts piece addressing biodiversity, the importance of clean water, and the challenges of sustainable development.
• Nature Around Us, Aerial Unlimited ry / Pole&Aerial
  Three open nature-themed days during summer for children, youth, and families to engage in hands-on environmental actions and nature learning.
• New Life for Clothes!, Student Union TUO, Turku University of Applied Sciences
  Raises awareness among students about overconsumption, fast fashion, and circular fashion. Includes two hands-on clothing care and repair workshops on the Turku campus.
• Youth Climate Sailing 2.0: Exploring Low-Carbon Travel, Finnish Youth Sail Training Association
  A weekend sail training voyage for youth interested in climate action, focusing on the possibilities of low-carbon travel and strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of sail training.
• Turku Student Sustainability Fair, Humanitas ry
  A sustainability-themed conference with presentations, workshops, panels, and a small exhibition area. Targeted at students of Turku’s universities and international degree students.
• Leave No Trace – Parkour for the Environment, Parkour Akatemia;
  A climate-themed parkour jam open to everyone at Turku Market Square in August, organized in collaboration with Sivistymättömät ry.
• Turku City's Climate Work and Its Impact on Residents, Puolalanmäki Upper Secondary School; A student bus tour during which an expert explains Turku’s climate efforts.
• Make Use of Rooftops! – More New Habitats and Climate Actions for Turku, Luontoliitto ry; An event organized by the Turku Climate Group featuring green roof construction and solar energy. The program includes expert talks, workshops, biodiversity actions, a march, and panel discussions.
• Turku Techno Cycling, Friends of Electronic Music at the University of Turku (TYEMYY); A communal cycling and music event with a bicycle parade and live DJ music across Turku neighborhoods. The event is preceded by a bike repair workshop in collaboration with Vapaa Ratas ry.
• Atlantis, Turku Steiner School; Collecting seabed material from dredging deposit areas and using it as ceramic glaze. The aim is to raise awareness about dumping dredging waste into the Archipelago Sea.
• Let’s Cycle TUOgether! / Bring Yourself – Let’s Ride!, Turku University of Applied Sciences Student Union TUO; A student cycling trip to Ruissalo, with opportunities to learn about using the city bike system (Föli bikes) and sustainable mobility solutions.
• Flow4Future, HangFlow ry; A climate-themed book club and youth organization anniversary event focusing on nature connection and climate emotions, including a visit to a responsible food company.
• Making the Scout Cabin More Climate-Friendly, Scout Troop Kaarinan Sädetytöt ry; Improving the energy efficiency of the scout troop’s hiking cabin and increasing knowledge about energy and circular economy through training.

Groups of young people aged 15 to 24, living or studying in Turku, can apply for project funding. At least three persons of the project group must be aged 15 to 24. 

• Grants of EUR 1,000, EUR 2,500 or EUR 4,500 are available for projects designed and implemented by the group itself.
• Project funding is only awarded to registered organisations, such as associations, groups, schools or clubs. The organisation is responsible for the use of the project funding.
• Project funding is not provided to private companies. 

Projects must be completed between April and October 2025.

Important dates:

- The application period for projects has been extended. Apply between 7 and 28 April.
- Project teams will be notified of funding decisions by 9 May.
- Project funding will be distributed in April-May and no later than 13 June.
- A joint kick-off event for funded projects will take place on 14 May in the city center of Turku.
- Projects must be completed by 31 October.
- A short report must be submitted at the end of the project or by 31 October at the latest.
 

Projects must focus on climate or the environment and should be open to as many residents of Turku as possible. During the project, it is important to share information about it on social media and other platforms that young people use. The City of Turku can support communication by sharing information through its own channels.

Funding is only available for new projects, not for ongoing activities. The project guidelines will provide more details on what is funded and what is not.

A brief summary of the completed projects and expenses must be provided, along with filling out a simple report template from the funder and responding to a survey. We will provide these templates.

The goal of the Youth Climate Projects is to involve young people aged 15 to 24 in climate action. The project provides funding for youth-led climate initiatives that are planned, implemented, and managed by young people. The City of Turku has received funding for the second time for this project and is managing it.

Schedule: 01/2025-12/2025
Funded by: Youth Climate Action Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, supported by the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) together with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University
Budget: $100,000 / EUR 96,095

Youth Climate Action Fund | Bloomberg Philanthropies