Youth Forging Green Paths Together - Climate Change and Ecosystems: Understanding Nature’s Invisible Connections

On the second day of the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project 2025-3-LV02-KA152-YOU-000368450, coordinated by Black Wood Environmental Biedrība, participants focused on exploring the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and understanding the delicate balance that sustains ecosystems.

The day began with the “Climate's Changing Tune: Impact on Local Biodiversity” activity, where participants examined how climate change affects species habitats, alters ecological balances, and creates risks for local biodiversity. Young people from different countries shared environmental changes observed in their own regions, providing an opportunity to compare the local consequences of global environmental challenges.

This was followed by the “Exploring Food Chains & Food Webs” activity, during which participants gained hands-on experience in understanding how food chains and food webs function within ecosystems. Through interactive exercises, they explored the interdependence of living organisms and discussed how the decline or disappearance of a single species can affect the entire ecological system.

At the end of the day, participants took part in the “Youth Roundtable: Speak for Your Ecosystem” session. Acting as representatives of different ecosystems, they engaged in debates, negotiations, and advocacy activities focused on environmental protection. Through this exercise, young people not only expanded their environmental knowledge but also strengthened their active citizenship, communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.

The second day highlighted the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of nature and empowered participants to recognize their role in protecting biodiversity and promoting environmental sustainability at both local and global levels.