Young People Campaign for a Just Energy Transition in Argentina

Within the YouthEnergy project, young Argentinians are empowered to advocate for a just energy transition. The research project is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) Medium Grants Program. It aims to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to become knowledge holders, energy innovators, and active participants in governance and policy discussions – both locally and internationally.

In the first year, project participants focused on integrating environmental and energy topics into technical schools in Chubut, Neuquén, and Mendoza. To this end, modern didactic materials on climate change and the energy transition were developed and distributed to more than 60 teachers from 30 schools across the country. These teachers are now incorporating the materials into their classes with ongoing support.

In March 2025, the researchers of the Wuppertal Institute visited Argentina to assess the results of the first year of the project, talking with government authorities and with the trained teachers as well as their students. The feedback from all those interviewed was extremely positive. From the government's perspective, authorities demonstrated a high level of commitment to promoting the expansion of the project's impact within their respective provinces. Teachers in participating schools emphasised the quality of the pedagogical content on climate change that they had acquired, as well as the simplicity and clarity of the content, which was well received in the classroom.

Over the next two years, YouthEnergy participants will work with 24 schools to integrate topics related to alternative energy solutions into the curriculum. Hands-on learning will be supported through teaching kits and experimentation tools focused on renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies. In addition to working with technical schools, the project also creates spaces for young people to participate in energy debates. A series of online seminars and provincial-level forums will enable young people to share their visions for a just energy transition with local and national authorities. As part of the project, two youth facilitators are also supporting international debates at this year's 30th Climate Change Conference (Conference of the Parties, or COP30).

Through its activities, YouthEnergy is promoting an informed, engaged, and proactive young generation ready to drive Argentina’s transition to a sustainable energy future.