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Raising Awareness and Engaging Young People in Action for Healthier, Greener and Climate-Resilient Urban Environments
The Zeleni utrip mladih programme is a comprehensive national initiative that engages young people in raising awareness and taking action on environmental determinants of health, with a particular focus on heat stress, noise and the quality of green spaces in urban environments. The programme is based on methods of non-formal education, social participation and citizen science, providing young people not only with knowledge but also with the skills they need to advocate for change and take part in decision-making processes.
The programme is based on the recognition that environmental factors – including urban heat islands, noise and a lack of green spaces – are among the key yet often overlooked determinants of health and can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups of young people. With heatwaves becoming more frequent and the impacts of climate change becoming increasingly evident in Slovenian cities, addressing these challenges is becoming an urgent public health priority.
The programme is implemented at the national level, with particular attention given to urban areas that are especially vulnerable to climate-related impacts and to young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, with the long-term goal of reducing health inequalities.
Assessing Heat Stress Around Schools
Through spatial data analysis, 24-hour heat exposure measurements and surveys, we will identify areas at greatest risk and use the findings to directly engage students, teachers and local decision-makers.
Developing a Participatory Web Application
A new online application will enable young people and the wider public to submit concrete proposals for greening school grounds and public spaces.
Educational Content
In collaboration with health and environmental experts, we will develop infographics, videos and articles to raise awareness of the effects of heatwaves, noise and green spaces on health.
Social Media Campaign and Creative Competition
Together with influencers, we will address the issue of noise in urban environments through social media. A creative competition will give young people the opportunity to actively raise awareness within their communities about the challenges of heat and noise.
Courses and Workshops
The programme will help young people develop skills in public speaking, strategic communication, advocacy and the use of artificial intelligence tools when preparing advocacy campaigns.
The programme is co-funded by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia under the public call for co-financing health protection and health promotion programmes through 2028.
The Institute for Health and Environment brings together the fields of health, the environment, sustainable development and active participation.
Slovenska cesta 56, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
