Students join forces to tackle climate distress among youth

The University of Copenhagen’s innovation center, UCPH Lighthouse, in collaboration with the School of Global Health, hosted the challenge, and the case on “Climate distress among young people” was provided by The International Green Youth Movement.

Throughout the event, more than 40 students engaged in intensive brainstorming sessions, workshops, team work, and learning activities related to innovation methods. The atmosphere was charged with creativity and collaboration, as participants worked tirelessly to refine their ideas. On the final day, each team presented their solutions to a panel of judges and a winner was announced.

The winner: “Walk with me”

The “Walk with me?” team consisting of Evelyne Vande Lanoitte (Maastricht University) Sofie Odde Ibsen (Lund University), Maria Gomes Ferreira Alves da Silva (University of Copenhagen) and Cecilie Jørgensen (University of Copenhagen) were the lucky winners with their “Walk with me” solution.

This first place secured the team a position at the international SDG Olympiad in Paris on September 26, 2024, where they had the opportunity to present their idea in an international case challenge. This presentation earned them the special award of “Best Contribution to Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change on Global Health”.

The case: Climate distress among young people

The case given to the students was: Design an intervention targeting young people that empowers them to convert climate distress into collective climate action. Read the full case background paper here.

Globally, people are experiencing fear, grief, and anger in response to climate change. This distress disproportionately affects young people, who often feel powerless against the climate crisis. Young adults have less political and economic power, limiting their ability to mitigate climate risks. Viewing the lack of action by those in power increases feelings of hopelessness and fear for their future.

Innovative approaches are needed to provide hope and empower young people to push for change. Future interventions should transform maladaptive reactions to climate distress into proactive responses. Young people’s voices should be included in political decisions shaping their futures. 

The International Green Youth Movement is a grassroots climate activism organisation, representing both the international and national students and youth in Denmark. They are formed as a branch of the Green Youth Movement (DGUB) and their working language is English to engage more international youth here in Copenhagen. Read more about them here.

The case team from the International Green Youth Movement was Elena Romail (MSc in Climate Change), Marie Miller-Aichholz (MSc in Climate Change), Jack David Pimlott (BSc Ecology and Environmental Biology), Naja Vaaben (BSc in Medicine), Rae Dunbar (MSc in Climate Change).

The Global Health Solutions event not only provided a platform for students to tackle real-world challenges but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose. Participants left the event with new skills, expanded networks, and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact on global health.

For more information about future global health innovation activities, visit the UCPH Lighthouse website here.