In a context where youth are increasingly confronted with environmental challenges and uncertainty about the future, the Conseil régional de l’environnement (CRE) de Laval has launched the project Vers un Avenir Serein. This program aims to support young people in their reflections and provide them with tools to better understand and navigate the socio-ecological transition.
Mégane, who is developing the project at the CRE de Laval, introduces the initiative.
CRE de Laval: Mégane, can you tell us about your role at the CRE and how the *Towards a Peaceful Future* project fits into your work?
Mégane: « Of course! I’m a project manager in environmental education, and my main job is to develop and lead educational activities for young people in Laval, from elementary school through to CEGEP. My goal is to make major environmental issues more accessible while creating spaces for discussion and reflection. *Towards a Peaceful Future* is a project that’s especially close to my heart, as it targets youth from the age of 12 or 13 and aims to support them in managing their eco-anxiety. »
CRE de Laval: What sets *Towards a Peaceful Future* apart from other environmental education initiatives?
« What’s unique about *Towards a Peaceful Future* is that we don’t just inform youth about environmental challenges. We offer them a space to share and reflect on how they feel in response to these issues. The program is built around three interactive workshops:
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Setting the Stage: My Experience of the Socio-Ecological Crisis: an introspective workshop where youth explore their emotions and become aware of how environmental and social crises affect their well-being.
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Digital Media and Their Influence on Our Perception of Socio-Ecological Crises: a reflection on the role of media and how information shapes our understanding of the world and our emotions.
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My Role in the Socio-Ecological Transition: a workshop that helps youth identify their role in this transition, based on their interests and capacities, to avoid burnout. It also allows them to recognize their support networks, helping them better navigate these changes. »
CRE de Laval: Why did you decide to focus specifically on youth for this project?
« Because they are the most directly affected by ongoing changes and often feel enormous pressure to “save the planet.” Many experience deep anxiety about the future, and it’s crucial to give them tools to understand the connections between social and environmental issues, while helping them find a way to act that suits them. *Towards a Peaceful Future* encourages youth to reflect on what they can do based on their own skills and values. »
CRE de Laval: You often emphasize the link between social and environmental issues. Can you tell us more about that?
« Yes! One of the most important aspects of *Towards a Peaceful Future* is showing youth that ecological crises are not isolated. They’re deeply connected to the issues they face every day. »
« Many young people are initially drawn to issues like inequality, discrimination, poverty, or political crises. They may feel disconnected from environmental concerns because they have more urgent worries: Will I find a stable job? Will I have access to affordable housing? In reality, these questions are all linked to ecological challenges. For example, climate change worsens inequality by making already marginalized populations more vulnerable. »
« In our workshops, we start with their concerns and show them how they’re connected to environmental issues. The idea is to help them understand that fighting for social justice can also be a way to act for the environment. And most importantly, we remind them that they don’t have to carry everything on their shoulders: every action counts, and it’s important to find a balance between engagement and personal well-being. »
CRE de Laval: How have youth responded to the workshops so far?
« We’ve already tested the first two workshops with high school students and members of the environmental committee at Collège Montmorency. The feedback has been very positive! Youth particularly appreciate the freedom to speak and the fact that the workshops are discussion-based rather than lecture-style. They discover that there isn’t just one solution, but many different ways to contribute at their own level. »
CRE de Laval: Who can benefit from these workshops and how can they access them?
« The workshops are mainly aimed at youth aged 13 to 25, but they can be adapted for other age groups. We work in high schools, but also in community organizations, youth centres, or any other groups interested in these topics. Teachers of the Quebec Culture and Citizenship course (CCQ) can also reach out to us, since our workshops fit perfectly with that curriculum. They are offered free of charge and we can also organize booths or give talks based on specific needs. »
Any final words for youth who might be unsure about participating?
« Don’t keep your worries to yourself! *Towards a Peaceful Future* is here to give you tools, connect you with others facing the same concerns, and most of all, show you that you have a role to play—on your own terms and at your own pace. »
