Today marks the conclusion of the JustFutures research project. Over these four years, we have worked to understand and promote debate on climate justice, always committed to engaging diverse youth voices and perspectives. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful execution of the project, including institutions, local associations, and initiatives in Porto, Braga, Lisbon, and the Algarve—and especially the young people who dedicated their time to collaborate in various activities. Our thanks also extend to all who participated in the closing conference held on March 25th. During this event, we shared the key findings of the research conducted by our team, shedding light on fundamental aspects of young people’s relationship with climate change and aiming to inspire new directions for research and climate activism. The session also featured an enriching roundtable discussion where researchers and activists explored ways to advance debate and deepen research on the climate crisis.
The past years have offered hopeful perspectives of determination within the youth climate movement, marked by persistence and a diversification of forms of action. Numerous activist groups have adopted intersectional and systemic approaches, demanding profound and socially just changes. Globally, concern about climate change and awareness of its associated injustices seem to have grown. Yet, every day, we witness the erosion of fundamental rights and safeguards in multiple countries, the criminalization of climate activism, and significant political setbacks. Pessimism resurges in this sociopolitical landscape, overshadowed by large-scale wildfires and floods. Against this backdrop, we ask ourselves: “How can we continue building a future oriented toward social justice?”
The project will remain active through its website (justfutures.pt), the publication of new outputs, and the research project “Reimagining Political Agency: Youth Voice(s) in the Climate Change Debate”, funded by the FCT (2024.02918.BD, 2024-2026). This initiative is led by PhD candidate Daniela Ferreira da Silva, under the supervision of Professors Anabela Carvalho and Maria Fernandes-Jesus.
The JustFutures team