The Council of Europe is stepping up its climate action by integrating youth participation and human rights into its environmental policies. Discussions during the recent Ad Hoc Multidisciplinary Group on the Environment (GME) highlighted the importance of adopting a holistic and inclusive approach to address environmental challenges. Key contributions came from  Agnes Gkoutziamani, Sean Currie and Jannis Gustke, members of the Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ).

Central to the discussions was the preparation of the Council's first Environmental Strategy. The CCJ members emphasised the importance of implementing insights from the recently adopted Recommendation on young people and climate action. These include ensuring young people are represented in decision-making processes and safeguarding the rights of the environmental defenders. They also stressed the need to include people with disabilities in the strategy and to adopt a human rights-based approach to ensure no one is left behind.

The strategy also underscores the importance of civil society involvement and the necessity of moving beyond tokenism. References to the Aarhus Convention highlight the role of transparency, protection for whistleblowers, and public participation in environmental matters.

A legal recognition of the right to a clean and healthy environment as a fundamental element to human dignity was raised as a significant point. The CCJ members urged member states to prioritise strengthening of the legal frameworks of the Council of Europe, to reflect this priority. By embedding environmental education, youth engagement, and solidarity into its framework, the Council is setting a precedent for inclusive and sustainable environmental governance.