In Turku, a city in southwestern Finland, young people have taken a strong role in the city’s climate action. Turku is the only Finnish city participating in the global Youth Climate Action Fund programme, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

In 2024 and 2025, the City of Turku funded 29 climate projects with a total of 111,000 euros. As a result, thousands of young residents have participated in climate-related events, campaigns and training sessions. The projects have been visible in everyday city life through events, workshops, climate art and practical actions.

The Puhurin Pojat scout troop built a battery and solar power system for their boat, enabling electricity generation without a diesel engine. The organisation HangFlow explored sustainable consumption and the circular economy through art, community and hands-on activity. “When you see how consumption affects the environment, you have to choose: continue as before or change course. We chose change,” says Hannaneh Mahmoudian from HangFlow.

The impact, however, extends far beyond Turku. The Youth Climate Action Fund connects cities across the globe, building a bridge between young people’s everyday actions and international climate policy.