Climate change is a complex, multidimensional challenge that affects social, economic, and environmental systems, leading to a deterioration in quality of life. As stated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2021), “We are facing an unprecedented crisis, and it will take huge efforts to reverse the changes that the planet is undergoing.”
The Doughnut Economy offers a new economic vision that recognizes society’s dependence on the environment for survival. It introduces an integrated framework of social, economic, and environmental indicators that helps societies understand where they stand today and where they need to move in order to thrive within planetary boundaries.
As economist Kate Raworth, creator of the Doughnut Economy model, explains: “A healthy economy must be designed so that everyone can prosper, not grow without end.” The model is represented by a doughnut-shaped diagram that defines a safe and just space for humanity between social foundations and ecological ceilings.
The Doughnut Economy can be applied at global, national, and local levels. European cities such as Amsterdam and Barcelona—located in partner countries of this project—have already begun implementing this approach. Recognizing its relevance, the project partners translated the Doughnut Economy framework into practical tools for youth work and Third Sector organizations.
Objectives
Beyond environmental and social care, the Doughnut Economy responds to the urgent need for a new paradigm that operates within social and ecological limits. It challenges “business as usual” and calls for economic models that genuinely address climate urgency—without greenwashing. This approach also emphasizes the responsible use of technology and digitalisation, grounded in democratic, just, and critical perspectives.
Through this project, partners aimed to make this innovative and internationally recognized economic theory accessible and applicable within non-formal and informal youth work and education.
The main objectives were:
To increase the competences of 30 youth workers through the exchange of best practices in sustainable entrepreneurship, technology, and climate action, based on the Doughnut Economy
To develop theoretical and practical youth work materials on sustainable entrepreneurship, technology, and climate action within the non-formal education sector
To raise community awareness around sustainable entrepreneurship, technology, and climate action
Implementation
The project included three transnational meetings: a kick-off meeting in Spain, an online intermediate evaluation meeting, and a final meeting in Estonia.
A Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity for 29 youth workers and youth leaders was organized in Spain. Based on this experience, partners developed a draft Interactive Guide (162 pages) and an Audiobook that introduces a new methodology for working with youth on the Doughnut Economy. These materials were tested through two internal workshops in each partner country, involving local youth and external youth workers, whose feedback informed further development.
A youth exchange for 29 participants from partner countries was held in the Netherlands, where project materials were tested, refined, and later translated into partner languages.
At the end of the project, partners organized two multiplier events in each country to share the outcomes beyond the partnership. Follow-up workshops for local youth were also conducted, using the final version of the Interactive Guide, which expanded to 198 pages.
Results & Impact
The main project results include:
An Interactive Guide and Audiobook for youth workers, available in four languages, featuring non-formal education methods on sustainable entrepreneurship, technology, and climate action based on the Doughnut Economy
29 youth workers and youth leaders trained in Spain on applying Doughnut Economy principles in youth work
Additional youth workers from partner NGOs were trained through internal workshops
29 young people trained during the youth exchange in the Netherlands to act as ambassadors and local promoters of sustainable entrepreneurship and climate action
Support for all participants in applying their new competencies locally through multiplier events, consultations, and follow-up activities
Broad dissemination of the project, its topic, and its results within and beyond the partnership
Impact on Young People and Youth Workers
Young people:
Gained updated knowledge on climate urgency and diverse forms of climate action
Improved access to remote learning opportunities after the pandemic
Strengthened understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship through practical examples
Youth workers:
Deepened expertise in economic models that address climate urgency
Updated educational offers with Doughnut Economy–based entrepreneurship tools
Improved skills in remote youth work, media literacy, and online activism
Coordinator: EESTI PEOPLE TO PEOPLE KARBERI 33-76 13919 TALLINN 🇪🇪 Estonia
• Start date 01-05-2022 • End date 31-03-2024
• ASOCIACIÓN CULTURAL Y MEDIOAMBIENTAL PERMACULTURA CANTABRIA 🇪🇸 Spain • Stichting Adventures of the Valparaiso 🇳🇱 Netherlands
2021-2-EE01-KA220-YOU-000048246