Erasmus+ programme stands as a beacon of educational exchange and intercultural learning. However, it’s crucial to scrutinize not only the cultural and educational impact of Erasmus but also its environmental footprint. This blog post delves into the Erasmus+ climate footprint, shedding light on the program’s environmental implications and exploring pathways towards sustainability.
About the author: AY Institute has been active in Erasmus+ since 2014. We have organised dozens of (youth) mobilities; and, thus, have a significant climate footprint. This is also the reason we are being vocal about this issue.
The Environmental Footprint of Erasmus+
The Erasmus+ programme, celebrated for fostering cross-border education and youth work, inherently involves extensive travel arrangements, which has significant environmental repercussions. A closer examination reveals the dynamics of the Erasmus impact on the climate.
The Data Unpacked
In 2021, Erasmus+ launched 3,429 projects, a number expected to have grown in the later years. These projects encapsulate both youth exchanges and the mobility of youth workers. For our analysis, we draw on public data and reasonable assumptions to understand the program’s carbon footprint.
Average Erasmus+ mobility includes about 30 participants from five countries and takes part in Italy
- Mobility Makeup: The average Erasmus+ mobility includes about 30 participants from five countries and takes part in Italy (which most often serves as a destination country). It involves 24 international and 6 local participants, encompassing a week of activities.
- Carbon Calculations: The environmental cost is calculated based on travel, accommodation, and daily activities. The numbers are as follows:
- ⚡ Energy: 874 kg CO2e
- 🛌 Accommodation and Catering: 4.2 tonnes CO2e
- ✈️ Travel: 11.52 tonnes CO2e (or around ~69% of the total)
- Total: 16.594 tonnes CO2e per mobility
Average Erasmus+ youth mobility creates around 16.6 tonnes of CO2e.
When scaled to the entire breadth of the program, this translates to approximately 56,900 tonnes of CO2e for the year 2021 alone—a figure that starkly highlights the Erasmus+ climate footprint.
The overall Erasmus+ impact on climate is staggering 56900 tonnes yearly.
The Broader Impact
To contextualize, the cumulative emissions from Erasmus+ in 2021 equate to what an average European would produce over 7,323 years. While the educational and cultural gains of Erasmus+ are undeniable, this environmental toll cannot be overlooked.
the cumulative emissions from Erasmus+ in 2021 equate to what an average European would produce over 7,323 years
Towards a Greener Future
Acknowledging the Erasmus impact extends beyond cultural enrichment; it necessitates a proactive approach to minimizing its environmental footprint. Here are some steps forward:
- Sustainability Measures: Encouraging the use of greener transportation options (as ~69% of the emissions are travel-related), promoting virtual exchanges where feasible, and implementing sustainable event management practices can significantly reduce the program’s carbon footprint.
- Transparency and Accountability: Mandatory reporting of environmental impact by participating organizations can foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Community Engagement: Involving participants in sustainability initiatives can enhance awareness and drive collective action towards reducing the climate footprint.
Around 69% of the climate impact is travel-related.
Conclusion
The Erasmus+ programme’s contribution to education and youth work is invaluable. Yet, as we assess its impact on climate, reimagining the Erasmus+ model to align with sustainability principles becomes imperative. By embracing sustainability measures and fostering a culture of responsibility, Erasmus+ can continue to be a source of inspiration and learning, while also safeguarding our planet for future generations.
