Theme for 2026 Nordic Council Environment Prize

The children and young people of today and tomorrow are those who will live with the effects of climate change. Teaching them about climate issues and biodiversity strengthens their knowledge, commitment, and opportunity to influence, which in turn lays the foundation for a generation that is aware and that takes responsibility.

The theme for the 2026 Nordic Council Environment Prize stresses the importance of giving young people knowledge, skills, and a voice to be able to influence their future and contribute to sustainable development and adaptation to climate change. In a time marked by increased misinformation and a trend of democratic backsliding/weakening, where freedom of expression and the scope of civil society are restricted, good education and robust participation among young people are particularly important.

By giving children and young people the tools they need to understand complex relationships and develop source criticism and critical thinking, disinformation can be countered and democratic participation strengthened, while developing responsibility for and commitment to the environment and nature. Nature and climate knowledge is not only an environmental issue – it’s also a question of inclusion and democracy.

Teaching must be based on research and elucidate the connection between the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity, as well as the role of humans through consumption and lifestyle. This education can have a long-term impact by changing consumption patterns, promoting green innovation, and strengthening democratic participation. It also promotes solution-oriented thinking, respect for nature, and social responsibility. At the same time, it helps to increase awareness of how climate change and nature loss affect the basis of life in the Nordic Region – from marine environments to forests and Arctic ecosystems.

The theme supports several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including goals 4 (Quality education), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), 13 (Climate action), 14 (Life below water), 15 (Life on land), and 17 (Partnerships for the goals), and thus actively contributes to the Nordic Region’s joint efforts for a sustainable future.

The theme is relevant for all the Nordic countries, since they share similar educational systems, environmental commitments, and a strong tradition of democracy among children and young people. At the same time, all the Nordic countries face the challenge of preserving ecosystems, countering climate change, and ensuring a sustainable future, which makes the topic particularly relevant throughout the region.

Nominated proposals will be assessed based on the following criteria:

Impact

• How has the initiative contributed to increasing children’s and young people's knowledge and involvement in climate and nature issues, as well as to creating the conditions for behavioural changes or stronger participation?

Innovation

• In what way is the initiative innovative in its method, scope, pedagogy, or use of technology compared to traditional teaching efforts?

Scalability

• What potential is there for the initiative to be adapted, disseminated, or scaled-up to reach more children and young people in other regions or countries within and outside the Nordic Region?

Relevance

• How does the initiative build on a scientific foundation and strengthen children’s and young people’s ability and opportunity to get involved, contribute to the preservation of ecosystems, counter climate change, and promote behavioural change? Furthermore, how does the initiative increase inclusion, respect for nature, social responsibility, and the chance of a sustainable future?