From Milan to Iceland: Spreading Awareness on Air Pollution

After a transformative week in Milan for the Erasmus+ project “Hold Your Breath: Air Pollution”, our youth workers have returned home — inspired, motivated, and ready to take action. The project, hosted between 9–15 August 2025, united participants from Italy, Iceland, Lithuania, Hungary, and Turkey to explore the global issue of air pollution and develop local solutions.

Air pollution affects millions of people every day. Through interactive sessions and discussions, our team learned about:

The types and sources of air pollutants

The link between pollution, public health, and climate change

Strategies to promote eco-friendly habits and cleaner communities

The workshops encouraged critical thinking and collaboration, helping youth workers develop practical solutions adaptable to their local contexts — including Iceland.

One of the most impactful parts of the project was the digital communication workshop, where participants learned to create powerful online content to raise environmental awareness. Our Icelandic youth plan to launch a #CleanAirIceland social media campaign, sharing what they learned and inspiring others to adopt greener lifestyles.

The project also provided a platform for intercultural dialogue. Meeting peers from different countries allowed participants to understand environmental challenges from multiple perspectives and exchange creative ideas. This experience reinforced the importance of global cooperation in addressing shared environmental problems.

Back in Iceland, Green Behavior Youth Organization is committed to continuing the mission of “Hold Your Breath.” Together with our youth workers, we will:

Organize community discussions on air pollution

Collaborate with local schools to promote sustainable habits

Share resources and knowledge gained in Milan with Icelandic youth networks

The project’s spirit lives on — in every small step towards sustainability, every conversation started, and every young person inspired to protect our planet.