Finnish learning community and resources

Source: EU/Erasmus+

Students to receive incentives to travel to their mobility experience by train instead of airplane 

Over 5000 students and education sector staff support changes to make Erasmus+ mobility more sustainable 

The Erasmus+ Mobility program offers transformative experiences for students across Europe. While fostering integration and inclusivity, its environmental impact remains a concern. From 2014-2020, Erasmus+ contributed 414,000 to 672,000 tonnes of CO2, a footprint set to grow without intervention.

The Green Erasmus initiative aims to alter student mobility habits during exchanges, lessening the program's environmental toll. A petition garnered 5257 signatures, advocating for:

1. Raising the €50 to a universal top-up of up to €250 for eco-friendly travel, proportional to distance.
2. Extending the 4-day support to 7 days, covering added subsistence and accommodation costs for green travel.

Implementing these changes would enable students to travel greener without financial strain, enhancing their European experience.

To further these goals:

1. A policy recommendations report will be shared with key policymakers.
2. A Brussels conference convened stakeholders to address petition concerns.

Why this change? Green Erasmus research revealed 75% of students choose planes due to cost and convenience, despite environmental concerns. Flying's climate impact is significant, emitting CO2 and pollutants. Though students express climate worry (94%), systemic shifts are required:

1. Promoting cheaper train, bus, and sea travel over air travel.
2. Enhancing high-speed train connections.
3. Developing integrated train and bus networks, especially disability-friendly options.

Green Erasmus urges immediate action. Although the program acknowledges environmental issues, the current "green top-up" of €50 and 4 extra support days falls short:

1. Financial incentive falls inadequate for land travel costs.
2. Implementing the top-up burdens Higher Education Institutions.
3. Clearer guidance on top-up issuance is necessary.

 Green Erasmus Petition