The CO2 PACMAN Open Air event and the Youth Think Tank in Rethymno, Crete successfully brought climate neutrality and decarbonization discussions into the public sphere by actively engaging citizens, young people, educators, and local stakeholders. Organised within the framework of the CO2 PACMAN Rooting Lab, these initiatives promoted inclusive dialogue, awareness-raising, and hands-on participation through interactive exhibitions, participatory discussions, and innovative visualisation tools. The Youth Think Tank, held on October 10, 2024, at the Rethymno Town Hall, further empowered secondary school students through peer-to-peer learning, virtual reality simulations, and a digital game created by local youth, encouraging them to explore how individual and collective choices shape pathways toward a climate-neutral future. Together, the events strengthened community-driven engagement and marked the start of a long-term process supporting youth involvement in future co-design labs and climate action initiatives.
