Communities For Climate (C4C)
Committed to doing our part!
The increasing impact of climate change and the recent energy crisis have made the transition to a green economy more urgent than ever. Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is now a priority for policymakers at all levels and for local communities. There is a need and a rationale for actions closer to citizens. Local involvement in climate action is crucial to combating the apathy and mental health issues stemming from the perception of climate change as inevitable and threatening the future.
To this end, in cooperation with the Climate Pact Ambassadors initiative, the European Commission has launched the Communities for Climate (C4C) pilot action. This initiative will support 50 Communities for Climate, encouraging them to engage in citizen’s climate actions, to develop and implement innovative ideas for more sustainable and resilient neighbourhoods.
Empowering local climate action: 50 Communities for Climate
C4C projects focus on regenerating biodiversity, circular economies, renewable energy and water resource management. They also contribute to the European Union’s broader climate and environmental goals, aligned with its objective of becoming climate-neutral by 2050. Communities for Climate propose replicable and impactful climate solutions to inspire other local communities across the EU.
Geographic scope
The eleven countries covered by C4C are: Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain and Sweden.
Since climate issues know no borders, the C4C initiative also supports cross-border communities, considering their complex environments. From projects across the Italian-Slovenian border to exchanges between Spain and France and collaborations between Hungary and Romania, C4C will foster cross-border community-building and ensure that inspiring and innovative solutions, best practices and valuable lessons are shared among the selected communities and beyond.
Coming together for action!
In February 2025, the first Communities for Climate (C4C) Networking Event brought together 50 local community representatives in Brussels and online to exchange experiences, strengthen networks, and advance community-led climate resilience. Hosted at DG REGIO, the two-day gathering featured a dynamic action dialogue, a thematic world café and a systemic barriers analysis, among other sessions. During the event, community leaders and experts had the chance to collaborate and share challenges and successes, identify key leverage points for systemic change, and explore opportunities for future action. The event left participants feeling energised, motivated, and empowered to continue their work with new ideas for projects, strengthened ties, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.