Climate change poses a significant and immediate threat to communities worldwide. From rising temperatures and sea levels to increasingly severe weather events, the impacts of climate change are both widespread and deeply felt at the local level. Top-down approaches risk falling short in addressing the unique needs and capabilities of individual communities. Furthermore, top-down policies risk being ineffective in delivering their intended results, especially if citizens are not consulted during the decision-making process, exposing decision-makers to well-deserved public backlash. To tackle the environmental crisis, it is now evident that solutions need to involve local communities to be effective.
The European Commission’s DG for Regional and Urban Policy (REGIO) is supporting Communities for Climate (C4C). This is a pilot action that embraces the principle of subsidiarity in finding solutions at the local level, consistent with the place-based approach to policy that sets cohesion policy apart. This initiative aims to empower local communities in leading the response against climate change. C4C supports citizen-driven projects that address various aspects of climate action, such as renewable energy, circular economy, water resource management, and biodiversity conservation. By providing financial, technical, and strategic support, C4C provides communities with the tools and expertise to implement and sustain impactful climate-friendly practices.
C4C operates by identifying and supporting community-led projects across eleven EU countries. The initiative focuses on projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to climate action and have the potential for significant local impact. These projects are selected based on specific criteria in a competitive process to ensure the promotion of promising and feasible initiatives.
The selection process for C4C involved several stages. Communities interested in participating were required to submit detailed proposals outlining their climate action plans, objectives, and expected outcomes. These proposals were evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, community engagement, and sustainability, among others. The most promising projects were then chosen to receive support from C4C. The 50 selected local community projects are to receive comprehensive technical and development assistance tailored to their specific needs. This support includes:
Customized Study Visits: These visits allow community leaders to learn from successful projects and gain insights into best practices and innovative solutions.
Mentoring and Coaching: Experts provide ongoing guidance and support to help communities navigate challenges and refine their strategies.
Peer-Learning Opportunities: Communities can connect with and learn from each other, fostering a collaborative network of climate action leaders.
Strategic Guidance: C4C offers strategic advice to ensure that projects are not only successful but also scalable and replicable in other contexts.
As of June 2024, 50 communities were already selected and are being paired with experts who will provide the required technical knowledge to support them in implementing their climate actions locally.
Commenting on what they would need the most to carry out their actions, several selected applicants identified a few common challenges. For example, there is a widespread need for greater access to professional expertise and resources to develop their projects and realise their fullest potential. Effective management, participatory planning, and streamlined collaborative processes were also often mentioned as critical for success. Participants also highlighted the value of sharing good practices, peer support and learning from similar experiences. All such practices were identified as key in enhancing their efforts, which explained the participants’ excitement for the study visits foreseen by the initiative. Additionally, the importance of cross-border cooperation and the need for participatory and community-led approaches, fostering collaboration and strong networks, were underscored as vital. Recognising needs and connecting with the reality of local communities, their local stories and goals brings deeper insights and further shapes the support and development the experts in C4C can provide to empower communities in climate action.
When asked, the C4C experts considered that one key challenge is the need for better conflict resolution and project development skills. Eva Stützel (Ecovillage Sieben Linden) in Germany pointed out that "communities often struggle with conflict resolution and lack project development skills. My role combines facilitation and project expertise to build competence within teams."
Another pressing need is avoiding redundant efforts and leveraging existing knowledge. Elinor Askmar (Transition Network Sweden) states that "local communities need not reinvent the wheel. My role is to share the wealth of experience from citizen-led transitions, helping initiatives navigate towards greater impact more efficiently."
The importance of systemic thinking and collaborative decision-making is also crucial. Giulio Pesenti Campagnoni (Transition Network Italy) highlights that "communities need facilitators for sensemaking and co-design. They must understand diverse stakeholders and act collectively for broader societal benefit."
Trust and local context are essential for achieving lasting climate action. According to Aleksandra Jaszczyk (ISERIS, Poland),"effective climate action is based on trust, respect, and mutual support. Expertise must be contextualised within a trusted community framework."
Teija Timilsina (Jalotus ry - Transition movement Finland) underscores the significance of community collaboration: "I strongly believe we need people and communities who have the ability and desire to work together. The practices and understandings generated by joint actions and sharing knowledge help to see value more broadly (…) to include a wider range of quality-of-life factors, such as healthy habitats and interactions."
Financial resources and professionalising efforts are necessary for long-term impact. Juan del Río (Red de Transición, Spain) observes that "communities need effective collaboration, financial resources, and project development expertise to sustain their efforts."
Experts also provide leverage and professional standing. As Tracey Wheatley (Transition Wekerle, Hungary) notes, "experts help deliver results that locals may not achieve alone. Sharing knowledge effectively within the community is vital for broader engagement."
Support and recognition from public authorities are also vital. Florent Gaudin (Collectif pour une Transition Citoyenne, France) suggests that "communities need public authority backing, funding, and collaborative networks to focus on innovation and creation."
Finally, shared understanding and new narratives for a regenerative future are foundational. Thomas Meier (Ecovillage Schloss Tonndorf, Germany) asserts that "communities need a shared understanding of global challenges and the courage to engage in collaborative decision-making."
Communities for Climate is a vital initiative that recognizes the power of local action in the fight against climate change. By supporting community-driven projects, C4C empowers local leaders to implement innovative and sustainable solutions tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. This localized approach not only helps mitigate the immediate impacts of climate change but also fosters a culture of sustainability and resilience.
As these projects demonstrate success, they serve as models for other communities, inspiring broader change across Europe and beyond. The C4C initiative exemplifies the importance of grassroots action in addressing global challenges, highlighting that effective climate action starts at the local level.
