The recent “Empowering Communities: knowledge exchange for climate action” webinar, part of the “Placemaking for climate mitigation” project, held on June 5th (Earth day) highlighted a crucial truth: meaningful climate action thrives at the local level. The webinar emphasized that the future isn’t something we wait for; rather, it’s something we co-create into existence all together, showcasing how communities can collectively respond to climate change through approachable, scalable, and strategic local initiatives.
The event featured four distinguished speakers:
Their insights consistently demonstrated that community-driven “placemaking” — the collaborative shaping of public spaces — is a potent force for both climate mitigation and enhanced societal well-being.
Win-wins for people and planet: the power of active lifestyles
Dr. Karim Abu-Omar introduced the “One health” or “Planetary health” concept, stressing the need for “win-win” scenarios that benefit both people and the planet. He cited active transport (walking and cycling) as a prime example, significantly reducing traffic emissions while creating healthier, more people-friendly cities. Karim’s work with “hard-to-reach populations” revealed that co-produced physical activity programs achieve remarkable engagement, leading to improved health and inherently low-carbon footprint initiatives.
Eco-conscious events: from cost to collective benefit
Reka Veress, drawing from the “City green go” Erasmus+ project, demonstrated how organizing eco-friendly events can shift from “cost to benefits” with smart planning. Emphasizing that the two most important steps are preparation and planning, she highlighted the importance of early decisions regarding venue, food, waste management, and transparent communication. Engaging participants in eco-friendly choices, such as community runs to event venues, not only educates but also builds collective ownership, transforming green habits into “scalable and strategic events.”
Cultivating community and environment: the “move for trees” model
Cynthia Debono’s “Move for trees” initiative in Malta showcased how grassroots action can drive tangible environmental change. This inclusive, accessible project, powered by community time, energy, and motivation, allows participants to “exchange” kilometers from walking, running, or cycling for trees. This collective, non-monetary investment resulted in 200,000 CO2-free kilometers and 3,000 trees planted across Malta, bridging “the gap between the people and the stakeholders, the policy makers.”
Beyond the obvious: museums as pillars of resilience
Helene Gallis challenged conventional thinking by advocating for underutilized public spaces, particularly museums, as vital hubs for climate action and community building. Despite initial skepticism, Helene demonstrated how local museums can become “centers of modern neighborhoods” by offering community gardens, educational programs, and diverse public events. These hubs not only mitigate climate impact but also foster social resilience by building connections and cultivating practical skills for “crisis preparedness.” She urged the utilization of other underused public spaces like schools and libraries for similar community benefits.
The path forward: scaling local action
The insights from these experts underscore a powerful truth: local, community-driven placemaking is a scalable and strategic approach to climate mitigation and societal well-being. By focusing on win-win scenarios, empowering grassroots organizers, fostering collective contributions, and reimagining public spaces, communities are proving that significant change can occur outside traditional policy structures. As these initiatives demonstrate, we don’t need perfect solutions; we need people willing to start, try, and build the momentum together. The future of climate action hinges on amplifying these local efforts, connecting people, and building a shared commitment to a healthier planet and a more resilient society.
Placemaking for Climate Mitigation is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.