From online workshops to grassroots activism, the PEACE for Nature project has brought local communities across Europe together for climate action. Between October 2024 and the end of the year, these initiatives showcased the power of collective action in addressing the climate crisis while inspiring others to drive change. Here’s a glimpse of the local actions that took place!

The cycle of local actions began with an online meetup on October 23rd, which highlighted entrepreneurship as a tool for climate justice. Participants explored three creative ideas: recycling clothing into soundproof materials, advocating for waste management reforms, and establishing a skills development hub for retirees and people with disabilities in Palestine. This event fostered connections between climate activists from Europe and Palestine, encouraging cross-border collaboration and adaptation of these ideas in local contexts.

On October 30th in Amsterdam, a dialogue and panel discussion addressed the intersection of climate goals with economic and social realities. Stakeholders, including policymakers and community leaders, discussed sustainable agriculture, flood management, and energy transitions. The event concluded with practical ideas and a policy recommendation report, which will be presented at COP 29 to amplify the local discourse on climate justice at the international level.

On November 11th in Utrecht, an educational dialogue hosted by Debt for Climate Netherlands examined the critical links between debt, climate injustice, and neo-colonial legacies. The session featured Daeng Yudi, a young climate activist from Indonesia, who shared his experience fighting the climate crisis and advocating for debt cancellation in Global South nations. This event fostered solidarity between participants from the Global North and South and strengthened networks for future collaborative actions.

From November 22nd to 24th, SCI Italy’s Catania group organized a weekend training in Catania focused on the intersections of climate, migration, sustainability, and inclusion. In partnership with local activists and the Fridays for Future movement, the event emphasized the role of volunteering in promoting climate justice. Participants discussed climate adaptation strategies and reflected on how to bring these insights back to their communities. Practical sessions covered topics like identifying climate-related misinformation and promoting sustainable living practices, such as plant-based meal preparation.

On December 7th, SCI Italy hosted “Volunteering for Rebirth: Communities and Territories Beyond Climate Emergencies” at La Città dell’Utopia in Rome. This event raised funds for Valencia’s climate recovery efforts and highlighted volunteerism’s role in post-disaster recovery through discussions, testimonies, and a vegan fundraising dinner.

On December 28th, an online talk moderated by Shams Albeshawi, hosting Baraa Zawahra took place. The talk explored topics such as living under occupation, Baraa’s experience as a farmer and his sustainable living practices in Palestine. There was also an introduction covering Palestine 101 and greenwashing!

Between November 25th and December 31st, the OSADA.EARTH initiative in Poland tackled the complex challenges of climate catastrophe and polycrisis through a series of online meetings which were attended by more that 80 people. Among other positive outcomes, these sessions contributed to the increase of  awareness between young and engaged people on the topic of climate catastrophe challenges and polycrisis. They provided a sense of solidarity, support and an atmosphere of togetherness in these times and also integrated a community of people who are concerned about the future and would like to take adequate action together.

Finally, as part of these local initiatives, the International Secretariat of SCI developed a vegan cookbook resource for use during trainings and projects. This cookbook highlights the importance of sustainability and green alternatives in SCI’s activities, as well as the value placed on care work. We encourage you to soon visit our resources page to explore this inspiring and delicious vegan cookbook!

These actions demonstrate the power of communities in addressing the climate crisis. By sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences, participants in the PEACE for Nature project have laid the foundation for a fairer and more sustainable future. The PEACE for Nature project is supported by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe. For more updates, check our webpage and social media channels!