Climate Racism: An Urgent Call for Environmental Justice - Rosmel Rodríguez "The scarcest resource is human ingenuity, and fortunately, it is a resource that does not run out." Julian Simon The concept of climate racism has gained significance in recent years, highlighting how certain marginalized populations disproportionately face the impacts of climate change (Nelson & Grubesic, 2018). Typically located in the poorest regions of the planet, far from resources and under neglectful governments or with scant conditions, these vulnerable communities (Silva Lopes, 2023) require assistance to defend themselves against increasingly constant climate disasters (Agyeman, Bullard, & Evans, 2003).

The COVID-19 pandemic gives an opportunity to relaunch global economic systems with a better balance between the social and environmental dimensions. There is a need for a scientifically-based step towards a strong Green Deal: a Climate Pact for the EU. Based on a bestselling French book, this English translation provides a summary of the facts on the climate issue, the solutions available and their costs. It outlines the political advantages and challenges current policy, practice and thinking at a time when populist leaders are transforming politics worldwide. This timely book will contribute to a renewed political vision for the EU, the European Economic Area, the UK and Africa.

The European Commission carried out an open public consultation on the European Climate Pact (the Pact) from March 4th to June 17th, 2020 (15 weeks in total). The inputs from this public consultation are relevant to shape the Pact ahead of its launch in the last quarter of 2020 and to inform the Communication on the Pact. This report provides an analysis of the responses received to the public consultation. This initiative aims to engage all European citizens, communities and organisations in all sectors of society and economy in designing new climate action, sharing information, launching grassroots activities and showcasing solutions that others can follow. The public consultation asked citizens and organisations questions on the three pillars of the Pact, i.e. talking about climate change, triggering action, and working together, as well as ideas and suggestions for further development and actions and interest in the Pact. The public consultation sheds light on the following insights: - Respondents called for more climate education. This was deemed as one of the most impactful activities that the Pact could support or contribute to. Education in schools and scientists and think tanks were also considered the most important channels or sources of information. Scientists and experts were nominated as the most suitable 'ambassadors' of the Pact. - Knowledge sharing surfaced as an essential theme in the public consultation. Respondents noted that they would like to know more about what actions other individuals or organisations are taking, as well as practical tips, and information on carbon, ecological and consumption footprints. This is foreseen by engaging in meetings and connecting with more like-minded people or relevant (local) platforms and initiatives through, e.g. workshops, participatory sessions, and networking events. Knowledge sharing and enhanced collaboration can also be achieved through trainings on climate change problems and collaborative solutions, matchmaking, and other opportunities for contacts and exchange. - Support (material or other) offered by the Pact or other related EU initiatives was recognized as a critical enabler of climate action. Respondents highlighted that they would want information on concrete actions that they could take, as individuals or as organisations. The expected type of support includes e.g. advice on actions that can be taken; advice on engaging with reliable information; support to cope with the effects of climate change and reducing emissions measures; material support (funding, capacity-building); and non-material support (e.g. visibility, recognition). Respondents appeared highly motivated to attend informative events to learn about climate action and to exchange information. The Pact could facilitate such events and offer support for collaboration initiatives and local initiatives. - For areas of action, the Pact would add most value in promoting a more circular economy, climate-friendly mobility and energy generation from renewable sources. Over the medium term, the Pact can also challenge carbon-intensive food production and consumption and integrate biodiversity issues into climate action. The latter are reflected in the themes that respondents are willing to address through their pledges. Local and sustainably produced food and biodiversity are supported by around half of potential pledges. Food choices being particularly important to the youth.

The European Union is determined to lead the way to accelerate climate and environmental action on all fronts. In December 2019, the European Commission presented the European Green Deal - our plan for transforming the EU into a fair, healthy, sustainable and prosperous society. A resilient economy that works for people and for nature. Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Economic growth decoupled from resource use and pollution.

This short report contains the proceedings and results of two participatory initiatives in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE). Both projects run between November 2021 and March 2022 and engaged citizens in EU climate action and explored their views and demands for the climate future of Europe: the Peer Parliaments of the European Climate Pact, managed by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) and the Citizens' Panels of the support action under the Green Deal Call for R&I 'Support to the engagement of European Citizens in the transition to the European Green Deal (EGD)', led by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD).