News

5 June 2023

World Environment Day: four secrets to climate project success

Today, 5 June, is the United Nations’ annual World Environment Day. This year marks the event’s 50th anniversary – which arguably sheds light on just how complex effective environmental and climate action can be! Fortunately, we know that knowledge-exchange can help overcome complexity to accelerate climate action. Peer learning is a powerful tool that can serve to sharpen skills, catalyse new ideas, and even unearth the secrets to successful climate projects. This was on full display at a recent workshop, during which peer learning and expert advice ultimately shed light on four elements to make local climate and environmental action projects work.

First, employing a data-driven approach allows for informed decision-making, and targeted interventions. Second, stakeholder participation is essential to ensure that projects address the specific needs and concerns of a local community. Third, impact analysis must be baked into project design from the get-go to assess project effectiveness, relevance, and to ensure that necessary adjustments are made. Finally, climate justice should be considered and integrated into every stage of a project to ensure equitable outcomes.

The first of these key elements – namely: employing a data-driven approach – particularly stood-out throughout the workshop. A significant takeaway was the need to make use of diverse sources of data to drive concrete and informed climate and environmental action. By utilising comprehensive datasets, and even by developing machine learning and artificial intelligence models, projects can hone in on specific, effective, and targeted strategies and interventions to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for urban communities.

The workshop furthermore emphasised the ways in which local action will be key to realising the European Green Deal, as well as the importance of the Deal. Through local, data-driven projects, tangible progress can be made in achieving the goals set-out in the Green Deal, such as advancing carbon neutrality goals, reducing pollution, and adapting to climate change.

The workshop in question brought together the 13 projects that have received grants as part of the ICLEI Action Fund to support their data-based projects to improve environmental quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt to climate change at the local level. It provided a much-needed platform for diverse projects to converge, fostering an environment of information- and experience-sharing. This can concretely lead to breakthroughs, as project leads are supported to think beyond their specific contexts, and to explore broader options to contribute to climate and sustainability goals.

The ICLEI Action Fund serves as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among European cities engaged in data-driven climate action projects. The Action Fund workshop renewed momentum and collective commitment, empowering these projects to continue creating meaningful impact, improving environmental quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building resilient communities.

More information on the ICLEI Action Fund can be found by clicking here.