CLIMATE DEMOCRACY BEGINS WITH PEOPLE: CITIZENS FOR CLIMATE INAUGURAL REPORT PUBLISHED
How can we ensure that climate policy is not only highly effective but also deeply democratic? This was the central question driving People. Power. Planet. – an international event held in Brussels in March 2026, which officially launched the European project Citizens for Climate.
The outcomes of this gathering have now been compiled into a newly published report: “Climate Democracy, Participation Obstacles and Local Practices in Europe.” The publication presents the project’s initial findings alongside actionable best practices from across Europe.
The report demonstrates that a successful climate transition depends on the active participation of residents in decision-making processes. The authors examine existing participatory tools – such as citizen assemblies, public consultations, and grassroots initiatives – while also identifying the systemic barriers that currently limit public engagement.
By drawing on the diverse experiences of partners from seven EU Member States, the publication highlights solutions designed to enhance policy transparency and rebuild trust between citizens and public institutions.
Key Focus Areas of the Project
- Bridging the Gap: Developing new avenues for participatory democracy to ensure that climate action is socially co-designed and widely accepted.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Identifying and breaking down social, economic, and bureaucratic barriers that prevent marginalized groups from taking part in climate debates.
- Creating a Roadmap: Consolidating regional successes into a unified European strategy for local climate action.
The Road Ahead: 2026–2027
The Mission Possible Foundation is a proud partner of the Citizens for Climate initiative. As part of our commitment to strengthening local democracy, we will be hosting community events, interactive workshops, and advocacy campaigns to popularize the best European participatory practices in Poland.
One of the project’s flagship outputs will be a practical, step-by-step guidebook on public participation in climate policy, featuring tailored recommendations for civil society organizations, local governments, and policymakers.
This report is the first milestone in a collaborative journey that will run through the end of 2027, uniting partners across Europe in the push for a more democratic, transparent, and effective climate transition.