Climate action Successful experiences and promising practices from the 2021 EESC Civil Society Prize

Abstract

As the voice of organised civil society in Europe, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) brings together employers, trade unions and the diverse interests represented in the economic, civic, professional and cultural fields. By enabling civil-society organisations from the Member States to express their views at the European level, the EESC contributes to strengthening the democratic legitimacy and effectiveness of the European Union and helps to ensure that European policies and legislation are a better fit with the economic, social and civic circumstances on the ground. For more than 60 years, the Committee has fostered dialogue and consensus between the sectors that make up European society. EESC members represent a vast range of interests: community and youth organisations, consumer and professional associations, environmental campaigners, associations of disabled people, and many more. It was to recognise civil society’s best efforts towards European identity and citizenship that the EESC launched its annual Civil Society Prize back in 2006. The EUR-50 000 prize focuses on a different topic every year. This year’s theme is climate action, celebrating effective and creative initiatives that promote a just transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. The EESC received over 50 entries from 24 EU Member States. They demonstrate value and creativity in a variety of areas, including reforestation, sustainable tourism, greening of industrial zones, youth activism, inclusion of people with disabilities, and cooling overheated cities. This brochure presents the five winning projects and gives an overview of the innovative approaches that civil society organisations are taking to tackle the climate emergency.