Reflecting on 2023
As 2023 draws to a close, we take a moment to look back on a year marked by important events, community engagement, strategic announcements, and preparation for an ambitious next year.
Advocacy and Campaigns:
Our participation in 10 joint campaigns with European and global climate networks has been a highlight of 2023. These ranged from advocating for stricter climate regulations for businesses to significant international initiatives like the Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels when members of our network joined 600,000 people in calling for a fast and fair exit from fossil fuels. We've been at the forefront of important movements, including the Stop Cambo campaign against fossil fuel expansion in Europe and, as European Branch, contributed to the European Commission’s consultation on 2040 climate targets.
Our Community's Expansion:
We're thrilled to share that our social media community has grown to nearly 20,000 followers! Your engagement and support have been instrumental in spreading our message, which reached approximately 150,000 views over the year.
New Initiatives Launched:
Mid-year, we introduced four global Climate Reality campaigns. These initiatives aim at emissions reduction, financing a just transition, strengthening international cooperation, anti-greenwashing, and continuing our local program on climate justice through the Navigating Climate Justice training.
Events and Activism:
This year, over 2,000 individuals joined us in events organized by Climate Reality Europe and the Climate Reality Leaders (CRLs), focusing on vital issues like local climate activism, just energy transition, and climate justice. These events have contributed to building a positive narrative around climate action.
Looking Ahead to 2024
Strategic Partnership and Internal Focus:
At the beginning of 2024, we will announce a new strategic partnership. This collaboration will mark a new chapter for Climate Reality Europe. A significant part of our late 2023 efforts was dedicated to developing new strategies and long-term plans, setting the stage for a BIG 2024.
Upcoming Activities and Campaigns:
In 2024, we will unveil new activities and campaigns for you to participate in. Expect innovative tools, guidelines for effective climate action, and more opportunities to connect with Climate Reality Leaders and activists, both in-person and virtually.
Targeted Initiatives:
Our focus will be on emissions reduction, targeting top emitters, and supporting the transition to 100% renewable energy. We'll encourage grassroots climate action, especially in municipalities. Our efforts in Poland and Kosovo will continue, emphasizing our footprint in the just transition movement by exploring citizens’ and communities’ perception of energy transformation and its social impacts and using those to advocate for a participatory and fair process. Moreover, the 3rd edition of the virtual Navigating Climate Justice training and related webinars will further our commitment to an intersectional approach of the climate crisis.
2024 Key Events:
Get ready for major events like the Climate Reality Leaders meet-up at the ChangeNOW conference in Paris (March 2024), the Climate Reality Leadership Corps training in Italy (June 2024), the virtual Navigating Climate Justice training (October 2024), and participation in COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 2024).
"It's been a year of deep reflection, reorientation, and reconnection with our dedicated community. Riding this emotional wave of climate activism together is what gives us hope, joy, and energy. Together, we are strong!" Europe Branch
Here's to a 2024 filled with action, impact, and collaboration in our fight against climate change. Happy New Year from all of us at Climate Reality Europe! 🌍✨
In Memoriam: Remembering Zsolt Bauer
As we look forward to 2024, we also remember our dear friend and colleague, Zsolt Bauer, former Branch Manager of Climate Reality Europe, who passed away in March 2023. His memory and legacy continue to inspire us.