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‘Climate change is one of humanity's greatest challenges in the 21st century. Its main cause is the increase in the greenhouse effect, a phenomenon intensified by human activity, which is characterised by significant changes in climate patterns at a global level, with a profound
impact on the world. (...) The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all Member States of the United Nations, created 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of these, Goal 13 calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (...).’
‘Think global, act local’ is the motto for community action that becomes an invaluable human contribution to realising these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). People and communities play a fundamental role in building a sustainable future by joining forces and working together to implement significant changes at local and regional level in our cities and territories.
Community initiatives are important because they reflect decisions made by citizens who are aware of the impact that climate change has on their daily lives and who choose to actively participate in changing their relationship with the environment and available resources, aligning themselves with global discussions on sustainability, such as those presented in the article ‘COP - Solutions for the Future or No Future?’.
Local initiatives are most often born out of the identification of specific challenges and needs in each community, to which the community moves to find appropriate, effective and sustainable solutions, with the participation of those directly involved. Community initiatives contribute to reducing resource consumption, waste production and protecting biodiversity, as well as strengthening social ties and a sense of belonging.
The following are examples of community initiatives for a sustainable future:
On the use of renewable energies
● Installing solar panels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
● Installation of mini wind turbines to generate clean, local electricity/energy. ● Utilising organic waste/biomass to generate energy, a growing practice in rural communities.
Waste management
● Selective collection - separating waste into different categories (organic, recyclable and non-recyclable) facilitates recycling and composting.
● Composting - the transformation of organic waste into natural fertiliser - reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill sites, increasing the production of organic fertiliser that enriches the soil.
● Practising the circular economy and the motto ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ reduces the production of new goods and reduces the consumption of natural resources.
In terms of sustainable agriculture
● Organic farming without the use of chemical fertilisers or agro-toxins preserves the quality of the soil and water resources.
● Precision agriculture using technologies such as drones and sensors optimises the use of water and fertilisers, reducing environmental impact.
● The integration of trees and agricultural crops - agro-forestry - improves soil quality, increases biodiversity and provides food and timber products.
● Production of organic food, reduction of food waste and promotion of healthy eating in community/urban gardens.
Sustainable mobility
● Building cycle and pedestrian paths encourages the use of healthier and more sustainable means of transport.
● Improving public transport networks helps reduce traffic jams and greenhouse gas emissions/pollution.
● Organising carpooling and shared transport optimises the use of vehicles, reducing the number of cars on the streets.
In terms of water conservation
● Capturing and storing rainwater for use in irrigating gardens, vegetable plots and agriculture reduces the use of water resources.
● Installing efficient irrigation systems and reducing water consumption in homes and industries.
Environmental education
● Educational programmes, workshops, lectures and educational activities for all ages are key to raising awareness of the importance of sustainability.
How each of us can participate in community initiatives:
1. Look for local groups and organisations dedicated to environmental sustainability. 2. Create your own group or project if you can't find something that corresponds to your causes or needs.
3. Collaborate with other communities, share, exchange experiences and learn from other groups that have similar projects.
4. Look for and take part in events and activities organised by local associations or bodies that promote sustainability.
5. Support financially or volunteer for causes and projects you believe in and that need resources.
6. Use social media and organise events to publicise your ideas or other projects and encourage other people to take part.
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