Climate Change Policy at the European Student Assembly in Strasbourg and more than 60 CEU students had the opportunity to participate in academic events funded by CIVICA last year. These events included the European Student Assembly in Strasbourg, European Week at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the CIVICA Honors seminar series, one of which was organized by CEU. The main objective of these activities is to support the formal exchange of students within the CIVICA alliance and to provide them with opportunities for professional development through dialogues, workshops and networking. (More on  ceu.edu)

Greenhouse gases, global warming, CO2 equivalent, carbon neutrality, Net zero, decarbonization, greenwashing, ESG, carbon footprint, global warming potential and many more (more…)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking applications for its cross-sectoral program to support climate change education. The cross-sectoral IP2 program on environmental education aims to support learning and teaching activities on climate change and the environment in UNESCO-designated sites, to engage schools and teachers in local communities, and to gather and share evidence and policy efforts on climate change education. (More on fundsforngos.org)

Pedro Velazquez, Head of the European Union Section for Civil Society, Gender Issues and Human Rights, said that the problem of climate change is not only an environmental but also an economic challenge that requires innovative and sustainable solutions.

Speaking at the ICAF International Debate, Velazquez highlighted the EU's key role in supporting government climate protection initiatives, highlighting the need to integrate young people into these discussions to increase their awareness and engagement. As he said, the European Union is convinced that young people must have the opportunity to actively participate in the climate dialogue.

"We have here representatives of universities and students who are the leaders of the future. It is essential that they defend their opinions and engage in their communities, cities and not only in the private sector but also in the public sphere,” added Velazquez.

According to him, young people have a unique opportunity to engage in various forms of peer education and participate in school and community programs focused on climate education. In this way, they can actively contribute to building a more informed and proactive generation that will be able to face the challenges related to climate change.

Engaging young people in these activities is not just about their education; it is also about strengthening their influence on decision-making in the field of climate policies. Directly engaging in dialogue will allow young people to express their views and initiatives, thereby contributing to the creation of more sustainable solutions and policies to protect our planet.

It is important that the EU and Member States create the conditions and platforms to support this engagement, so that young people can take the initiative and become real leaders in the fight against climate change. (Co2AI)

Green skills represent a set knowledge, skills and attitudeswhich are needed for developing, implementing and maintaining sustainable environmental practices and technologies. These skills enable individuals and organizations to respond effectively to environmental challenges, promote economic sustainability, and contribute to environmental protection.

The importance of green skills

1. Fighting climate change

– Green skills enable the creation and implementation of technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is key to limiting global warming.

2. Promoting sustainable development

– They help integrate sustainable practices into various sectors of the economy, thereby supporting long-term economic and environmental stability.

3. Increasing competitiveness

– Companies with employees with green skills can better respond to market requirements a regulatory changes, which increases their competitiveness.

4. Protection of biodiversity and natural resources

– Green skills enable effective management and protection natural ecosystems, which is essential for maintaining biodiversity a ecological balance.

Types of green skills

1. Technical green skills

– Installation and maintenance of renewable energy sources (e.g. solar panels, wind turbines).

– Energy efficiency – ability to conduct energy audits and implement energy-saving technologies.

– Green architecture and construction – design and construction of sustainable buildings.

– Waste management and recycling – efficient waste management and recycling.

2. Soft green skills

– Problem solving – the ability to identify and solve environmental problems in creative and effective ways.

– Teamwork – effective communication and collaboration within sustainable projects.

– Project management and administration – managing sustainable initiatives and motivating teams to achieve environmental goals.

3. Knowledge of sustainable principles and policies

– Understanding environmental regulations and sustainable policies that affect different sectors.

– Knowledge of biodiversity and ecological systems.

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Examples of green skills in practice

– Solar Panel Installer: Ability to properly install and maintain solar systems.

– Energy auditor: Assessing the energy efficiency of buildings and proposing measures to increase it.

– Green Urbanist: Designing urban spaces that promote sustainable development and reduce ecological impact.

– Waste Manager: Effective management of recycling processes and waste minimization in industry.

Education and development of green skills

1. Higher education and vocational education

– Programs focused on environmental sciences, energy, sustainable technological innovation and green engineering.

2. Certification courses and training

– Courses providing **practical skills** in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and waste management.

3. Practical internships and work experience

– They enable students and professionals to apply their knowledge in real-life environmental projects.

4. Awareness initiatives and campaigns

– Increasing public awareness of the importance of green skills and their benefits for society and the environment.

Green skills are an essential element for the transition to a sustainable and green future. They provide individuals and organizations with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively respond to climate challenges, promote sustainable development and protect the environment. Investments in education and development of green skills are crucial to ensuring an environmentally and economically sustainable future for all generations. Spring

1. Create comprehensive educational materials: In order to effectively communicate information about climate change, it is necessary to prepare a variety of educational resources, including lesson plans, films, infographics and brochures. These materials should be adapted to different age groups and learning environments.

2. Improving the integration of the climate curriculum: Work with educational institutions to integrate climate change topics into the curriculum at all levels, from primary schools to universities, making climate education a regular part of teaching.

3. Teacher training and capacity development: Organize workshops and training for teachers to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach about climate change. Provide them with tools and support to integrate climate themes into their teaching.

4. Raising public awareness: Organize information campaigns for the general public that emphasize the importance of climate change education. Use social media, lectures and community events to reach out to different groups and promote accountability.

5. Partnerships and collaborations: Establish collaborations with local and national educational institutions, environmental organizations and government agencies to share resources and expertise in climate education.

6. Measurable learning outcomes: Create tools to evaluate the effectiveness of climate change education initiatives. Monitor student and participant progress in areas of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

7. Diverse learning environments: Make climate education accessible to diverse populations, including underrepresented communities, by adapting materials and programs to their cultural and educational needs.

8. Youth Engagement: Encourage young people to become climate education advocates in their communities by creating opportunities to activate their engagement.

9. Local and Global Perspective: Focus on both local and global impacts of climate change so that individuals understand how these issues affect their lives and society.

10. Policy Advocacy: Support the integration of climate education into education policies at all levels and work with policy makers to introduce climate themes into education standards.

11. Long-term sustainability: Create a plan to ensure that educational resources and programs remain available after the end of the project, and explore options for integrating climate education into the existing education system.

12. Monitoring and evaluation: Establish a system for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of project activities and results. Constantly adjust strategies to maximize reach.

13. Knowledge sharing: Disseminate project results and best practices nationally and internationally to contribute to global efforts to address climate change.

14. Community Engagement: Initiate community workshops and environmental projects that promote climate awareness and action.

15. Project Impact Assessment: At the end of the project, conduct a comprehensive assessment of its impact on climate change education and awareness using qualitative and quantitative methods.

These initiatives aim to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, mitigate and adapt to climate change, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet. (Co2AI)

Climate change is a global issue that affects every aspect of life and work, regardless of location, industry or role. Their consequences will become even more intense and unpredictable (more…)

The European Parliament approved the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), European Parliament and Council Directive (EU) 2024/1760 also known as (CS3D). The Directive sets out rules for the conduct of (more…)

The "Sustainability Starts Here" initiative aims to implement comprehensive environmental education programs in schools to promote environmental management and sustainable practices among students. This program will integrate environmental science into the curriculum, engage students in hands-on projects, and partner with local organizations to create a community of environmentally conscious youth.

Environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution and resource depletion are pressing global issues. Schools play a key role in preparing the next generation to meet these challenges. By incorporating environmental education into the school curriculum, students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become proactive environmental stewards. This initiative addresses the need for a structured, comprehensive approach to environmental education that aligns with educational standards and community needs. (More on fundsforngos.org)

Biodiversity, the priceless variety of living beings that inhabit our planet, is in the midst of rapid collapse. Human beings are both perpetrators and victims. Because if about a million animal and plant species out of 8 are threatened with extinction, it is because man has changed the intended use of ecosystems, depleted their resources, polluted them, accelerated climate warming, and thus supported the spread of invasive alien species. species. However, humans also pay for the consequences, due to the lack of those ecosystem services that nature offers for free, such as soil fertility and pollination: it is estimated that at least 50 % of gross domestic product (GDP) globally depends on them. (More on esgnews.it)

More than 99 % climatologists attributed to the increase in global temperature over the last 30-40 years greenhouse gas , which people added to the atmosphere from the beginning  industrial revolution in the 18th century. The vast majority of these scientists agree with the fact that if this warming continues,  poses a significant risk to humanity and all life on Earth: for our cities and towns, our water and food supplies and our health.  How do we know this warming is happening? and that it is caused by humans? How strong is the evidence? What risks can we expect and what can we do with them? (More on climateprimer.mit.edu)

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are standardized documents that provide transparent and verifiable information about the environmental impacts of products during their life cycle. These statements (declarations) serve to evaluate and communicate the ecological properties of products and are based on life cycle analysis (LCA - Life Cycle Assessment).

EPDs provide detailed information on the impact of products on the environment, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. This transparency is necessary for the calculation of scope 3 emissions, which can represent 38-69 % of the product's total carbon footprint. Scope 3 emissions include indirect emissions within the value chain that are key to achieving zero targets.

EPDs usually focus on the following aspects:

1. Production: They contain data on the raw materials used, energy intensity and emissions arising during the production process.

2. Transport: They take into account the impacts associated with the transport of products from the producer to the consumer.

3. Use: They analyze the impacts of the product during its use, including energy consumption and emissions.

4. Disposal: They describe how the product should be disposed of at the end of its life cycle, be it recycling, landfilling or other methods.

EPDs are generally prepared in accordance with the ISO 14025 standard and are used to support sustainability, ecological design and responsible product selection. They enable manufacturers to communicate the environmental properties of their products and provide consumers with information on the basis of which they can make informed decisions. EPDs are particularly important in industries such as construction, where they contribute to the evaluation and certification of green and sustainable buildings. (Co2AI)

The European Green Deal, which was adopted in 2020, represents a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission with the main goal of achieving climate neutrality for the European Union (EU) by 2050. The plan includes an assessment of all existing legislative measures from the point of view of their impact on the climate and the introduction of new legislation related to the circular economy, building renovation, biodiversity, agriculture and innovation. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called this agreement a "man-on-the-moon moment" for Europe. On 13 December 2019, the European Council decided to continue the implementation of the plan, but with an exception for Poland. The European Parliament subsequently expressed support for the agreement on January 15, 2020 and asked for higher ambitions. The following year, the European Climate Act was passed, stipulating that greenhouse gas emissions should fall by 55 % by 2030 compared to 1990. The "Fit for 55" package of legislation is an extensive set of planned legislation detailing how The EU intends to achieve this goal.

The European Commission's Climate Change Strategy, launched in 2020, aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, aiming to demonstrate that economies can grow without increasing resource use. In addition, the Green Deal includes measures to support countries that are heavily dependent on fossil fuels so that they do not fall behind in the transition to renewable energy sources. The ecological transition thus becomes a priority for Europe, with EU member states committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 % by 2030 compared to 1990 and to become climate neutral by 2050.

In July 2021, the European Commission presented the "Fit for 55" legislative package, which sets out key directives for the future of the automotive sector, including the obligation that all new cars sold in the EU from 2035 must have zero emissions.

In relation to the Paris Agreement, there has been a reduction in EU emissions of 25 % from 1990 to 2019, while the target of 55 % based on 1990 is actually a reduction of 40 %, which can be calculated using the formula: (0.55 – 0.25) / (1 – 0.25) = 0.40 = 40 %. According to the 2020 Emissions Report by the United Nations Environment Programme, meeting the Paris Agreement target of 1.5°C temperature increase (with a probability of 66 %) requires a global reduction in CO2 emissions of 57 % by 2030 compared to levels from 2019, which is significantly above the 40 % target of the European Green Agreement. This target of reducing emissions by 57 % by 2030 represents an average global reduction, with advanced economies expected to contribute even more. (Co2AI)

The terms are often used interchangeably, but carbon credits and carbon offsets operate on different mechanisms. (more…)

Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas", "proto" or even "balloons", is often abused and harmful to the health of its consumers. Nitrous oxide is a gas often found in whipped cream siphon and aerosol cartridges. However, some abuse it as a psychotropic drug. Although it is not listed as a narcotic substance, its sale to minors is prohibited from June 1, 2021, as it remains dangerous. A study published June 11 in the journal Earth System Science Data shows that emissions of this greenhouse gas are 300 times stronger than emissions of carbon dioxide, contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere.

The study, which was published as part of the Global Carbon Project – an organization focused on quantifying greenhouse gas emissions – was carried out by 58 international researchers. Nitrous oxide emissions are estimated to have increased by 40 % over the past 40 years. This lesser-known gas than CO2 is mainly associated with agriculture, due to the fertilization of the soil with nitrogenous products. The second major contributor is the chemical industry, where nitrous oxide is used in the production of acids and common equipment.

The main danger of nitrous oxide is its long life in the lower layers of the atmosphere, where its molecules can persist for up to 120 years.

Why is the agricultural sector such a significant contributor to nitrous oxide emissions?

According to the Bloomberg publication, more than 220 million tons of nitrogen are consumed annually as fertilizer on arable land and in the form of livestock manure. The researchers calculated that agriculture is responsible for almost 70 % of human emissions of this gas. An article in the journal GEO explains that when plants are destroyed during harvest, farmers add additional nitrogen in the form of organic matter or mineral elements for subsequent harvests. However, part of this nitrogen escapes into the atmosphere in the form of nitrous oxide.

How to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions?

Although nitrous oxide has been regulated since the Kyoto Protocol, it is not among the priorities of public authorities, which mainly focus on CO2 and methane. A 2013 United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report suggests several approaches, including for farmers to adopt less fertilizer-intensive production methods and for consumers to reduce food waste, thereby limiting their production. (Co2AI)

Welcome to the Slovak National Coalition for Climate Education! Here you will find a space where everyone who is interested in learning about climate issues and activities in Slovakia can gather and participate. Find out what colleagues from your country are doing, connect with them locally or nationally, and get inspiration and support.

Share this inspiration with other community members on the main platform and share ideas in the challenge incubator and participatory challenges. (More on education-for-climate.ec.europa.eu)

In a world where climate change is accelerating and the need for systemic responses is increasingly urgent, how can learning empower stakeholders and practitioners to achieve the just and resilient future we all desire? This article marks the beginning of a month-long exploration of EIT Climate-KIC's learning activities across our teams and programs. We intend to demonstrate how continuous learning, experimentation and innovation drive our efforts to combat climate change through systems innovation. Over the course of July, we will consider what it means to develop adaptive capacity for European regions, discuss the future of development finance in a new podcast series, and invite our colleagues to share educational and experimental activities within their clusters. (More on climate-kic.org)

Green Claims are statements or marketing messages that companies use to present their products, services or practices as environmentally friendly. (more…)

Greenwashing, also known as “green sheen,” is a term derived from the English words “green” (green in the sense of ecological) and “whitewashing” (a manipulative technique of concealing unfavorable facts in order to improve public opinion). Greenwashing refers to a marketing strategy that creates the impression that a company’s products, goals, and policies are environmentally friendly. Companies often use terms like “sustainable” or “green” to create a sense of concern for the planet, while their actual environmental benefits are minimal. These claims may be partially true, but they often fail to take into account the overall environmental impact.

Critics argue that the growing trend of greenwashing, along with a lack of regulation, contributes to consumer skepticism about green claims and weakens their ability to promote greener production and business processes. In recent years, this phenomenon has spread rapidly, as companies try to meet the demand for environmentally friendly products and services. However, new laws and regulations seek to discourage companies from practicing greenwashing and prevent misleading consumers.

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⚠️ Examples of Greenwashing

• McDonald's: In 2009, McDonald's changed the color of its European logo to yellow-green to emphasize its responsibility to protect natural resources. However, in 2021, it was accused of environmentally misleading advertising when it announced its intention to achieve zero emissions by 2050.
• Starbucks: In 2018, Starbucks introduced a lid with a built-in straw in response to calls to ban plastic straws. However, this lid contained even more plastic than the original straw-lid combination.
• Apple: Since the release of the iPhone 12 in 2020, Apple has stopped shipping headphones and chargers, citing e-waste concerns. However, the main source of Apple's e-waste remains the short planned lifespan and unrepairability of its devices.
• H&M: Swedish fast fashion brand H&M launched its “conscious collection” in 2010, without specific information about sustainable materials and ethical treatment of employees. During the pandemic, the company laid off more than 1,000 workers due to canceled orders.
• Zara: Spanish giant Zara has launched a “Join Life” campaign to improve its sustainability image. It plans to switch to 100% renewable energy by 2030 and use only sustainable and recyclable materials, with goals including offsetting all emissions by 2040.
• Volkswagen: In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that many VW vehicles had “defeat devices” that distorted emissions tests. In reality, these engines were emitting up to 40 times more nitrogen oxide emissions than allowed.
• Many other automakers, including BMW, Chevrolet, Ford and Mercedes-Benz, have also faced accusations of manipulating environmental data.

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🧠 Impact on consumers

Studies show that consumers prefer products that are truly environmentally friendly more than those that only exhibit greenwashing. Other research suggests that many consumers don't even notice greenwashing, especially if they trust the company. When consumers perceive an environmental ad as credible, they have a more positive attitude toward the brand, even if the ad contains greenwashing.

A product may be labeled as sustainable by an external organization or by the company itself, which can be misleading unless all environmental impacts are disclosed. Research shows that consumers often perceive green advertising as greenwashing when they attribute the green message to the company's own interests.

Effective green marketing, branding and advertising are only successful when they match the firm's true environmental commitments. This means that the visibility of these commitments is crucial for a positive evaluation by consumers. Greenwashing can lead to indifference or negative consumer attitudes towards green marketing.

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⚖️ Greenwashing and European legislation

In the context of European legislation, the issue of greenwashing and the basic principles of consumer protection regarding environmental claims are primarily addressed through the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD).

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📜 Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair commercial practices

This directive prohibits unfair business practices, which may include misleading environmental claims or greenwashing. The directive aims to protect consumers from various forms of deceptive marketing and deals with the ways in which products and services are presented.

Main points of Directive 2005/29/EC:

• Prohibits deceptive acts and omissions: Including providing false information or concealing material facts.
• Protecting consumers from misleading advertising: Including environmental claims that mislead consumers about the true environmental properties of a product.
• Establishing criteria for deciding on unfair practices: Considering whether the practices are likely to have an impact on the economic behavior of consumers.

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🏛️ Other relevant regulations and guidelines

• Directive 2010/30/EU on energy efficiency labelling: Which requires accurate and reliable information on the consumption of energy and other resources.
• Regulation (EU) 2018/841 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land-use change and forestry: While focused on greenhouse gas emissions and removals, it also promotes transparency and accountability in environmental claims.

The European Union also regularly issues guidelines to improve the transparency and credibility of environmental claims, thereby strengthening consumer protection against greenwashing.

• Greenwashing is the misleading practice of presenting products or services as more environmentally friendly than they actually are in order to achieve commercial profit.
• Green Claims are true and substantiated statements about the positive environmental properties of a product or practice. Spring

You might be interested in: Use of ecological materials

 

Directive (EU) 2023/1791 of the European Parliament and of the Council  The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a legislative framework of the European Union that aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the Member States. (more…)