ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Transforming education for a sustainable future 

Ibda L-Bidla is an initiative by Kopin in Malta, designed to integrate sustainable development, migration, and inclusion into the education system. The project aims to equip primary and secondary school teachers with resources and training to raise awareness about food security, environmental issues, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. It creates opportunities for meaningful learning and encourages acceptance of migrant and minority backgrounds. 

Empowering educators and fostering inclusion 
The programme specifically targets migrant children, low-income families, and children from minority groups who are often victims of bullying and xenophobia. Teachers are provided with educational tools that focus on sustainable development and inclusion, fostering a supportive classroom environment for all students. The resources are freely available on Kopin’s website to increase accessibility. 

Collaboration with local communities 
Kopin works closely with local schools and authorities to ensure the success of the project. Local authorities contribute with resources, funding, and knowledge, while the project coordinates efforts with other community initiatives to expand its reach. Social learning and trust-building are integral to the programme’s approach, ensuring that it complements and strengthens existing community efforts. 

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Empowering citizens and protecting the environment

NeSehnutí promotes environmental sustainability and citizen empowerment through campaigns, educational programmes, and public debates. Notable actions include advocating for green spaces in Brno, winning legal battles to protect urban gardens, and engaging citizens in commenting on urban planning. Their work also focuses on promoting sustainable mobility and food values. 

Mobilizing citizens for inclusive and sustainable change
The organisation targets citizens of all backgrounds, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and migrants. They have successfully mobilised these groups to participate in local decision-making processes, influencing policies related to urban development and climate change. Their advocacy for a sustainable and inclusive society is felt at both local and national levels. 

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Scientists respond to silence about climate change in Croatia

Scientists for Climate – Croatia is an initiative of qualified scientists of different disciplines advocating declaration of national climate emergency and providing easy access climate change information. The scientists also engage in interdisciplinary discussions of climate change issues.

The initiative is a response to mainstream academic institutions’ silence about climate change in Croatia and prevalent climate scepticism among older generation scientists. Through interdisciplinary discussions, it also enables scientists to understand different social and physical aspects of climate change, and how they relate to communities’ adaption to climate change.

Expanding efforts
Though starting with a climate crisis appeal, the Scientists for Climate – Croatia Initiative now also provides education trainings, responds and organises responses to media, and provides expert input to other climate-related initiatives. The initiative is still volunteer run and provides knowledge free of charge for citizens who need more information. It produces informative texts, cartoons and podcasts, and maintains social media channels.

Protecting vulnerable people
Primary vulnerable groups are local communities affected by climate related natural disasters. The initiative aims to increase understanding about their potential for recovery, as well as to avoid maladaptation to future climate shocks. Low income people and old age citizens are also target groups, as integration of mitigation and adaptation measures are woven into existing social fabric.

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

From demonstration to foundation:
Czech parents unite for climate action

At the demonstration ‘Parents for Climate’ which was held in May 2019 in Liberec (a city in Czech Republic), parents, grandparents and non-parents gathered and shared their worries about the future of humankind and the environment. This led to the foundation of the initiative ‘Rodiče za klima Liberec’ (‘Parents for Climate Liberec’) whose goal is to point out problems, raise awareness in relation to climate crisis and initiate change. The initiative is led by a mother called Anna Kšírová, and includes (single) parents and elderly people as active actors for change.

Political action
The initiative cooperates with local authorities in Liberec. It initiated the Climate Council of the municipality and takes part in it. Due to the initiative’s activities, a position of energy manager within the municipality was established. Also, a Green space adoption program was approved, through which citizens can actively participate in caring about green public spaces in the city. Finally, Parents for Climate Liberec initiated a creation of a regional Climate change adaptation plan which is one of the first of its kind in Czech Republic.

Fruitful collaborations
In addition to its political engagement, the initiative organises various activities (lectures, workshops, happenings, cultural events) and participates in activities of other initiatives, such as an event where mothers sang songs while collecting signatures against spreading a coal mine in Turow. The initiative also actively participated in a campaign called Stop Dirty Money which focuses on insurance companies. The collaborations are about supporting other initiative’s activities, as well as sharing experiences and knowledge.

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

From festivals to board games: Czech NGO inspires sustainable lifestyles

Na Mysli is a Czech non-profit organization founded in 2019, dealing with issues of global sustainability, climate change and related environmental aspects. They try to restore the relationship between the urban population and the environment, support and motivate individuals on the way to a responsible lifestyle and simplify these steps for them. Based in Malotice (Czech Republic), the NGO’s vision is for all residents to adopt a lifestyle based on mutual respect between the community and the environment, for a prosperous planet and a sustainable future.

Sharing knowledge
The organisation is mainly engaged in educational work in the field of climate change, food security, sustainable agriculture and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The NGO organizes screenings of documentary films, debates with experts and thematic workshops. They tailor-make interactive training for employees, students and the public, where participants assimilate environmental topics in a fun way. Another activity is offering sustainable lifestyle consultations for individuals and organizations.

Activities for all age groups
Activities focus on kids and young people, but are also made accessible to other vulnerable groups, such as elderly and people with low income. Some of their activities are free of charge to be attractive for various groups. Examples include playing climate-themed board games and attending a film festival called ‘The Earth on a Plate’ (2021).

LGBTQA+ community
Na Mysli actively participated in the Prague Pride festival as they helped with its sustainability and provided awareness-raising activities. The organisation also makes visible women experts, politicians, activists, hereby interconnecting climate topics and human rights. Worth mentioning is that the NGO uses gender sensitive language and is led by four women.

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

The appreciation of ‘ugly’ fruit and vegetables in Denmark

The Danish initiative EatGrim puts ‘ugly’ fruit and vegetables which would otherwise be thrown away in boxes and sells these at affordable prices. The food is supplied by farmers in Europe and delivered to people in Denmark every week. The main objectives are to reduce food waste and change attitudes around food values. For instance, the initiative teaches people that bad-looking food is perfectly fit for consumption. Moreover, the initiative has a clear mission of reducing climate impact. Since the war in Ukraine, food security has also become an important focus.

By women, for farmers
Two young Danish women, Carolin and Petra, founded and lead EatGrim. The initiative empowers European farmers as they are paid fair wages: a large part of what is paid for the vegetable boxes goes directly to the farmers. EatGrim’s motto shows that inclusion lies at the heart of the initiative: ‘we celebrate all colors, shapes and sizes – with both people and food’.

Raising awareness
EatGrim also carries out actions such as awareness raising and advocacy. Through Instagram they share info graphics with facts and numbers about food waste around the world and attempt to raise awareness about climate change.

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Championing ecological living in Turkey 

The Buğday Association for Supporting Ecological Living (Buğday Ekolojik Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği) is a leading force in promoting sustainable living in Turkey. Since 1990, the association has been dedicated to creating awareness and offering solutions for ecological issues, especially focusing on the irreversible destruction of natural systems. It aims to foster a harmonious relationship with nature through its projects, which span local, national, and international levels. 

Projects that make a difference 
Buğday has spearheaded several innovative initiatives, such as the first 100% ecological markets in Turkey, seed exchanges, university campus gardens, and campaigns to reduce pesticide use. One of the most notable is the “No Pesticides on My Plate” campaign, which successfully mobilised over 160,000 signatures and reached 10 million people. These projects contribute directly to food security and values, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and eco-friendly consumption. 

Empowering vulnerable communities 
The association primarily supports small-scale farmers who struggle to access traditional markets. It also focuses on communities at risk from environmental damage, such as children facing climate change impacts. Through education, advocacy, and direct support, Buğday helps these groups adopt more sustainable and healthier ways of life, empowering them to take control of their food systems and local environments. 

A legacy of global collaboration 
With a strong network of international partners, Buğday has become a hub for global ecological initiatives. It has hosted international conferences, including the IFOAM World Organic Congress and the WWOOF Conference, and collaborated on projects like “MedCaravan” and “AYE!” These partnerships enhance Buğday’s impact and provide valuable insights into agroecology and sustainable farming practices, both within Turkey and beyond. 

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Free public transport programme for residents of Tallinn, Estonia, aims for equal mobility opportunities

The City of Tallinn (Estonia) started providing free public transport to its residents from January 1, 2013, making Tallinn the first capital in the European Union to provide free public transport to its citizens. The programme was initiated by the Tallinn City Government which is led by the Center Party.

Not for visitors
Fares are free for residents registered as living in Tallinn, but not for tourists and visitors. Residents are still required to validate their travel card when boarding. Anyone found without a validated travel ticket will be fined €40.

Global attention
Instead of the free public transport costing them money, the city reports that they are turning a profit of €20 million a year. It is no surprise that there is great interest in Tallinn’s free public transport program from all over the world.

Equal opportunities for all citizens
The programme aims to safeguard social cohesion of the local community in Tallinn, granting equal mobility opportunities to all social strata. This especially benefits price-sensitive residents. It also aims to incentivise car-drivers to switch to public transport, thus reducing pollution and noise, and, in the long run, improving living standards of all citizens. The Tallinn metropolitan area has set itself the target of reducing its car traffic by 10-20% by 2035.

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Car-Free Avenue revitalises city centre of Tartu, Estonia, and brings its citizens together

The city of Tartu (Estonia) has focused on creating public spaces that bring together citizens to define mutual values, build a sustainable society and improve the quality of life in Tartu. To achieve this, the city closed one of its main streets for car traffic and opened it for its citizens during the whole month of July: a ‘Car-Free Avenue’ was created. This took place for the first time in July 2020.

The curious spatial displacement introduced to the Car-Free Avenue was a new context for various planned and spontaneous activities. It became a hot spot for open air events like dance courses, morning yoga, national radio broadcast pop-ups, concerts and more. Most importantly, it initiated public discussions all over Estonia about climate change, excessive car ownership and different methods for tackling the issues faced when building a sustainable future.

Connecting areas and generations
The Car-Free Avenue is located in between the classical old town and the river Emajõgi that flows through the city. There was a long-standing debate on how to revitalize the Emajõgi riverside and create a connection between this area and the old town. The Car-Free Avenue improved the connection between the prominent areas and even became a meeting point for different generations. With its affordable activities for both children and the elderly, the initiative benefited young families with children, low-income citizens and elderly people.

Impact in and beyond Tartu
Themes of sustainability, waste reduction, social separation, as well as mental and social well-being were addressed during the period of the Car-Free Avenue. Interestingly, the initiative’s impact was not limited to one particular street: it inspired other events in the city centre, as well as in other European cities. Three weeks after the start of Car-Free Avenue in Tartu a similar action was taken in the capital of Latvia (Riga) where one street in the city centre was closed for car traffic.

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Volunteer-run café in Copenhagen pursues a more just and sustainable world

Kafé Mellemrummet is a café in Copenhagen run by volunteers. The café hosts lively events relating to the climate crisis and global inequalities. Moreover, it offers organic and fair-trade food to promote sustainable food habits. The profits of the café support global projects on sustainability and justice.

The café is owned and managed by ActionAid Denmark, a movement that fights for a more just and sustainable world without discrimination, climate crises and poverty. It is active in more than 45 countries around the world, including Denmark.

Support for projects
The volunteers in the café are mostly young people and international students. Every year, they choose one project to support. In 2022-2023 the project is youth hubs for women’s rights in Nepal. In 2020-2021 it was political and feminist leadership training in Uganda. All projects are located in the Global South and specifically target vulnerable and marginalised groups.

Events for equality
The café hosts events about the struggles of specific vulnerable groups, such as sexism and racism, often led by the representative members of the same vulnerable group. The events happen on a continuous basis. For example, in August 2022 at least 2 to 3 weekly different activities took place.

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