June 22, 2021. We are pleased to announce that CENN together with the partner organizations within the framework of the EU-supported Georgia Climate Program joined the EU Green Week 2021 and celebrated this event by organizing a large-scale campaign – Act4Climate. The campaign aimed to raise awareness in the community, especially among young people, about climate change and simple daily actions to help reduce climate change and mitigate its negative effects.   The large-scale Youth Campaign Act4Climate was held simultaneously on June 22, from 11:00 to 15:30, in four target municipalities – Ozurgeti, Chiatura, Ambrolauri, Akhmeta.   Campaign participants had the opportunity to engage in cognitive and fun activities. The large-scale campaign included a thematic panel on climate change; a masterclass – New Life of Old Items led by Marie Bendeliani, the founder of 7R Georgia; a fun quiz on climate change; “Climate Change Seen Through My Eyes” youth competition artwork exhibition, award ceremony for the winners of the competition; and a symbolic action of painting thematic street art on walls.   “Fight against Climate change and protection of the environment is our common responsibility. Any little action undertaken by any of us is just as important as the high-level multilateral negotiations taking place on this subject. Only through combining our efforts, and engaging all parts of the society, we will succeed in this common global fight.  It is my great pleasure to be together with you today in the beautiful city of Ozurgeti to take part in this Act for Climate Campaign, and see the great initiatives you are undertaking to make our planet a better place to live,” – said Alexandre Darras, Team Leader on Connectivity, Energy, Environment & Climate.   The campaign involved Young European Ambassadors, who shared their environmental activism experiences with campaign participants, introduced them to the activities of young European ambassadors, and provided information about the competitions and events they have planned.   The event also featured thematic information stands, where attendees had the opportunity to learn about knowledge materials and informational brochures about youth opportunities and the activities of partner organizations.   “Act for Climate is a comprehensive campaign that aims to educate and empower youth and adults about the power of our daily choices and the huge impact these choices have on the climate change, health and wellbeing of both ourselves, and our planet. Such kind of social events raises awareness in all levels of society about the role of civil society in tackling climate change. We are glad that the event takes place simultaneously in four of the project’s target municipalities and involves the project partners, youth, eco-clubs, educational institutions, and local authorities and media representatives. This event is the beginning of our future collaborative action to tackle climate change,” – noted Nino Tevzadze, Project Manager, CENN.   The EU delegation to Georgia, representatives of local and regional governments, and project partner organizations will participate in the campaign.   About EU Green Week Green Week is an annual worldwide event on sustainable development organized by the European Union. During the week, various types of events and thematic debates are held around specific topics. The theme for 2021 is zero pollution for healthy people and the planet.   About the EU-supported Georgia Climate Program (GEO-CAP) With the support of the EU, in 2021 CENN launched the Georgia Climate Program (GEO-CAP). The project supports Georgia to act on climate change by introducing climate friendly behaviour and reinforcing cooperation and trust between state and non-state actors, strengthening regional CSOs via supporting the implementation of concrete initiatives together with local communities and empowering people to engage in advocacy processes that will result in collaborative climate actions in the target regions of the project. CENN will implement the GEO-CAP over the next 4 years together with partner organisations in 4 target regions (Guria, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi, and Kakheti) with the Human Rights-Based Approach approach. The European Union supported Georgia Climate Action Program (GEO-CAP) is implemented by CENN together with the Kakheti Regional Development Fund (KRDF), the Chiatura Union (ACU), the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Agrotourism Development Association (RLS-ADA), and the Young Pedagogue’s Union (YPU). The target municipalities of the project are Gurjaani, Sagarejo, Akhmeta, Zestaponi, Tkibuli, Chiatura, Lanchkhuti, Ozurgeti, Oni, and Ambrolauri. The total budget of the project is 1 million euros.  

    Solving climate change requires us all to work together. We can’t do that without finding common ground with those who may not share our perspective.   Since people often trust peers, family members and loved ones more than they trust experts, scientists and environmental organizations, you can talk to people about climate change in ways we can’t. You are more likely to open people’s minds.   As you make these positive changes to reduce your environmental impact, share your experience with your family, friends, customers and clients. Don’t be a bore or confrontational. Instead, talk positively, and be honest about the ups and downs.   Youth are a driving force to tackle climate change. Rise your voice, advocate climate issues, join our campaigns and act4climate, because together we are stronger and stronger we can!

  Globally, the use of energy represents by far the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. About two thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to burning fossil fuels for energy to be used for heating, electricity, transport and industry. In Europe, too, the energy processes are the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, being responsible for 78 % of total EU emissions in 2015. In addition, deforestation is a primary contributor to climate change, as living trees absorb and store carbon dioxide.   Land use changes, especially in the form of deforestation, are the second largest anthropogenic source of atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions, after fossil fuel combustion.   Georgia’s updated NDC supports the development of low carbon approaches in the building sector, including public and touristic buildings through encouraging the climate-goals oriented energy efficient technologies and services;   Small changes to your behaviour at home will help you use less energy, cutting your carbon footprint and your energy bills:   Put on an extra layer and turn down the heating a degree or two. Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them. Replace light bulbs with LEDs or other low-energy lights. Make simple changes to how you use hot water, like buying a water-efficient shower head. Make sure your home is energy efficient. Check the building has proper insulation, and consider draught-proofing windows and doors.