On March 10, 2025, the plenary session “Public Participation in Climate Action,” organized by Cidades Pelo Clima, took place. During the session, presented by Carolina Farias, the importance of active societal involvement in shaping and implementing environmental policies was discussed, highlighting it as one of the key pillars for the success of climate strategies.
One of the central topics addressed was the need to promote effective participation mechanisms, ensuring that citizens’ voices are integrated into decisions on sustainability and urban governance. Throughout the session, national and international examples of successful initiatives were presented, demonstrating how different approaches can strengthen social mobilization and contribute to climate neutrality.
The session also examined the framework of citizen participation in the context of the European Mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030, by and for Citizens,” emphasizing the role of digital technologies in facilitating this process. Additionally, the challenges municipalities face in implementing more participatory models were discussed, highlighting the importance of transparency, environmental education, and the creation of accessible channels for public engagement.
The event provided a crucial space for reflection on social engagement strategies, reinforcing the need for collective action to accelerate the climate transition. The active participation of all stakeholders demonstrated that the path to a more sustainable future depends on a shared commitment between governments, organizations, and citizens.
