From awareness to action: Understanding our impact and shaping a climate-responsible future

On October 24, 2024, CRPE organized an online event titled From Awareness to Action: Understanding Our Impact and Shaping a Climate-Responsible Future to discuss the pressing issue of climate urgency. The discussion brought together sustainability and circular economy experts, including Ana Maria Paladuș (REPER21), Dr. Köves Alexandra (Corvinus University of Budapest), Adelina Dabu (Confederation Concordia), Ivana Maleš (Institute for Circular Economy, Slovakia), and Milena Gambardella (University of Turin). The event focused on the critical role of both individual and collective efforts in reducing carbon footprints, underscoring the urgent measures required to counteract the effects of climate change.

Climate Urgency and Rising Temperatures

The event emphasized the necessity of climate education and awareness in both urban and rural areas. Ana Maria Paladuș highlighted the rise in the average global temperature by approximately 1–1.1°C this century, with devastating effects that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Paladuș noted that the European Green Deal is crucial for ensuring a fair and sustainable transition, one that includes and supports all citizens.

The consequences, however, extend beyond temperature increases. Society faces intensifying climate effects, such as prolonged droughts, more intense wildfires, rising sea levels, an increase in floods, and threats to global food security. These challenges underline the urgent need to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change before its effects become irreversible.

Individual Responsibility and Systemic Change

The event highlighted the complementary nature of individual actions and systemic measures, emphasizing that central authorities and corporations play a central role in combating the climate crisis. Adelina Dabu spoke on the responsibility of companies to align with the EU’s climate neutrality goals by 2050 through significant investments in green technologies and sustainable practices. Dabu noted that the market is adapting to growing demand for eco-friendly products, which encourages companies to adopt emissions reduction measures. This type of systemic transformation can generate savings and contribute to a more sustainable economy.

The Role of the Circular Economy

A key topic was the role of the circular economy, presented by Dr. Köves and Ivana Maleš. They argued that transitioning to this economic model is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing resource waste. The circular economy involves resource reuse and sustainable design. The two experts emphasized the need for governments to support this shift through strong public policies, to build an economy compatible with climate goals.

Personal Carbon Footprint Calculator

Finally, Milena Gambardella introduced a carbon footprint calculator, an innovative tool developed in a CRPE-coordinated project to help individuals better understand their environmental impact. The calculator allows each person to assess the impact of daily activities, such as transportation, energy consumption, and food choices, and to identify where they can make beneficial changes for the environment.

We thank the nearly 160 participants in our event and hope to have raised awareness of the climate emergency while offering actionable measures for individuals and informing future public policies at local or central levels.


Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.