Community-led experiments show potential for advancing climate and zero pollution goals

Two new reports presenting findings from the local Social Science and Humanities experiments across 24 local actions in SHARED GREEN DEAL showcase how community participation can meaningfully generate wider environmental benefits related to climate action and pollution reduction, even when activities are focused on specific thematic areas. 

Using approaches such as Study Circles, mobility labs, participatory visioning and knowledge networks, the experiments helped translate broad environmental goals into practical local action. Many of the climate and zero-pollution outcomes emerged as co-benefits of initiatives originally motivated by comfort, affordability, and health, highlighting the importance of linking environmental goals to everyday concerns rather than relying solely on environmental messaging.

The reports also identify barriers that limit wider impact. For example, lack of institutional support, short-term funding and fragmented policy frameworks often restrict the ability of small actors to scale their work or influence decision-making. Furthermore, the reports also highlight how some vulnerable groups, such as low-income households and rural communities, face structural constraints that reduce their ability to fully participate in or benefit from climate and pollution-reduction efforts.

To address these challenges, the reports set out several recommendations. At the local level, communities should be supported through participatory planning, education, and context-specific resources, including in SHARED GREEN DEAL for example small-scale renovation hubs, neighbourhood food initiatives, and youth-led mobility activities. 

Regional and national authorities are encouraged to streamline policies across sectors, reduce administrative complexity, and adapt funding and monitoring systems so that small actors and community initiatives are recognised within climate and pollution frameworks. 

At the European and international levels, the reports call for long-term investment in transdisciplinary models that combine the vast technological possibilities with community empowerment, alongside platforms for cross-country learning and improved data systems to capture local contributions.

Overall, the findings underline that community-based action can play a significant role in Europe’s pathway to climate neutrality and a pollution-free environment, but only if supported through coherent, multi-level governance and sustained institutional commitment.