Explore Stream

Dear All, this is a reminder about the Community Cafe that will take place on 19 February at 4.30 pm. Register if you have not yet: https://education-for-climate.ec.europa.eu/community/challenge_hub/even…

Hi! Are you 16–19 years old, based in Belgium, and interested in the real, transformative solutions to the climate crisis?

Do you want to learn to make a podcast, or a video, or know how to write about the people who are working towards these transformative solutions?

Then come to a workshop led by a climate expert and a journalist from the Empowering Youth through Environmental Storytelling project, and learn to be a critical climate communicator.

Sign up here https://www.eventbrite.fr/e/climate-storytelling-workshop-false-v-trans….

You will learn about the carbon budget, a dataset outlining emissions reductions needed called the CutX Index, why the individual carbon footprint and too much focus on recycling are false solutions and how we can find and initiate solutions that are just, systemic, and transformative. To put this knowledge into action, you will be encouraged to produce a story like a journalist – whether that be an article, a photo essay, a video, or a podcast!

This in-person event will be held on 4th March (11:00-15:00 CET) at TRACK, located at Brussels North Station. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired to make a difference!

For more information, reach out to me or to amina.mccauley@news-decoder.com.

COULD THIS BE YOUR SCHOOL - TAKE POSITIVE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE - FIRST SCHOOL IN SPAIN JOINS AN ENERGY COMMUNITY TO ACHIEVE ITS ENERGY TRANSITION -

READ THEIR STORY AND LEARN FROM THEIR EXAMPLE

More than 300 children in Madrid say goodbye to extreme temperatures at school
In the Heart of Madrid, a School is leading the Way in Energy Sustainability. The Colegio Centro Cultural Palomeras is spearheading a transformation toward energy sustainability. This educational institution, managed as a cooperative by its teachers, has embraced photovoltaic self-consumption and air source heat pumps to tackle the challenges of climate change. Thanks to these efforts, over 300 children from Madrid can say goodbye to extreme temperatures in their school.
This shift is part of the Aurora Project, led by the South Campus of the Polytechnic University of Madrid and funded through the European initiative that shares its name. The school aims to raise €150,000 in just four months via a crowdfunding campaign in a loan format with interest rates of 1.5%. This initiative seeks to replace the school’s aging gas boiler, leaving fossil fuels behind.
The crowdfunding campaign is open, allowing anyone interested to participate by filling out a simple form. This represents a historic moment, as Centro Cultural Palomeras would become the first school in Spain to achieve an energy transition with the support of its community.
The planned upgrades include photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps, which will ensure effective climate control within the school while reducing CO2 emissions. This initiative not only bolsters the school’s resilience to extreme temperatures but also generates significant economic savings on energy bills—essential for repaying the loans with an annual interest rate of 1.5% before taxes.
Anyone can participate with a minimum contribution of €100, while university or vocational students can join with just €20. Contributions on behalf of minors are also welcomed, provided consent is obtained from their parents or legal guardians.
The campaign’s minimum goal is to raise €50,000, prioritizing the installation of photovoltaic systems for self-consumption. Reaching €150,000 would ensure optimal funding, covering all the school’s energy needs, generating 56,116 kWh/year, and saving a total of 7,295 kg of CO2 annually. Over 70 people have already joined the project, enabling the first milestone to be met.
Colegio Centro Cultural Palomeras exemplifies the transformative potential of educational institutions, which not only raise awareness among younger generations but also act as engines of social transformation within their communities. Educational communities are powerful drivers of change, leading the shift toward a sustainable energy model. Citizen participation is crucial in proving that alternative approaches are possible, ensuring that over 300 Madrid students leave extreme temperatures behind in their school.

European Climate Pact’s annual event

If you are interested in the power of citizens to tackle climate change come and listen to a 90 minutes session on –

"Citizen Science - Harnessing its power for climate action".

This free event is being held online as part of this year’s European Climate Pact's annual event on 19th March 2025 in Brussels.
You can do something about climate change.
Register and find the agenda here
https://climate-pact.europa.eu/articles-and-events/events/european-clim…

Project AURORA https://www.aurora-h2020.eu
#EUClimate #ClimateChange #AURORAH2020 #CitizenScience #EnergyConservation
Martin Brocklehurst
Chair Citizen Science Global Partnership
EU Climate Pact Ambassador
EU AURORA Project – Tackling Climate Change Partner