How citizens are preparing for municipal climate action

“The only way we can reach the Paris climate protection goals is if action is taken at the regional and municipal levels. This requires 'everyone'. Because climate protection is a community task. By participating in the klimafit course, citizens gain important skills and become multipliers for climate action in their communities,” says Bettina Münch-Epple, who oversees the Training division at the WWF.

Over the course of six evenings, the course participants learn about the fundamentals of global climate change, its regional impacts and consequences as well as possible adjustments that they can make. In addition, they can make and discuss specific suggestions on how to get involved and build a climate action network. They also have the opportunity to speak with leading figures in German climate research as well as regional and local specialists and representatives of various initiatives. In the klimafit challenge, people get to see first-hand how simple changes in their daily routine can tangibly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The klimafit challenge is being piloted in five municipalities this year. 

The course leaders undergo training conducted jointly by REKLIM and the WWF. “Our course leaders want to do something about climate action in Germany and, above all, to become active in their communities. This inspiration can be felt in the courses,” says Treffeisen. “In turn, it gives rise to long-lasting relationships. Many of our course leaders have worked with us for several years. After the course, they often set up further meetings or events on climate protection in the communities, such as klimafit social meetings, where participants also get together after the course to plan specific collaborative climate protection activities.”