How is Moldova coping with the escalating effects of climate change, being particularly vulnerable among other European countries? Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and escalating aridity exact a heavy toll, costing the country an estimated 2.13% of its gross domestic product annually.
At COP28, Moldova expressed its evident determination to combat the climate crisis. The country is actively developing measures to mitigate its effects and adapt to new conditions, in an effort to protect the population and the environment. Moldova is also developing its domestic climate agenda, exploring options for green finance and introducing criteria for assessing climate-smart investments.
The delegation signed a number of international agreements, including on increasing the share of renewable energy, energy efficiency and tripling nuclear energy production by 2050. At the same time, the latter strongly contradicts Moldova’s basic position on environmental protection.
But who will translate these ambitious plans into concrete action? Will young climate leaders and experts from civil society have a seat at the decision-making table?
It’s crucial to acknowledge that young people bear the brunt of the climate crisis. Conversely, a recent Ebert Foundation study paints a concerning picture: Moldovan youth increasingly feel disconnected, with climate activism witnessing a decline year after year.
But there is good news!
Our #WorldWeWant * campaign heroes exemplify how to raise critical climate issues while simultaneously engaging young people in finding solutions. Dive into the video to experience a summer climate camp for high school students and youth activists. Watch as participants deepen their understanding of climate protection and put theory into practice by crafting their own environmental campaigns.
Ready to inspire others? Share your story today!
Inspired by this video, we invite activists from the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia region to join our story contest! Share your journey into climate activism using the hashtag #WorldWeWantEECCA and tag the page @caneecca. Share your story on social media (Instagram, Facebook) – inject humor, inspiration, or perhaps a touch of sadness and nostalgia. The contest winner will receive an Ebook, while the runners-up will receive solar power banks.
Contest conditions:
- The context: Your story must connect to your current climate activism efforts.
- Format: Unleash your creativity! Express yourself through photos, videos, illustrations, post-publication pieces, or even comic books. Remember, only original work you created is eligible.
- Submit just one piece to represent your journey.
- Respect copyright: No internet-sourced content allowed.
- Make your social media account public so everyone can appreciate your work.
- Watch our video and comment below this post to signal your participation.
Deadline for submission: February 29th 2024
Who can join?
- Civil society activists from the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia region.
Criteria:
- Relevance to the theme: How well does your story showcase your path to climate activism?
- Originality and creativity
- Storytelling principles.
Meet the selection committee (you can’t blame them, they love judging!):
- Ira Ponedelnik – Climate project manager at Green Network (Belarus/Lithuania) and n-ost (Germany). Ira has been involved in the climate movement for 6 years, consulted for UNICEF, UNSSC, was an organizer of the CAN EECCA Climate Leadership School (2021). Her work focuses on youth inclusion in climate projects, climate communication and informal sources of information. Ira is actively working on the SDGs and coordinated the writing of the Citizen’s Review on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Belarus (2022).
- Natalia Kravchuck – In the environmental movement for 37 years. Member of the Union of Journalists of RM. Specializes in environmental education, climate, resource conservation, agro-ecoculture and human rights. Co-author of the textbook and program for universities “The role of NGOs in the formation and development of the legal movement”. President of the National Public Association “Gutta-Club”, one of the first NGOs in Moldova.
- Maria Kolesnikova – Head of Movegreen organization. Air quality expert, social activist.
- Nazik Mamasadykova – Communication Manager of CAN EECCA
Communities from all over the world tell their stories about how they suffer from the effects of climate change, fossil fuel extraction, and pollution and also about possible solutions.
