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Description
The aim of the project is horizontal integration of environmental, climate and biodiversity issues in political decision-making procedures in Latvia, with purpose to oversee and evaluate the political processes related to environmental issues, initiate a discussion on environmental and nature issues among politicians and achieve integration of these issues in the agenda of Latvian politicians and policy makers. This is the first comprehensive evaluation of political parties and policy decisions from the environmental perspective that is carried out by the leading Latvian environmental organizations.
The main activities of the project are assessment tool for political parties, "The Green Grill" – round table political discussions, "The Green Tests" - short video interviews with politicians to check their understanding and self-commitment towards green habits, podcast series with main environmental challenges being discussed, as well as public opinion polls.
The expected results of the project are much deeper understanding of environmental, nature and climate issues among decision makers and general public, incorporation of these issues into political programs and policy makers’ agendas, as well as raising public awareness on green lifestyle and environmentally friendly habits.
The Latvian electorate will mostly benefit from the project as regular reviews concerning political agendas in environmental, nature and climate issues will be published, with particular intensity before local and governmental elections.
Summary of project results
Declining biodiversity and environmental degradation
Despite various laws, conventions, and strategies, biodiversity in Latvia, the EU, and globally continued to decline. Habitat destruction, species extinction, and pollinator loss threatened ecosystems and human well-being. Deforestation and intensive agriculture contributed to climate change, while the destruction of old-growth forests weakened the planet’s ability to absorb CO₂.
Weak public engagement in environmental action
Although 80% of Latvians supported environmental protection, only 20% were willing to take personal action, creating a gap between awareness and real change. Many expected the government or others to act while lacking knowledge about NGOs'' role in policy advocacy. This resulted in public passivity, a low sense of civic responsibility, and skepticism about individual impact on environmental decision-making.
Narrowing civic space and weak policy implementation
Industry lobbying favored short-term economic gains over sustainability, limiting the effectiveness of environmental policies. Civil society engagement shrank, reducing opportunities for democratic participation in decision-making. Despite commitments to environmental protection, many political promises remained unfulfilled or were undermined by opposing interests. The intensification of agriculture and forestry further depleted ecosystems, negatively affecting both biodiversity and public well-being.
Need for political accountability and public awareness
Environmental issues were often sidelined in political agendas despite broad public support for stronger action. Politicians frequently made green promises but failed to implement necessary climate and environmental policies. Without accessible tools to track political commitments, the public struggled to hold leaders accountable, allowing weak enforcement and inaction to persist. Strengthening transparency and public oversight was essential for ensuring that environmental policies were effectively followed through.
Political party ranking: the Green Barometer
The Green Barometer was developed to evaluate political parties’ commitment to environmental issues. Party programs were assessed on critical areas such as climate neutrality, renewable energy, circular economy, and biodiversity. This initiative empowered voters with reliable information, encouraging civic engagement through petitions and advocacy. For instance, all 324 municipal election candidate lists were surveyed to gauge their commitment to environmental policies and the EU Green Deal.
Public opinion surveysThree nationwide surveys were conducted to analyze public attitudes toward environmental, nature, and climate issues, as well as their expectations of policymakers. The first survey, at the project''s launch, assessed public priorities on environmental matters. The second, conducted before parliamentary elections, examined voter expectations regarding political parties’ environmental commitments. The final survey, at the project''s conclusion, measured shifts in public awareness and priorities over time.
“Green Grill” discussions with politicians
High-level debates were organized with politicians on climate policy, energy, and the circular economy, providing a crucial platform for in-depth discussions. Ministerial dialogues reviewed the government’s environmental progress within its first 100 days in office. These discussions, drawing an average of 1,400 viewers per event, exceeded expectations and reinforced public interest in green policies.
“Green Tests” – evaluating politicians’ environmental awareness
Politicians participated in rapid-fire interviews to assess their environmental knowledge and personal commitment to sustainability. Questions included: Is Latvia the greenest country in Europe? Do you own an electric car? What is biodiversity? The interviews were widely shared on social media platforms, including TikTok, effectively reaching broader audiences and sparking public discourse.
Development of Latvia’s first environmental podcast
Latvia’s first podcast dedicated to environmental policy, nature conservation, and sustainability was launched. Over 20 episodes explored key topics such as urban biodiversity, greenwashing, and organic farming, featuring expert insights. The podcast reached 5,555 listeners, with an additional 29,373 views on Delfi.lv, significantly broadening the discussion beyond traditional activist circles.
Strengthening environmental advocacy
The project actively influenced policymaking, ensuring key environmental issues were reflected in legislation. Efforts focused on countering harmful regulations, such as the weakening of the Nature Restoration Law and premature logging policies. The project contributed to shaping major policy documents, including the Government Declaration and the Government Action Plan. Project partners engaged in high-level meetings with ministers, ministry officials, and the president to address critical environmental legislation, the nature inventory report, and broader climate concerns. Expert recommendations were provided to align the Government Action Plan with sustainability objectives.
Constitutional Court application on logging regulations
In collaboration with partner organizations, an application was submitted to the Constitutional Court challenging the compliance of Cabinet Regulation No. 935, adopted in June 2022, with Article 115 of the Latvian Constitution. The regulation allowed increased logging of younger forests, jeopardizing environmental sustainability. The case argued that the state has a constitutional obligation to protect the right to a favorable environment and ensure transparency in environmental decision-making. The court ruled in favor of the claim in April 2024, marking a significant victory for environmental protection.
Increased presence of environmental issues in public and policymaking agendas. In Latvia, climate, environmental, and nature protection issues have gained a more prominent role in public discussions and policy decisions. This shift has been largely driven by environmental NGOs participation in the project, which have ensured these topics remain a priority on the national agenda. The Green Barometer played a crucial role by actively participating in consultations for major policy planning documents and legislative acts. Through systematic engagement, the project influenced significant environmental policy changes, making sustainability a key concern for policymakers. Through expert commentary and media participation, the project played a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and raising awareness about environmental issues.
Regular high-level discussions on environmental topics. The “Green Grill” discussion series became the primary space for environmental policy discussions in Latvia, ensuring that politicians consistently address sustainability issues. The events gained significant public attention, with an average of 1,400 viewers per session, demonstrating growing interest in environmental governance.
Stronger and more coordinated policy influence in environmental issues. The project strengthened the advocacy capabilities of partner organizations, enhancing their influence in decision-making processes. These organizations have adopted a more structured approach to advocacy, including regular meetings with policymakers, monitoring legislative developments, and actively participating in public consultations.
Long-term sustainability and institutionalization in environmental advocacy. The project established a lasting framework for environmental advocacy in Latvia. Five leading organizations formalized their collaboration by signing the Green Barometer memorandum in September 2023, ensuring sustained cooperation beyond the project’s timeline. This strategic alliance has amplified their collective influence on policymaking and environmental governance, reinforcing their role as a united force for lasting change. By strengthening coordination among Latvia’s leading environmental organizations, the initiative has significantly enhanced their collective impact on policymaking and environmental governance.
Expansion of public participation and activism beyond the so-called “green bubble. Notably, extensive communication efforts successfully brought environmental issues into broader public discourse beyond the so-called “green bubble.” For example, the initiative''s position on the National Climate and Energy Plan reached an audience of 31,703 people, while discussions on the Nature Restoration Law engaged 31,353 individuals. As well Green Barometer initiatives contributed to the increased engagement of the new movement “100 Kailcirtes”, leading to two large-scale protests that attracted activists beyond the traditional environmental NGO sector. More people are engaging in politics and protests, showing reduced apathy toward environmental issues. Growing confidence in influencing policy and widespread communication efforts have expanded public awareness.
Driving legislative and policy change. The project led to significant legal and political advancements, successfully influencing key environmental legislation, including the Nature Restoration Law. Environmental organizations involved played a crucial role in shaping the Government Action Plan under the new administration. A landmark case was also brought before the Constitutional Court, challenging forestry regulations that permitted the logging of younger trees. This case set a potential legal precedent for stronger environmental protections in Latvia.
Increased media presence and public awareness. The Green Barometer brand has established itself as a recognized voice in media discussions on environmental policies. Journalists frequently turn to the project’s representatives for expert commentary, increasing the visibility of environmental issues in public discourse. By broadening discussions beyond traditional activist circles, media coverage has helped reach a larger and more diverse audience, strengthening public engagement in environmental policymaking.