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Description
The aim is to motivate target groups (pupils, students, administration and the public) to increase their efforts for climate protection. Offer them the knowledge and tools and encourage them to change behavior and approach to governance and to pay maximum attention to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The goal will be achieved primarily through the implementation of 2 years of a nationwide climate project for schools CO2 League (www.CO2liga.cz), including a final conference and a video on pupils'' activities in climate protection. There will also be 2 runs of the media-famous nationwide Earth Hour campaign (www.hodinazeme.cz), aimed at the public and public administration. Each year, the campaign selects one of the important aspects of climate change and draws attention to it, with participants making commitments. The project will include the Summer School, a thematic publication accompanying the Earth Hour c and 3 articles in the national media. The applicant has ten years of experience with this activities, in the submitted project he will improve, expand and innovate them. Also the range of cooperating entities will be expanded (including umbrella organizations such as Pavučina, the Climate Coalition, the Network of Healthy Cities, and business entities). All activities will respond thematically to current developments in the field of climate protection - strengthening climate protection at the local level as a tool for fulfilling international climate commitments, energy communities, trends in mobility and catering, growing citizen involvement in climate protection. On the other hand, there is also a response to the effects of rising weather extremes and the strengthening of resilience. The experience of the pandemic crisis will not be neglected.
Summary of project results
Our project aimed to inspire pupils, students, public administrators, and the general public to take meaningful action for climate protection. We provided them with the knowledge, tools, and motivation needed to change their behaviours and approaches, ensuring that public affairs management prioritizes mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts. Over two years, we successfully implemented the national climate program for schools called „CO2 League“ and the national Earth Hour campaign, both targeting the public and public administration.
Through these initiatives, along with the Spring School of Climate Protection and the release of a thematic publication, were all parts our outreach efforts. We continually developed, refined, and innovated every aspect of the project, ensuring our activities stayed relevant and responsive to current trends in climate protection. Our focus included strengthening local-level climate initiatives, advancing community energy, promoting sustainable mobility and catering, and increasing citizen involvement in climate action.
Activity 1: CO2 League
Over two years, we led the CO2 League school programme, engaging teams of primary and secondary school students to deepen their understanding of climate change and its impact on daily life. Through four missions spread across the school year, students explored both theoretical concepts and practical actions. In the theoretical sections, we connected real-world issues with climate change, while the practical parts focused on hands-on experiences that promoted sustainable, climate-conscious behaviour. Students also participated in community events within their schools and villages, broadening their impact. The program culminated in a final conference at the Senate of Czechia, where teams presented their work. These conferences, supported by the Ministry of Environment and the Senate''s Committee for Regional Development, Public Administration, and the Environment, highlighted the students'' achievements.
Activity 2: Earth Hour
For two consecutive years, we spearheaded the national Earth Hour campaign, aiming to broaden participation and raise awareness about climate protection. With strong media support and strategic press releases, the campaign reached approximately one-third of the Czech population each year. We actively engaged with cities, institutions, companies, and schools, fostering long-term relationships and helping them commit to lasting climate protection measures. We encouraged our target groups to take meaningful actions, such as organizing events, calculating their carbon footprints, educating fellow citizens, and making climate commitments. Volunteers played a key role, organizing local events and collaborating with a wide range of partners to amplify the campaign''s impact.
Activity 3: Spring School of Climate Protection
This activity was divided into two impactful events. The first took place in September at The Apple Festival, where we hosted a climate education section for approximately 1,600 visitors. The event featured lectures, discussions, and personalized consultations on topics like electromobility, photovoltaics, environmental social entrepreneurship, healthy school canteens, and energy savings.
The second part occurred in March in Brno, where we organized a three-day educational seminar focused on the latest developments in the climate crisis. This seminar catered to environmental educators and the general public, providing them with up-to-date knowledge and actionable insights.
Our project activities were designed to both inform and inspire. By raising awareness about the specific actions individuals and communities can take to protect the environment, we expect to see real steps and measures being adopted.
Earth Hour stands out as one of the few national and international events dedicated to climate protection. Its strong reputation, focused timing, and clear communication offer a powerful platform to connect with the public. We took this opportunity to frame climate change not just as a distant global issue, but as a personal challenge and opportunity for everyone. The campaign''s greatest strengths lie in the media attention it garners, the collective action it inspires, and the sense of unity it fosters among participants.
During Earth Hour, we encouraged participants to make concrete commitments to climate protection, which we believe will lead to tangible environmental benefits.
CO2 League saw students engaging in practical tasks throughout the year, all aimed at environmental protection—both through their actions and by inspiring their peers to do the same.
Overall, the quality and impact of our long-standing, nationwide environmental education and awareness programs have significantly increased, reinforcing our commitment to protecting the environment on a broader scale.