Is your city struggling to balance ambitious climate action with meaningful citizen engagement?
Then now is the time to transform these challenges into opportunities. Submit your city’s climate democratic challenge and join the Climate Democracy Lab, hosted by Grenoble Alpes Métropole from 25-27 March 2025.
Across Europe, city governments are leading the fight against climate change while striving to govern this transition in an inclusive and participatory manner. From sustainable transport initiatives and flood zone protections, to retrofitting buildings and district planning, cities are tackling major climate challenges.
But to ensure these projects succeed, cities understand that their citizens must take a central role in decision-making processes while also recognising the pressing social, economic, and political realities of urban life.
Focusing on four key dilemmas in climate action – long-term versus short-term priorities, local versus global actions, rich versus poor dynamics, and individual versus collective responsibilities – the Climate Democracy Lab provides a unique platform to explore how participatory approaches can enhance climate action.
The Lab will bring together local government officials, democracy practitioners, and experts for three days of collaborative sessions, peer learning, and on-the-ground inspiration.
Cities selected cities as ‘challenge Owners’ will work alongside diverse stakeholders to develop actionable solutions to their real-life climate challenges.
Why participate?
As a challenge owner, your city will:
- Collaborate with peers and experts to co-create actionable solutions tailored to your city’s needs.
- Gain access to capacity-building programs and tailored mentorship
- Become part of a European network of democracy innovators, fostering long-term partnerships and shared learning.
- Contribute to the creation of the Democratic Innovation Toolbox, an open-source resource for cities across Europe.
- Compete for the Democratic Innovation Award, recognising ground-breaking approaches to democratic governance.
How to submit Your challenge
Application Instructions
- Review the guidelines and four key focus areas of the Lab:
- Long-term/short-term priorities
- Local/global resource management
- Addressing inequalities in the climate transition
- Balancing individual and collective action
- Identify a specific challenge your city faces in these areas.
- Complete the online application form by Friday, 13 December 2024.
