Engaging citizens for local climate action

IOK

In collaboration with IOK, we are supervising the Klimaatmakers project, which involves citizens in the realization of local climate goals. Through online surveys, inspiration sessions and Design Thinking workshops, we help municipalities co-create climate actions that match the needs and ambitions of their citizens. This process results in committed climate teams that continue to work independently on concrete actions.

facilitate

participation

training

The Kempen municipalities face a dual challenge: to achieve a 40% CO2 reduction by 2030 and to make their communities resilient to the consequences of climate change. This requires not only technical solutions such as low-energy houses, greener neighborhoods and renewable energy, but also the active involvement of citizens.

The Klimaatmakers project brings citizens together to devise and implement concrete climate actions through participation and co-creation. Forming local climate teams bridges the gap between policy and citizens and builds support for sustainable change.

The Klimaatmakers process follows five set steps that are customized for each municipality:

Online Survey: Residents express their views on climate and share ideas on how they want to contribute.
Inspiration sessions: Through a Climate Maker Walk or a Dream Café, we inspire participants with examples of climate action and encourage them to develop a future vision for 2050.
Workshops: Four sessions based on Design Thinking lead to concrete climate actions:
- Workshop 1: Identifying opportunities and challenges.
- Workshop 2: Generating Solutions.
- Workshop 3: Selecting and developing the best ideas.
- Workshop 4: Group sustainability and plans for independent continuation.
Rolling out actions: Participants continue to work independently on selected climate actions after the track.

These steps ensure that the process is locally embedded and fits the specific needs of each municipality.

The Klimaatmakers project has already led to concrete results in four municipalities. Groups of committed citizens have developed three actions that fit local challenges and opportunities. These groups now continue to work independently, making the support and impact of the project permanent.

With 11 trajectories still ongoing, Klimaatmakers continues to contribute to achieving sustainable change in the Kempen and inspires other regions to involve citizens in their climate ambitions.

Why is action being taken?

Klimaatmakers: Local action for global goals

The Kempen municipalities face a dual challenge: to achieve a 40% CO2 reduction by 2030 and to make their communities resilient to the consequences of climate change. This requires not only technical solutions such as low-energy houses, greener neighborhoods and renewable energy, but also the active involvement of citizens.

The Klimaatmakers project brings citizens together to devise and implement concrete climate actions through participation and co-creation. Forming local climate teams bridges the gap between policy and citizens and builds support for sustainable change.

A pathway tailored to each municipality

The Klimaatmakers process follows five set steps that are customized for each municipality:

Online Survey: Residents express their views on climate and share ideas on how they want to contribute.
Inspiration sessions: Through a Climate Maker Walk or a Dream Café, we inspire participants with examples of climate action and encourage them to develop a future vision for 2050.
Workshops: Four sessions based on Design Thinking lead to concrete climate actions:
- Workshop 1: Identifying opportunities and challenges.
- Workshop 2: Generating Solutions.
- Workshop 3: Selecting and developing the best ideas.
- Workshop 4: Group sustainability and plans for independent continuation.
Rolling out actions: Participants continue to work independently on selected climate actions after the track.

These steps ensure that the process is locally embedded and fits the specific needs of each municipality.

A lasting impact at the local level

The Klimaatmakers project has already led to concrete results in four municipalities. Groups of committed citizens have developed three actions that fit local challenges and opportunities. These groups now continue to work independently, making the support and impact of the project permanent.

With 11 trajectories still ongoing, Klimaatmakers continues to contribute to achieving sustainable change in the Kempen and inspires other regions to involve citizens in their climate ambitions.

IOK as partners in climate transition

IOK, in partnership with The Argonauts, has introduced an innovative approach with Klimaatmakers to engage citizens in local climate goals. By combining co-creation and participation, they ensure that municipalities and residents take steps together toward a sustainable and resilient future.