Communities should be at the heart of climate action
The Arab world faces a climate emergency, unlike any other region, due to its unique topography and climate nuances. While governments have strived to introduce large-scale policies to tackle a wide range of climate issues — such as water scarcity, food insecurity, energy efficiency and environmental conservation — to date, regional efforts are yet to harness the collective power of grassroots communities to achieve climate action targets.
The issue of climate change has energized communities across the world that have been especially impacted by its effects, inspiring confidence in their roles and welcoming mobilization from government resources. For instance, the local community in Kamikatsu in Japan exemplifies effective grassroots influence with its pioneering zero-waste policies. Kamikatsu, which declared itself to be “zero waste” in 2003, achieved an 80 percent recycling rate in 2021, far surpassing Japan’s national average of 20 percent. It did this by promoting “the 3Rs” — reduce, reuse and recycle. Crucially, it was led through community engagement in waste reduction, recycling and composting.
Communities can also raise awareness about key climate issues in their local vicinities. In New York City, for instance, the Green Roof Tax Abatement program was the culmination of a 13-year advocacy effort by dedicated stakeholders. This initiative incentivizes building owners to install green roofs and solar panels, thereby promoting sustainability by reducing the effects of urban heat, improving energy efficiency and enhancing biodiversity.
Policymakers can engage local communities in the climate conversation in several critical yet creative ways. They possess nuanced insights and knowledge that could be beneficial for designing solutions that are grounded in the practical realities of the environments in which they live. By spurring homegrown, grassroots innovations that are practical, lessons learned could be replicated in other similar contexts around the world. Crucially, a wider awareness on the importance of climate-friendly habits and the individual’s role in preserving natural resources can also encourage communities to adopt more sustainable practices.
Many countries recognize the importance of engaging local communities, demonstrating their willingness to think holistically about the issue of climate action. Energy efficiency programs, for instance, aim to educate local populations about the many options available for energy-saving, such as the use of LED lighting or automatic light sensors to reduce power usage in households or offices. Such grassroots initiatives, supported by robust policy and regulatory frameworks, empower local communities to adopt sagacious energy and water conservation habits and decisions, contributing to sustainability efforts.
Other possible policy solutions include empowering communities to collectively manage energy resources, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels. A successful example of this is the US-based cooperative Solar United Neighbors, which has enabled about 6,000 families to adopt solar energy through cooperative purchasing, installing more than 49,000 kilowatts of solar power. Such solar cooperatives lower costs and build community resilience, showcasing the power of collective action when it comes to adopting renewable energy options.
Equally important is water conservation, particularly in the Middle East, which is known for its water stress. In this context, community-led programs can encourage farmers to adopt water-efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, to reduce waste. Another emerging focus area is that of ecotourism, led by small businesses and individuals that are adeptly combining environmental conservation with economic benefits. Successful ventures include community-run lodges in nature areas, guided nature tours and coral reef conservation programs.
In the UAE, grassroots groups have organized numerous campaigns to promote walking, jogging and cycling as alternatives to driving. The UAE government has also transformed its urban plans to incorporate bike lanes and footpaths with the aim of reducing the transport sector’s energy consumption and air pollution.
Moreover, the recently launched “Plant the Emirates” national program mobilizes local volunteers for various planting initiatives and encourages local communities to take on gardening or farming projects, thereby expanding the number of green spaces in the country.
Governments can further amplify grassroots efforts through targeted support and fostering partnerships with strategic nonprofit organizations, as seen in many public-private environmental projects. One case study is the “Connect with Nature” initiative founded by the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi and Emirates Nature-WWF. Launched in 2019, the initiative has engaged more than 14,000 youths through 250 events, connecting them to the UAE’s natural landscapes and empowering them to take ownership in building a sustainable future.
The initiative features a number of programs, such as expert-led excursions, leadership training for two cohorts of 30 youth ambassadors and representation at global forums, including the COP28 climate change conference and the Food for Future Summit. Youths have also actively contributed as citizen scientists, gathering more than 13,500 biodiversity and waste management data points and helping remove 2,500 kg of litter from natural environments. To expand its impact, the program will now include both schoolchildren and adults, ensuring broader community participation in conservation efforts.
By empowering local communities to foster a shared responsibility for achieving climate goals, governments can significantly accelerate the progress toward sustainability targets over the coming decades.
Published in Arab News.