This call delves into the intersection of European Heritage and climate action, highlighting the crucial role of culture, arts, and heritage in addressing environmental challenges. It emphasises the power of tangible and intangible heritage, creative sectors, and traditional knowledge in driving sustainable practices and resilience across various sectors.
Central to the narrative is a call for national governments to support a Joint Work on Culture and Climate Action Decision (JWD). This call paved the way for the first ministerial meeting on the topic at COP 28, leading to the Emirates Declaration on Culture-Based Climate Action pushing for the adoption of a Joint Work Decision at COP 29. This decision aims to initiate a consultative process to explore and amplify the contributions of culture to climate action, advocating for a more inclusive and culturally informed approach to environmental policy-making.
The document underscores the importance of engaging diverse cultural stakeholders in shaping climate responses and promoting sustainable lifestyles. By harnessing the creative potential of culture, storytelling, and heritage preservation, the text envisions a collaborative effort to inspire transformative climate action and foster a sense of global unity in combating climate change.
Ultimately, this content serves as a catalyst for recognising and integrating cultural heritage into climate strategies, advocating for a shift towards embracing cultural diversity and creativity as essential components of a climate-resilient society. It calls for a collective effort to leverage the richness of European Heritage to drive positive change and sustainable development in the face of environmental challenges.
