In July 9-11, 2025, more than 350 people from more than 25 countries met in Cologne, Germany for the annual Climate Alliance International Conference (CAIC25) and general assembly. It was four days filled with very interesting presentations, motivating discussions and joyful networking.
What makes the conference very important is being in the same room with municipalities across Europe who share the understanding that change and adaptation to new climate patterns takes place on local level and how we approach it is in our own hands. Combating energy poverty, planning local heating and cooling networks, and adapting our cities and towns to a changing climate all take place on the municipal level. Even more so, when it comes to communicating with citizens on climate action, fostering the energy transition on the ground and developing global climate partnerships, cities and towns are drivers of the transition we so urgently need.
The keynote presentation on Thursday was about psychology and climate change and what motivates people to move and make a change in their everyday life. Prof. Volker Busch stressed that fear and disinterest lead to passiveness, instead people need hope and confidence to be motivated to change things. Being a little bit inconvenienced makes our brain more active in finding solutions. Being too comfortable or too anxious slows our brain down. This makes talking about good practices and useful solutions in face of climate adverse effects even more important.
Another idea that echoed through several presentations and discussions during breaks was how much community matters. We need to support and motivate people in the community who are already excited so that they can be shining stars and inspire the rest of the community to move along. That helps to reach the tipping point or critical mass and ensure sustainability or wider and more permanent change. The worst we can do is do nothing.
“CAIC annual conferences are extremely useful connection and experience exchange forums, said CEESEN’s president Elis Vollmer. “Dozens of municipalities and experts meet to share good experiences, new ideas and solutions and strengthen co-operation relationships. It is delightful and inspiring to be in a room with people who may have a solution to your challenge or if they do not, then they are eager to help you figure it out. Nobody questions the need to change and to do it in a just and equal way,” she said.
Based on best practice examples as well as failures and lessons they provide, the 2025 Climate Alliance Conference showcased municipalities and regions that are taking climate matters into their own hands. Such face-to-face forums have proven to be more effective than online events, especially for their social interaction and connection potential.
CEESEN is glad to join forces with the Climate Alliance to provide the best possible support to our local municipalities and communities in facing climate change and improving the wellbeing of our citizens.
More info about the conference as well as short summary can be found here: https://www.climatealliance.org/events/international-conference/caic25-review.html
