We are a youth-led group from Poland, Italy, Hungary, and France, working together under the Citizens for Climate project. Our mission is to empower young Europeans to tackle environmental challenges and encourage greater civic participation. By promoting awareness campaigns and making policy recommendations, we aim to inspire sustainable behaviours and amplify youth voices within European and local institutions. Join us in our mission by signing this petition to advocate for a more sustainable future.

To address urgent environmental issues, we call on EU institutions – particularly the European Parliament, which creates laws affecting all member states, and the European Commission, which proposes legislation and ensures policies are implemented effectively – to take the following actions:

1.       Expand Public Recycling Facilities and Limit Single-Use Plastics

We urge policymakers to increase recycling bins in public spaces and strengthen regulations on single-use plastics, specifically by limiting the production and sale of non-recyclable items. Gradually phasing out these plastics will help reduce pollution in our communities and natural ecosystems while addressing emissions from plastic production, which contribute significantly to climate change.

2.       Introduce Eco-Friendly Tax Incentives

Implementing tax incentives for sustainable practices would encourage eco-conscious choices among individuals and businesses. For example, rewarding sustainable practices in industries like fashion and manufacturing could help reduce overproduction and mitigate carbon emissions, contributing to climate resilience.

3.       Fund Research and Development for Sustainable Solutions

Increased EU funding for research into plastic alternatives and sustainable water-use solutions is essential for reducing our reliance on harmful materials. We also advocate for support in developing innovative approaches to overconsumption and pollution, which are drivers of climate change.

4.       Redirect Subsidies to Support Clean Energy

Reducing subsidies for fossil fuels and increasing funding for renewable energy projects will accelerate the shift toward a clean-energy future, reducing our dependence on non-renewable resources.

Why It Matters

Climate change and environmental degradation are interconnected crises that require comprehensive and unified solutions. At the heart of this issue lies the alarming scale of plastic production and waste: over 450 million metric tons of plastic are produced annually, yet only 9% is recycled (Our World in Data; OECD). This inefficiency contributes significantly to environmental damage and climate change, as plastic manufacturing accounts for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions – comparable to high-emission sectors like aviation (Our World in Data). Reducing plastic pollution is therefore a dual opportunity to protect ecosystems and mitigate climate change by curbing emissions.

In addition to plastic, unsustainable consumption patterns, such as those seen in the fast fashion industry, amplify resource depletion and carbon emissions. For example, overproduction in fast fashion not only generates waste but also releases large amounts of greenhouse gases during manufacturing and transportation. Transitioning to sustainable practices in these sectors can alleviate environmental strain, reduce waste, and foster a more responsible use of resources.

Eco-conscious policies that prioritize reducing plastic production, promoting recycling, encouraging sustainable consumption, and accelerating the transition to clean energy can address pollution, conserve resources, and tackle the root causes of climate change. Taking immediate steps to adopt these measures will protect ecosystems, combat global warming, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Sign the petition today to advocate for a healthier planet and climate-resilient future.