The event “Reduce your carbon footprint 2016” took place on 17 September 2016 in the Romanian Capital as part of the activities organised to celebrate the EU Climate Diplomacy Week (9-18 September 2016). It was developed by Environ Association and the Embassy of Germany in Bucharest with the support of the European Commission Representation in Romania.

The event highlighted the efforts by both Romania and Germany to ratify the COP21 Paris Agreement that sets the goals to limit global warming to well below 2°C, or even 1.5°C, and to reach climate neutrality in the second half of the 21^st century. Visitors spent the day attending bicycle and roller skate competitions, quiz contests, street drawing, board games, waste-art workshops and other activities developed with the main purpose of raising public awareness regarding climate change.

,,Reduce your carbon footprint 2016” started with a press conference held by Mr. Achim Tröster, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Germany in Bucharest, Ms. Angela Cristea, Head of European Commission Representation in Romania, Mr. Andrei Orban, President of Environ Association, Mr. Raul Pop, the State Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, and Mr. Remus Cernea, an environmental activist. The guests highlighted climate actions envisaged to implement the first ever legally binding climate agreement adopted in 2015 in Paris.

At the press conference, the Embassy of Germany inaugurated the exhibition “Environment, Conflict and Cooperation” (ECC) that was a real success among the more than 1000 event participants. The ECC Exhibition, created by the Berlin-based think tank adelphi, was organised with the courtesy of the German Federal Foreign Office.

The ECC Exhibition visualises the growing impact of global environmental change on our world. Dealing with themes such as climate change, energy and natural resources, the exhibition shows how environmental degradation and resource scarcity can spark tensions. It also highlights the role that environmental cooperation and sustainable development can play in promoting peace and stability. The exhibition has been shown in more than 40 cities worldwide since 2005.

The event ended with a concert held by the famous Romanian pop artist Smiley, who took on the opportunity to advise his audience, especially the children, to be more aware of their environmental impact and to take care of the planet we call our home.

More information about the event (in Romanian) can be found on the campaign website www.sosclima.ro  and on the Facebook page.

Explore the online version of the ECC Exhibition (in English) here.