Copyright: Ecologic Institute
Project background
The European Commission's Communication on the European Green Deal paints a bold vision. Citizens should enjoy health and well-being and be protected from environmental risks in a just and prosperous society, both now and in the future. To meet its ambitious targets, the European economy must change. This requires changes to EU law and policies. Current dynamics show determination as well as challenges. Due to their different starting points and political profiles, the 27 EU Member States do not always agree. Therefore, a variety of controversies is to be expected.
The Green Deal – Big Deal podcast and webinar series highlight key aspects of this monumental political effort. The podcast series is aimed at young European citizens with an interest in environmental issues, who aim to better understand what the European Green Deal entails, as well as its potential impact for their communities and regions. Together, the podcasts and webinars will address questions such as: What does the European Green Deal entail? How can it be implemented? What are the main transformative changes needed in different policy areas? What are the main opportunities for action and the risks of inactions, especially for the younger generation? How can people get involved? What are the major challenges and conflicts? What are the perspectives in different parts of Europe? Are the plans sufficient to address the most pressing environmental challenges?
Project goals and measures
Copyright: Ecologic Institute
The podcast series communicates the relevance of the European Green Deal, describes different dynamics and viewpoints across the.
Podcasts are a particularly effective medium for communicating to an audience, also on an emotional level. They are easy to access and widely perceived as educational entertainment. With this format, we can reach non-expert audiences with a basic understanding of environmental issues and interest in environmental policy that would like to learn more about environmental policy at the European level and its relevance for them. This fills a gap for people without sufficient time or the knowledge base to follow environmental policy debates via outlets aimed at expert audiences. This 15 episode podcast is in English, making it accessible throughout Europe.
A series of webinars targeted at young people (18-35 years old) complements the podcasts. The content builds on selected podcast episodes and expand on them. Young people have the opportunity to discuss with experts, ask questions and voice their ideas. The eight webinars also provide an opportunity for young people from across the EU to meet, exchange their perspectives, highlight issues specific to their local context and foster more understanding of the diversity of circumstances, issues and starting points in different countries.