15 July: Remembering Victims of the Global Climate Crisis

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, driven by rising global temperatures. The consequences are increasingly unpredictable, affecting local authorities and their citizens across Europe and the world. Millions of people have already lost their homes, livelihoods, or lives. Even when the impacts are not deadly, they leave deep and lasting scars on local economies and urban environments. 

EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis 

In 2023, the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission signed a Joint Declaration establising 15 July as the annual EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis. 

This day is an occasion to remember victims in Europe and worldwide, while raising awareness of the urgent need for action. It also services as a moment to reflect on how citizens and local authorities can reduce risks, enhance preparedness, and respond to climate disasters.  

The date holds particular significance, as 15 July 2021 marked the worst day of deadly floods in Belgium and Germany, leaving communities devastated and unprepared. 

Urban areas at the forefront of climate action 

While cities are responsible for about 70% of global CO₂emissions (IPCC, 2022), they also face the majority of climate-related hazards and suffer the greatest human and material losses, making local climate action essential. 

Local authorities, closely connected to urban communities, play a key role in preparing for, protecting against, and raising awareness of the impacts of climate change. 

Join this day with commemorative local actions 

On 15 July, you can take a range of actions to commemorate the victims of the global climate crisis and raise awareness in your community. 

Commemorate:  

• Hold a moment of silence with your local community
• Organise a nature-based or artistic activity to connect citizens for a moment of reflection, inspiring collective hope
• Host a small ceremony at a local landmark
• Connect the commemoration with a local event to raise awareness and foster dialogue on climate issues 

Raise awareness 

• Team up with other organisations and networks to amplify the importance of the day through joint campaigns and shared resources such as:  
  • Get involved in our CoM-munity to connect with like-minded cities and municipalities. Don’t forget to explore our annual campaigns to inspire your local climate and energy initiatives.
  • Explore initiatives by the EU Mission Climate Neutral and Smart Cities and Mission Adaptation to Climate Change
  • Encourage your local community to use tools like the European Climate Pact’s quick-start tools for citizen engagement to organise a group activity – a climate walk, photo story workshop, ‘peer parliament’ group discussion, or a local climate action group.
  • Get in touch with the European Climate Pact's Country Coordinator and/or Pact Ambassadors in your own country to connect and work together! 

Explore DG Climate Action’s communication toolkit — packed with key messages, figures, and activity ideas to help you raise awareness about this important day.

Extreme heat: it's time to #HitRefresh! 

Over the past 40 years, 95% of all weather and climate-related fatalities in Europe have been linked to heatwaves, with around 48,000 lives lost in 2023 alone. 

Cities are particularly vulnerable, as the urban heat island effect can push temperatures 10–15°C higher than in surrounding rural areas, intensifying heat stress (JRC, 2022). 

To respond effectively, cities and towns must #HitRefresh by implementing a wide range of solutions and actions. These include embracing nature-based approaches such as creating green spaces and water features, developing heatmaps to identify the hottest areas, and establishing heat action plans to protect public health. Renewing urban design and renovating buildings are also crucial to boost the climate resilience of cities.

Additionally, it is essential to adopt early warning systems and adjust policies to safeguard vulnerable groups, including outdoor workers. Cities should actively involve communities through workshops and awareness campaigns to ensure that no one is left behind.

Curious to find out more? Join us and explore the #CitiesRefresh campaign today!  

Already taking steps to cool your city and protect your citizens? Share your actions now through our quick survey and inspire our CoM-munity!