We are pleased to share the recent work of our COFACE Families Europe member, AGF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der deutschen Familienorganisationen). The publication “Families and climate: Socio-ecological challenges and perspectives for family action” is an in-depth study on integrating climate action and family policy.
Rising temperatures are having a negative impact on the living conditions of the elderly and young children. Energy costs are rising, and climate-related extreme events are causing fear and uncertainty.
During a series of events, member organisations of the Bundesforum Familie organised by AGF, came together to discuss the links between climate, family, and social policies, identifying several key points to focus on in the report:
- Families are not affected in the same way by climate change and climate policy measures. For instance, families with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by measures such as CO₂ pricing.
- Political frameworks and infrastructure are needed to enable all families, regardless of income and housing situation, to be part of the ecological transition.
- Mental health is affected. Fear, sadness and a loss of control weigh heavily on families. Resilience need in-depth information, concrete opportunities to take action and the experience of self-efficacy.
- Cities and local authorities play a key role in family-friendly climate protection. However, they often lack the resources and capacity. Sustainable funding could lead to structural improvements.
- General Comment No. 26 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasises: children have the right to a healthy environment. Climate policy is generational justice.
The document also highlights the role of family associations and a series of good practices to be taken into account, as well as initiatives presented by member organisations on the topic of families and climate.
The publication shows that families are not only affected by social and environmental change, but also play a key role in shaping it. With the right framework in place, they can actively contribute to a climate-just society.
COFACE Families Europe finds that families plays a key role in shaping a climate-just society as well. COFACES’ new position paper on families and climate provides recommendations to ensure that climate action is inclusive, fair, and future-proof. Read the full position paper here.
Find the full publication of Bundesforum Familie here.
Find out more about AGF here:
