Why is voting one of the most effective things you can do for the climate?

Even though we should all do what we can to limit our own emissions, it's crucial that we also have global climate policies and lawmakers who demand that industries and businesses make necessary changes in order to prevent the crisis from getting worse.

Individuals can't subsidize clean energy or put a price on carbon dioxide. We need politicians who support climate-friendly policies, and your vote is an important way to ensure that we focus on the climate. We're the first generation aware that we're destroying the planet, and we may be the last that can do something about it.

EU is the leading global force in issues related to climate

On June 6-9, 2024, there are elections to the European Parliament across Europe. Then, 450 million eligible voters have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights and choose their representatives in the European Parliament for the next five years. Today, the EU is the leading global force in issues related to climate, nature, and the environment - the foundations of sustainable development. The parliament that has served during the past term 2019-2024 has had a strong focus on creating a climate-neutral and fair Europe. It has pushed through historic decisions such as tightened and binding emission targets for 2030 and 2050, requirements forenergy efficiency and more renewable energy, a strategy for biodiversity protection, and a ban on the sale of non-zero-emission vehicles from 2035. It might be easy to think that one's own vote doesn't matter, but that's not true. If you don't go and vote, maybe your friends and family won't either. If more and more people think it doesn't matter and therefore abstain from voting, the power to decide how we all should live is placed in the hands of a few individuals. Then we get a parliament that doesn't reflect the population's opinions, that doesn't reflect what you want. By voting, you can help influence the EU to continue prioritizing climate globally.

EU-elections: Tips and links

Here we have compiled a list of information, campaigns, and helpful guides that highlight the different parties' commitment to issues concerning climate, nature, and the environment.

Many voters want to see different climate policies

The climate crisis can feel overwhelming. As an individual, you might feel like there is little point in taking action since the problem is so big and complex. However, there are positive figures in recent surveys that prove that many of us care about the climate and want to see a different climate policy. According to a research published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change earlier this year, where 130 000 people in 125 countries participated, two thirds of people are willing to pay 1 percent of their income to prevent global warming. 89% demand intensified political action regarding the climate crisis.