A few days ahead of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, the EESC adopted a resolution on ''Jointly tackling an existential threat: social partners and civil society for the implementation of ambitious climate action''. The message of European organised civil society was clear: we need the EU institutions and Member States to keep playing their leadership role and step-up their climate ambition, regardless of what other regions of the world do.

A clear majority of Europeans – 70 % – are alarmed by climate change, and almost three-quarters believe they need to do more personally to help the green transition, according to a Eurobarometer survey. The EESC, through its resolution and its 7-strong delegation in Sharm El-Sheikh, called on all stakeholders involved to act on citizens' concern and step up climate ambition in accordance with the latest scientific recommendations.

The EESC was represented by its members Peter Schmidt, Isabel Caño Aguilar, Sandra Parthie, Josep Puxeu Rocamora, Neža Repanšek and Lutz Ribbe, rapporteurs for the resolution, and by youth climate activist Sophia Wiegand.

''Climate change is one of the biggest challenges faced by humanity in this century. Its impact will not start with our children but already with ourselves, changing dramatically the way we live'', said Cillian Lohan, EESC vice-president for communication and climate activist. ''Of course, we know that the European Union is doing more than any other region, as the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package demonstrate. But as the home of European civil society, we need to press the European Commission and the EU Member States to maintain their leadership role and convince our global partners to follow Europe's example." (ks)