Empowering change: The crucial role of civil society in climate change mitigation

Abstract

Climate change mitigation is a global imperative, necessitating multifaceted efforts from various sectors. This paper digs into civil society's critical role in mitigating climate change, focusing on the ways that civil society organizations empower communities, advocate for policy reforms, and implement grassroots projects. The goal of this study is to thoroughly examine civil society's various contributions to climate change mitigation and provide conclusions that can guide more effective collaboration strategies. The study's fundamental research topic is the need to understand the exact mechanisms by which civil society plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation. This includes their involvement in community empowerment, public awareness campaigns, legislative advocacy, and the of sustained programs. The study intends to offer light on the particular characteristics of civil society in stimulating climate action by exploring these aspects. This study adopts a mixed‐methods approach in its methodology in Ernakulam district, Kerala. It entails doing a qualitative analysis of case studies to examine the numerous ways in which civil society organizations work to mitigate climate change. Quantitative data are also collected to analyze the impact of their activities on policy reforms, community participation, and climate resilience. Civil society encourages communities to take ownership of climate action through education, capacity‐building, and resource allocation, supporting sustainable practices at the grassroots level. The study further demonstrates that civil society plays a significant part in holding the government to account regarding their climate guarantees. Their activities, such as renewable energy projects and sustainable agriculture practices, generate community‐led solutions that help to accomplish global climate targets while additionally enhancing local resilience. Furthermore, civil society promotes collaboration among the commercial sector, governments, and communities, leading to a more inclusive approach to climate change mitigation. These insights may assist policymakers, stakeholders, and civil society organizations develop more effective climate change mitigation strategies, thereby ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.