Aitoliko: people for climate

Aitoliko, a small island town in the Messolonghi basin, is a typical example of a small provincial town under pressure from the explosive mix of climate change impacts and the widening urban–rural divide—namely, the concentration of population, power, resources, and opportunities in major urban centres. These conditions intensify citizens’ concerns about the fragile ecosystem on which they depend, directly or indirectly, for their own survival and that of future generations. At the same time, there is a striking absence of a meeting space for those directly affected by climate change—both among themselves and with those responsible for shaping alternative policies.

A way forward has been found globally through Citizens’ Climate Assemblies: participatory processes that mobilise citizens and engage them organically in policymaking, placing particular emphasis on inclusion and combining environmental protection with the strengthening of democracy.

Maintaining the same spirit of encounter, experimentation, and collective exploration that characterised the highly successful research programme Vanishing Landscapes, the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung Thessaloniki and TAVROS, in collaboration with the Cultural & Educational Association “To Aitoliko”, the organisation Messolonghi by Locals and the 1st Primary School of Aitoliko, are organising a two-day event on climate under the title Aitoliko: People for Climate, taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December 2025 in Aitoliko.

We invite you to reflect on the delicate balance that connects the natural and human environment and to engage in discussions around questions such as:
– What emotions does the phrase “climate change” evoke? In what ways does it affect each and every one of us?
– How do we speak about climate? Are data alone enough to foster a connection with nature and the environment?
– How do our individual experiences shape our attitudes and perceptions of climate change?

These events are part of a broader initiative leading to the implementation of the first Citizens’ Climate Assembly in Greece, to be held in Aitoliko in 2026.

Saturday, 6 December 2025, 18:00–20:00 | Presentation of the Yannis Rousopoulos Climate Library and public discussion
How do we tell stories about the climate?
Speakers: Giannis Trochopoulos (Future Library NGO), Thodoris Georgakopoulos (author), Alkistis Halikia (author)
Moderator: Anastasia Vaitsopoulou (journalist)
Location: Cultural & Educational Association “To Aitoliko”

Sunday, 7 December 2025, 11:00–13:30 | Climate Café at the Museum
An informal community conversation on climate change, with coffee and refreshments.
Moderator: Anastasia Vaitsopoulou (journalist)
Location: Centre of Engraving Arts – Vasso Katraki Museum