Proactive community adaptation to climate change through social transformation and behavioural change

Community engagement for climate adaptation led by NGOs in Extremadura

On 19 March 2026, the Badajoz Province LL organised an online participatory workshop with a diverse group of NGOs to explore their role in advancing climate change adaptation across Badajoz and Extremadura. The session brought together organisations such as ADENEX, Fundación Repoblación, Red Enea, CONGDEX, Fundación Ayuda en Acción, Unión de Consumidores and Acción contra el Hambre, which work at the intersection of social action, environmental awareness and community engagement.

The workshop focused on understanding how climate change is already influencing NGO activities and identifying opportunities to strengthen their impact. Participants highlighted their strong involvement in environmental education, awareness-raising campaigns and the promotion of sustainable practices, particularly through work with local communities and educational settings. Discussions emphasised that effective adaptation requires a combination of awareness, training and community engagement. NGOs identified the need to translate knowledge into practical actions that can be integrated into everyday life, supported by tailored communication strategies adapted to different social groups. In this context, participatory initiatives and hands-on activities were highlighted as essential tools to drive long-term change. The session also underlined the importance of strengthening collaboration between NGOs, public administrations and other local actors. Building stable networks, sharing resources and coordinating actions were identified as critical factors to maximise impact and avoid duplication of efforts Participants outlined a phased set of priorities, starting with immediate actions focused on awareness-raising and citizen engagement, followed by the development of more structured training initiatives and stronger collaboration frameworks, and ultimately aiming at embedding climate action within the long-term strategies of organisations.

The workshop highlighted the unique capacity of NGOs to translate climate challenges into locally relevant actions, as their proximity to citizens enables them to play a key role in fostering behavioural change and promoting active participation in climate action.