From Climathon Zurich to "Climate Movers"

What is Climathon Zurich?

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in Climathon Zurich, an annual event that brings together passionate individuals from various backgrounds to collectively tackle pressing climate issues. The atmosphere was electric with innovation and collaboration as participants engaged in brainstorming sessions, workshops, and discussions focused on finding creative and sustainable solutions to combat climate change.

Throughout the event, I was truly inspired by the dedication and ingenuity of the participants who were committed to making a positive impact on the environment. From exploring renewable energy sources to promoting sustainable practices in urban planning, the ideas generated were not only forward-thinking but also practical in their implementation.

One of the highlights of Climathon Zurich was the opportunity to work in diverse teams, each bringing a unique perspective and skill set to the table to address on of the 4 challenges of 2024. This collaborative approach not only fostered creativity but also encouraged out-of-the-box thinking, leading to innovative solutions that had the potential to drive real change.

The employees for change challenge!

The focus of my team was "employee empowerment," acknowledging the vital role that knowledgeable and involved workers play in developing CO2 reduction initiatives within their companies.

Throughout the event, we brainstormed and developed a concept to empower employees to take initiative in their workplaces. The importance of expanding knowledge access to empower employees who want to support their organization's environmental goals was the main topic of our discussions.

Our programme, named Climate Movers*, has been designed to empower employees to become sustainability champions right from their workplaces. Climate Movers* is a metaphore to explain that small actions lead to massive impacts when many people participate.

The programme is divided into 3 interconnected actions : a campaign to raise awareness, a platform to increase knowledge and a community of practice.

In a nutshell, the campaign "Bean of change" (see the video below) invites people to virtually plant a bean. This small step sparks major changes and connects you to a movement dedicated to making sustainability a regular practice.

The collaborative atmosphere at Climathon Zurich was energizing.

This experience at Climathon Zurich reinforced my belief in the potential of empowered employees to create meaningful change. I left the event with fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to fostering a sustainable mindset among companies. Climathon Zurich was not just a one-time event but a catalyst for ongoing action and advocacy, empowering participants to continue their efforts in creating a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Thank you to my teammates @ViktoriaMoor, @PeterHaberstich, @OlivierMächler, @DavidVBoivin and @ImpactHubZurich for the amazing organisation.