Ecological shifts are not limited to individual behaviors, major political reforms, or organizational transformations. They also play out on the ground, as close as possible to the territories.
Many sectors and activities can only be managed at this scale. Let's take a detour to some of them that forge the very essence of the necessary transition to come!
Local renewable energies
In France, around 80% of renewable energy production is decentralized, i.e. produced directly by local territories (wind, solar, biomass, etc.)【source: ADEME】
More than 4,000 citizen renewable energy projects have been launched in Europe, including 300 in France, mobilizing nearly 10,000 citizens for decentralized production of clean energy!【source: Energy Cities】
Sustainable agriculture and short supply chains
10% of agricultural land in Europe is already cultivated using agro-ecological practices, and this figure continues to increase thanks to local initiatives that promote sustainability and resilience to climate change【source: INRAE】
In France, more than 2,000 local producers' markets exist, supporting short supply chains and reducing the carbon footprint of food transport and sometimes organic or sustainable【source: Ministry of Agriculture】
Resilience of rural territories
Territories that adopt local resilience strategies can reduce their CO2 emissions by up to 30% by developing more autonomous and local energy and food systems【source: European Commission】
Rural regions that invest in resilience infrastructure (such as sustainable water and forest management) can generate savings of up to 40% on the costs related to climate damage【source: OECD】
Citizen mobilization and participation
In France, more than 70% of local authorities have set up citizen participation initiatives for the development of local climate policies (workshops, public consultations, etc.)【source: Climate Action Network】
46% of French people believe that local authorities are best placed to act effectively against climate change, due to their proximity and their knowledge of the needs local【source: IFOP】
Reducing the carbon footprint
Local authorities that adopt eco-mobility strategies (bicycles, electric public transport) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to transport by up to 50%【source: ADEME】
Cities that promote urban agriculture and short supply chains can reduce their overall ecological footprint by up to 25% by relocating their food production【source: FAO】
These figures clearly show that local territories are key players in the ecological transition, capable of implementing concrete and effective initiatives to meet climate and environmental challenges.
It is for these reasons that since 2019, La Traverse has been committed to supporting rural territories in their ecological transition efforts. In response to the challenges imposed by climate change, the collapse of biodiversity and energy crises, she supports local communities to become more resilient and autonomous.
Through immersive residencies, the team works in collaboration with residents, elected officials and local associations to identify specific vulnerabilities and co-create strategies adapted to each territory. 📍🤝
She also offers awareness-raising workshops and carries out Carbon Footprints® for communities, in order to reduce their carbon footprint and develop local solutions, such as food and energy autonomy. 🌾🔋
With her podcasts, she gives a voice to those who shape rural territories, sharing inspiring initiatives and stories of resilience across France. 🎧
❓ What is resilience?
❓ What are the specific challenges for rural territories?
❓ What levers to act effectively?
🎙️ Dive with us into an inspiring conversation with Félix VÈVE, co-founder of the collective, who shares with us the genesis of La Traverse, the concrete actions carried out on the ground, the challenges met, but also the successes and sources of inspiration.
Enjoy listening to all!