A look at local policies and examples
Climate justice isn’t just a global topic—it’s also something we measure at the country level. As a member of the European Union, Croatia has certain duties and opportunities for a green transition. But the big question is: are we doing this in a fair way? Are the good things and the costs of climate policies shared equally among different regions and groups of people? Or do we also have “climate inequality” here?
Croatia on paper: the green plan
When you look at the documents, Croatia is not falling behind.
- The National Strategy for Climate Adaptation and the Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) plan to lower pollution and invest in renewable energy.
- Using EU funds, billions are being spent on making buildings more energy-efficient, on renewable energy, and on getting ready for climate change.
- More and more towns and cities are creating their own climate action plans.
On paper, Croatia is on the “green train” with the rest of Europe. But what happens in real life is a bit different.
Croatia in real life: who feels the effects?
- Rural Areas and Farmers: regions like Slavonia and the Dalmatian hinterlands are already dealing with droughts, smaller harvests, and big losses in farming. While the EU and the government offer money, it’s hard for small farmers to get it because they have to fill out a lot of paperwork, just like big companies.
- Cities vs. Villages: while big cities like Zagreb and Rijeka get projects for sustainable transportation, rural towns struggle with public transport that barely exists. Climate justice means everyone should have access to good, green solutions, not just people in cities.
- Poorer Households: when people want to make their homes more energy-efficient, they often have to pay some of the cost themselves. People who have money get more help, but those who don’t are left with old furnaces, poor insulation, and high bills. This is a type of climate injustice right here at home.
- Industrial Towns: towns like Slavonski Brod and Sisak carry the burden of pollution from factories and heavy industry. But there’s very little political will to solve these problems for good.
Good examples: it is possible
- Križevci: a leader in using community solar power and creating an energy cooperative.
- Krk: has been working for years on a good waste management system and making public energy use more efficient.
- Osijek: was one of the first to get electric buses and a public bike system.
These examples show that real climate justice means including the community and sharing resources fairly, not just “big projects from the top down.”
What are we missing?
- Involving young people and vulnerable groups: we need to truly include them in making decisions, not just say we will.
- Decentralization: climate policies can’t just be created in Zagreb. We need to help small towns that don’t have experts or the right resources.
- A just transition: Croatia needs to take care of workers in industries that will be phased out.
- Transparency: funds and programs must be available to everyone, not just those with the right connections and the most expensive consultants.
Summary
Croatia is “somewhere in the middle.” On paper, we are part of Europe’s green transition, but in reality, it’s the same old story: the rich get richer, and the poor suffer. If we want real climate justice, we need policies that start with the real needs of communities, not with numbers on a spreadsheet.
Climate justice in Croatia means a child in a village in Slavonia must have the same chance for clean air, clean water, and green energy as a child in Zagreb. Also, young people from villages in Slavonia must have the same chances to take part in youth projects about climate change. This is not a luxury—it’s a basic right. For now, this right is not equal for young people from developed and urban areas.
As an Ambassador of the European Climate Pact, I want to state that the opinions shared in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission or the European Climate Pact.
#EUClimatePact #ClimateJustice #FairTransition #ActOnClimate #PravednaTranzicija
Author: Zoran Pavletić
