From 11 to 19 April 2026, the city of Padua (Italy) will host the first Padova Climate Action Week (PCAW), a week-long programme of climate-focused events spread across the entire urban area. Rather than a centralised conference, the initiative is conceived as a shared calendar gathering events independently organised by institutions, companies, civil society organisations, communities and individual citizens.

The declared objective of the event, which is supported by the University of Padua and the municipality of Padua, is to turn good intentions into collective and measurable action by connecting skills, projects and local experiences. Padua, with its strong university vocation, innovation ecosystem and proximity to hydrogeologically and climatically vulnerable territories, offers a strategic setting for such an initiative. According to the latest ISPRA data, average temperatures in Italy have risen by more than 2°C compared to the pre-industrial era, with a growing frequency of extreme weather events. In this context, structured territorial initiatives represent an operational tool to accelerate both climate adaptation and mitigation.

Transition and Collective Responsibility

Although firmly rooted in Padua, PCAW aims to develop an international dimension. Events may be held in Italian or English, broadening participation and encouraging dialogue with European experiences. The long-term vision is to build a stable social and communication infrastructure capable of consolidating a collaborative ecosystem year after year, rather than adding a single event to the city’s calendar.

A key milestone in this process is the information call scheduled for 24 February 2026, addressed to stakeholders interested in organising an event during the week. The meeting will provide operational updates, clarify participation criteria and outline the next organisational steps. The registration link will be published on the official website and social media channels.

The initiative takes place in a global context marked by the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030, in line with scientific recommendations. Daniele Pernigotti, CEO of Aequilibria and promoter of PCAW, explicitly recalls international institutions: "The transition away from fossil fuels is a demand made by science, UN Secretary-General Guterres, and the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol. We must now put into practice what these authoritative voices are calling for, in order to limit the damage caused by climate change".

A Bottom-Up Approach

PCAW therefore seeks to translate macro-level climate objectives into verifiable local practices, promoting replicability and measurable impact. "PCAW is a grassroots initiative, which is why it is essential that those with significant experience in this field have the opportunity to organize their own events and share their experiences with citizens and others working on these issues." The 24 February call represents the first operational step in this pathway, both technical and strategic, aimed at transforming local momentum into a coordinated programme of concrete climate actions.

The initiative is structured as an open platform. Public authorities, companies, associations, startups, schools and informal groups will be able to propose events aligned with at least one of four thematic areas: urban resilience and climate adaptation, including solutions for extreme heat, water management and urban greenery; sustainable mobility and transport to reduce emissions; energy and industrial decarbonisation, with a focus on efficiency and renewables; and the role of civil society in strengthening participation and climate culture.

The bottom-up dimension remains central. Pernigotti expresses confidence “that Italy is much more committed to climate transition than is often portrayed in the media or by politicians. That is why we believe that PCAW is a great opportunity to give a voice to the silent majority in the country".

Cover: PCAW image