Bellona

Bellona is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organisation that meets environmental and climate challenges head on.

We are solutions-oriented and have a systems-thinking and scientific approach to assess the economics, climate impacts and technical feasibility of the climate actions we need.

To do this, we work with civil society, academia, unions, governments, institutions, and industries.

Emissions of greenhouse gases must be rapidly and substantially curbed to minimise human interference of the climate system. At the same time, carbon must be removed at scale to create a carbon negative society and significantly bring the CO2 concentration down to more manageable levels. This must be done in parallel with restoration: nature cannot simply be a carbon sink, as it has a myriad of additional functions essential to life on earth.

Within Europe, we feed into the democratic process to push for necessary climate action. Where democracy is lacking, we work on empowering civil society, creating awareness among the general population, and using the tools available to implement necessary change.

We believe in a just transition where jobs and industry are kept locally. This means giving a voice to those most affected by both climate change, and the transformation needed to mitigate and face it.

Three missions stand at the basis of Bellona’s work

1. Integrate scientific systems-thinking and foresight in policymaking

We aim to break down barriers between different policy and climate action areas and make sure that decisions are made with a clear understanding of their overall impact. By emphasising science and systems-thinking, or how different parts of a system interact, decision-makers can better determine which solutions have the desired effect on the climate.

2. Accelerate credible climate solution and the availability of decarbonisation infrastructure

Bringing different groups involved in every step of a credible climate solution is important to make it happen faster. This means involving industry, unions, civil society, policy-makers and academia. Only with their participation and support can the right projects actually happen.

3. Ensure transparency and accountability through awareness-raising and public participation

In times when democracies face challenges and require bold decisions to address climate change, Bellona strives to enable broad participation and agreement. This is achieved by providing access to information and ensuring that hypes and greenwashing are exposed and discouraged.