The Role of Public Libraries in Strengthening the Mechanisms of Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE): An exploratory Study of Public Library Programs, Services and Activities in Egypt and Emirates

Inclusive and just climate action requires everyone. This is not a challenge that will be solved by technology or science alone. All people, in all stages of life, must have access to opportunities to understand the climate crisis, from the local to the global level. They must have access to information, learning and training opportunities, spaces to share their views and concerns, and changes to get involved in finding solutions. International climate policy recognises this. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement both include the elements that make up Action for Climate Empowerment, in which all Parties are called to ensure all members of society are able to engage in climate action. For libraries, this is a natural space to connect with global climate ambitions. IFLA feels strongly that libraries of all types are critical pieces of the puzzle, and important partners for helping realise these goals. Climate communication and education cannot happen only within the formal school system. Cultural and community spaces are more important than ever for building trust and connecting with people in a meaningful way. For libraries, where access to information has been a core mission since the beginning, there is a natural connection.

包容且公正的气候行动离不开每一个社会成员。这一挑战绝非仅靠技术或科学便可解决。所有年龄段的公众，都应有机会从地方到全球层面认知气候危机；他们应能获取信息、获得学习与培训机会，拥有分享观点与关切的空间，以及参与寻求解决方案的契机。国际气候政策对此已有明确认可。《联合国气候变化框架公约（UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC）》与《巴黎协定（Paris Agreement）》均纳入了构成气候赋能行动（Action for Climate Empowerment）的相关要素，其中要求所有缔约方确保社会全体成员都能参与气候行动。对图书馆而言，这正是对接全球气候愿景的天然场域。国际图书馆协会联合会（International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, IFLA）坚定认为，各类图书馆都是达成这一目标的关键一环，亦是助力实现上述目标的重要合作伙伴。气候传播与教育绝非仅能在正规学校体系内开展。文化与社区空间如今比以往任何时候都更有助于建立信任、以有意义的方式联结公众。而自创立之初便将保障信息获取作为核心使命的图书馆，与这一理念有着天然的契合之处。