The Climate Reality Project – Rome

From June 28 to 30, 2000 participants from across Europe, the Mediterranean, and the United States The Climate Reality Project took part in “The Climate Reality Project” in Rome, alongside former US Vice President Al Gore and esteemed scientists!

During her speech, prof. Phoebe Koundouri mentioned the AE4RIA – Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Αephoria work which involves interdisciplinary projects to promote sustainability through innovation and effective science-policy interaction and she presented the SDSN Global Climate Hub, which she chair, and it is an international research-led initiative for tackling complex sustainability challenges.

She highlighted the need for enhanced education, knowledge sharing, and skills development and shared the collaborative report with Huawei, which utilized AI-based methodologies to identify crucial skills and occupations necessary for implementing the Green and Digital transformation outlined in the European Green Deal.

Additionally, prof. Koundouri referred to the SDSN Global Climate Hub report (launched at COP28) “Modeling Net-Zero Pathways” which provides net-zero strategies for each country in the EU27, the UK, and the Balkans and it will now extend to decarbonization pathways in the energy sector for selected countries in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region (to be launched at UN Summit of the Future and COP29).

She also moderated the session “Growth through Innovation: Southern Europe’s Small and Medium Enterprise Driven Economies” focused on the pivotal role of innovators in driving sustainable urban transitions. It was discussed how technology and innovative governance strategies are catalysts for growth and development. Southern Europe’s SMEs are at the forefront, pioneering sustainable innovations that cut emissions and bolster job creation.

Panelists included Cristina Crava, Head of Projects, The Porto Protocol and Rodolfo Pinto, Board Member, Green Energy Storage and AE4RIA team shared strategies to promote environmental sustainability and enhance job opportunities across Europe, urging businesses to adopt sustainable practices and inspiring innovative solutions through collaborative networking efforts.