Skip to main content

Greenaccord Climate Forum

In a world constantly facing the growing threat of climate change, the 16th Greenaccord International Conference, held in Frascata, Rome, October 10-12, 2024, was a crucial gathering for journalists, scientists and environmentalists. The event, which focused on the theme "Building the future together", highlighted both the environmental challenges and the innovative solutions needed to preserve our planet for future generation .

Climate change and global impact

Climate disasters such as floods, desertification, severe droughts and the growing problem of climate-induced migration were at the center of the discussions. These events, which have become more frequent and intense, emphasize the urgency of finding sustainable solutions. During the conference, it became clear that each part of the world faces unique environmental problems that require individual approaches.

Experts at the forum emphasized that climate change is associated not only with changing seasons, but also with food insecurity, forced displacement and increased risk of disease outbreaks. Cameroon's Jean-Claude Mbede highlighted the parallel between climate disasters and war, stating that "devastation caused by floods or droughts can displace populations as quickly as any armed conflict."

Technology and Climate: The Role of AI

Another key area was the intersection of technology and climate change. Andrea Bertolini, associate professor at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, explained the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the well-being of cities and solve environmental problems. Although AI requires resources, it can drive advances in healthcare, robotics, transportation, and renewable energy. However, Bertolini stressed the need to continue studying the ethical and legal issues these technologies create.

Hope in the midst of crisis

Despite the bleak realities of climate change, the conference inspired hope. Cétian Murillo of Costa Rica captured this sentiment when she said, "We cannot, must not, and will not lose hope." This hope lies not only in future technological solutions, but also in the collective will of individuals and nations to fight climate problems together.

At the end of the conference, participants left with a new sense of purpose. They emphasized the importance of a single global vision that prioritizes the right of every person to live in a healthy, sustainable environment. The Greenaccord conference demonstrated that despite the enormous challenges, the opportunities to solve them are also great.

To learn more about global climate action and the role of technology in mitigating climate disasters, visit the UNEP Climate Action Center.

Comments

IN TREND

Green Energy Costs to 2035: Prices & Trends

Green Energy Costs to 2035: Why Solar and Wind May Rise While Batteries Fall The global renewable energy revolution is accelerating. Governments, corporations, and households are investing billions in green energy systems. Yet a paradox is emerging: while the cost of generating solar power and wind energy may increase in the coming decade, battery storage prices are projected to decline significantly. Why is this happening? And what will it mean for consumers and investors by 2035? This evergreen analysis explores the economic forces shaping energy markets, provides price forecasts in U.S. dollars, and explains how global trends could redefine the cost of clean electricity. Why Green Energy Became So Affordable Over the past 15 years, renewable technologies have experienced dramatic cost reductions. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) , global weighted-average costs of solar photovoltaic electricity dropped by nearly 90% between 2010 an...

NASA’s Webb Uncovers Methane on Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: A Cosmic Breakthrough

Imagine looking up at the night sky and realizing that the tiny, distant glimmer you see isn't just a remnant of our own cosmic neighborhood, but a visitor from a completely different solar system. The universe is whispering secrets to us, and for the first time in human history, we have the ears to listen. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has just shattered our understanding of interstellar travelers by detecting methane on the comet 3I/ATLAS. This isn't just a chemical reading; it is a profound connection to the unknown, a bridge built of stardust and science that links our home to the mysterious voids between stars. The Arrival of an Interstellar Messenger For decades, astronomers dreamed of catching a glimpse of an object originating from outside our solar system. In 2017, we met 'Oumuamua, and later, 2I/Borisov. However, the discovery of 3I/ATLAS —often referred to as an interstellar comet—has provided us with a laboratory like no other. When this icy wanderer...

Unearthing the Secrets of Notre-Dame: The Archaeological Discovery of the Century

Imagine standing in the heart of Paris, surrounded by the echoes of modernity—the honking of taxis, the bustle of tourists, and the vibrant hum of a 21st-century metropolis. Now, imagine peeling back the layers of time, descending deep into the cool, silent earth beneath the scarred but resilient frame of Notre-Dame Cathedral. What lies beneath is not merely dirt and stone; it is a time capsule, a bridge across millennia, and quite arguably, the most significant archaeological find in modern French history. When the catastrophic fire of 2019 ravaged the cathedral, the world watched in heartbreak. But from the ashes, a new narrative emerged. As architects and historians prepared to reconstruct the spire, they stumbled upon secrets that had been buried for nearly two millennia. This is the story of the "dig of the century," where ghosts of the past finally meet the light of the present. Who Excavated the Site? The Guardians of History The monumental task of excavating ben...