On the US presidential election results, COP29 and other climate change stories.

🗽 Despite the abundant sunshine, my arrival in Faro on the morning of November 6th felt like a "rough landing." As I opened The Economist app to check the latest updates on the US presidential election, I was taken aback to see that Trump had already secured 270 electoral votes and was moving ahead. Whether or not I agree with the outcome, my respect for democracy remains steadfast. Democrcy, with all its imperfections, offers hope by ensuring that nothing is ever truly predetermined. Citizen engagement extends far beyond the ballot box in defense of rights and justice, climate jusice included.
With Trump at the helm, the U.S. is likely to lose valuable time on climate action. This setback will have global repercussions, pushing the world further away from meeting crucial climate targets -no matter how committed other countries might be. We are already at a tipping point; this delay could push us further off course. And, as we speak, climate change is accelerating.

🌐 This week marked the beginning of COP29 Azerbaijan. Exactly 9 years ago, I was in Baku as a postdoctoral researcher studying the renewable energy potential of this beautiful country. While Azerbaijan has vast renewable energy potential, its reliance on fossil fuels has often undermined these opportunities.
COP29 carries a crucial mandate: to secure an agreement on increased climate financing. Complexities and controversies always surround climate diplomacy within the UNFCCC, but one undeniable truth remains: the need for urgent action on climate change is a global imperative.

🫧 Water scarcity—exacerbated by climate change - was the reason I traveled to Faro to discuss with stakeholders the medium- and long-term trends, as well as credible solutions. While water scarcity and droughts are common in Southern Europe, extreme weather events like the recent devastating floods in Valencia, Spain, and in Thessaly, Greece, last year remind us of how fragile our ecosystems are. These events highlight the urgent need for adaptation strategies and reliable risk management frameworks. It's not just about economic losses; it's a matter of human safety.

I’ll conclude with a quote from the recently departed Yiannis Boutaris, a Greek oenologist, intellectual, entrepreneur, politician, and visionary.
“Fear has two daughters. One is inaction. Inaction paralyzes you, disorients you, panics you, and eventually leads you to death. The other daughter is action—the one that gets you out of a dead end.” Any climate is better than no action.

Summer 2024: A suitcase filled with insights on energy transition and climate change

After a month of juggling teleworking with vacationing in my beloved Greece, I’ve come back with a suitcase full of insights on energy transition and climate change.

👩‍💼 👨‍💼 The perks of teleworking and reducing CO2 emissions from multiple flights back home over the year. Employers should remain flexible and consider teleworking in their sustainability policy.

🌡 ↗ Climate change is here, is real, and is accelerating. Mediterranean summers are turning into a sauna of epic proportions. 43 degrees Celsius at 23:30(yes, I have experienced that myself) is not the dreamy postcards from Greece vibe. The days of sunbathing with a view are replaced with staying inside with air conditioning (which raises electricity demand) till the sun goes down.

⚡ Hot temperatures are more than just uncomfortable—they’re dangerous. From breathing issues to increased risks of stroke, the heat takes a toll, especially on our elders. I’ve seen it firsthand with my own family, and it’s tough to witness.

⛈ Climate change is accompanied by extreme weather events such as heavy rainfalls.I have experienced one in Athens on the day of my flight back to Amsterdam.We need to develop severe weather risk management solutions and develop solid adaptation strategies.

🏝 Overtourism harms the natural environment. While we all want to soak up those island vibes, let’s make an effort to minimize our environmental footprint. Use reusable bottles, avoid unnecessary towel changes, and savor nature on foot instead of driving everywhere.

🍃 Renewable energy installations may distract the landscape. As they do the electricity networks run by fossil fuels. Renewable energy installations can be beautiful and integrated thoughtfully, with local community engagement and environmental feasibility studies.

It's a challenging task, but it's brimming with hope that each of us has the power to make a difference through active participation in

How can spirituality drive a revolution in climate action?

🤔 Compelling us to delve into the root causes of the climate change crisis
🍀 Make us recognise our interconnectedness with the naturalworld
🎯 Integrate climate action into our life's purpose
🦉 Draw on the wisdom of indigenous communities to address and adapt to climate change.