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