Wordsfrom theEditor
Dear participants, The 44th National Selection Conference has passed, but the lessons we learned and the ideas we shared together remain.
The Media Team, in an effort to encapsulate the essence of the session's theme has prepared this issue, which is filled with ideas and articles about sustainability and what we can all do towards a better future. In this article you will see not only our ideas, but also your own and what others have learnt and kept from the session.
I encourage you to read this issue and figure out more about the session's theme and the session's impact for the people involved
Much love, Koko
Session'sSponsors
MovingTowardsa SustainableFuture
The European Union has set itself ambitious environmental and cli objectives. The EU's flagship initi for a green economy is the Cir Economy Action Plan, which aim reduce waste by 80% in 2030 create jobs for those involved in circular economy By 2035 the
Ambitious Objectives
The European Union has set itself ambitious environmental and climate objectives. It is committed to the Paris Agreement, which sets out a global framework for action on climate change, as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its successor document, the 2030 Global Goals.
The EU's sustainability strategy also includes targets relating to resource efficiency; renewable energy; waste management; air quality (including emissions from transport); water management (including river basin management); biodiversity protection; biodiversity conservation finance mechanisms etc., making it one of the most comprehensive efforts in this area globally.
Flagship Initiatives
The circular economy is a sustainable system that aims to reduce the generation of waste. It aims to create a closed loop where resources are used and reused in a closed loop, with minimal waste being created from each stage of production. The Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) was launched in 2017 by the European Commission with the aim of promoting a more efficient use of resources through improving materials management across sectors including manufacturing, agriculture and packaging; building on successful initiatives like REACH which has already led to significant improvements in chemical safety across Europe since it was first implemented in 2007.
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The European Green Deal InvestmentPlan 2
The European Green Deal (EGD) is an EU initiative to help Member States meet their climate and energy targets. The investment plan will be financed through a €100 billion Investment Plan, which will be funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The EIB is one of the largest banks in Europe, with assets of €1.3 trillion. It has long played an important role in financing public infrastructure projects across Europe but this latest funding initiative marks its first foray into environmental finance. The idea behind it is simple: if we all invest together then we can make our economy greener, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions while creating jobs in some way or another.
GraphicbyStellaPiperidou(CY)
GraphicbyStellaPiperidou(CY)
EUby2035
The EU's climate neutral goal by 2035 has been set out in the Green Deal, which sets out a pathway to this goal. The Green Deal is a set of actions that will reduce the EU's emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. It includes:
● A target for 2050: At least 40% below 1990 levels (in theory, this could increase to 50%).
● An ambition of cutting carbon dioxide emissions from transport sector by 80% from 1990 levels by 2050; this includes cars and vans but also aviation and shipping fleets (and rail).
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5stepsfor aSustainablelife
Reduce, reuse, recycle: This is a classic mantra for sustainability, and it’s a good place to start. Reduce the amount of waste you generate by using reusable containers, bags, and water bottles. Reuse items whenever
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Eat sustainably: Eating a diet that’s high in plant-based foods and low in animal products is one of the best things you can do for the environment. Choose locally grown, seasonal produce to reduce the carbon emissions associated with shipping food long distances.
Buy sustainable products: When shopping, look for products that are made from recycled or sustainable materials. Buy products that have minimal packaging and buy in bulk to reduce waste.
Support sustainability initiatives: Vote for politicians and support companies that are working to promote sustainability. Get involved in local environmental organizations, and encourage friends and family to join you in your efforts.
1. 3. 5.GreenBuildings?
Green buildings are structures that are designed, constructed, and operated in an environmentally responsible manner. The goal of green building is to reduce the negative impact of buildings on the environment and improve the well-being of those who use them. The definition of a green building encompasses a range of design and construction practices that focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and indoor environmental quality. This can be achieved through the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and innovative technologies. The benefits of green buildings are numerous and include reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort for building occupants. Green buildings also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources.
GraphicbyStellaPiperidou(CY)
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The future of green buildings is promising, as more and more people are recognizing the importance of sustainability in the built environment. The use of technology, such as smart building systems and renewable energy sources, is expected to increase, leading to even more energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. Governments and organizations are also beginning to recognize the importance of green buildings and are implementing policies and initiatives to encourage their development. For example, many cities have established green building certification programs, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), to recognize buildings that meet high standards of sustainability.
In conclusion, green buildings offer a promising solution for reducing the impact of the built environment on the environment and improving the quality of life for building occupants. As awareness of the benefits of green buildings continues to grow, it is likely that we will see an increased focus on sustainability in the built environment in the future.
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GraphicbyStellaPiperidou(CY)
Eco Tourism
Eco-tourism is a type of travel that emphasizes maintaining and safeguarding indigenous cultures, wildlife, and natural areas. Its goal is to give visitors genuine experiences while reducing the harm that tourism causes to the environment and local populations.
The term "eco-tourism" refers to a variety of pursuits intended to advance sustainability and conservation, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural excursions. By encouraging sustainable development and environmental awareness, eco-tourism businesses seek to reduce the negative effects of tourism on the environment and to aid local people. Numerous advantages to ecotourism exist. Ecotourism is a source of income for local communities and can support the preservation of their cultural heritage and way of life. Eco-tourism provides travelers with the chance to have genuine, meaningful, and sustainable travel experiences.
Given that more and more individuals are searching for environmentally friendly vacation options, eco-tourism has a bright future. Eco-tourism as a technique of promoting responsible travel is likely to receive more attention as awareness of the value of conservation and sustainability increases. Governments and organizations are starting to understand the value of ecotourism and are putting regulations and programs in place to support its expansion. To recognize and encourage sustainable tourism practices, many nations have established ecotourism certification systems, such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
To sum up, eco-tourism presents a viable approach to fostering sustainable growth, protecting the natural and cultural ecosystems, and raising the standard of living in local communities. It is expected that in the future there will be a greater emphasis on ethical and sustainable travel as awareness of eco-advantages tourism's grows.
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Closing Remarks
In closing, sustainability is a critical issue facing our world today. From climate change to the depletion of natural resources, the impacts of our actions on the environment and future generations are becoming increasingly apparent.
However, despite the challenges, there is also great reason for hope. From individuals to corporations and governments, people are taking action to promote sustainability and reduce their impact on the environment. Whether it's through reducing waste, increasing energy efficiency, or supporting sustainable practices, there are many ways that we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
So, let us continue to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and take action to protect our planet. With the right actions and the right mindset, we can create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.
Much love, The Media Team of Thessaloniki '22
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