Weekly Roundup
Source: https://indianexpress.com/
World Environment Day
On the 5th of June, we observe World Environment Day, with this year’s focus centred on the urgent need to combat plastic pollution under the theme #BeatPlasticPollution. It is crucial to recognize that plastic packaging has a recycling rate of 38%, highlighting the significant room for improvement in sustainable waste management practices. In contrast, steel packaging boasts an impressive recycling rate of 85.5%, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious individuals and businesses. By opting for steel packaging, we can actively contribute to reducing our environmental footprint and preserving valuable resources. To learn more about the numerous benefits and sustainable attributes of #steelforpackaging, we encourage you to explore the link provided. Together, let us embrace responsible choices and make a positive impact on our planet’s health and well-being.
Learn more about steel packaging can be found here.
Source: https://euagenda.eu/news/876508
Regional Roundtable: Africa and the Middle East 2023
Mark your calendars for the Regional Roundtable Africa and the Middle East, taking place on the 14th and 15th of June. This event serves as a platform for engaging in a crucial high-level dialogue focused on translating credible climate commitments into tangible action for COP28. We invite you to join us as we gather prominent stakeholders, experts, and decision-makers to explore effective strategies and initiatives that will make a meaningful difference in combating climate change. Together, we can ensure that our commitments to a sustainable future are not merely words but impactful actions that bring about real change. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation and contribute to shaping a more resilient and sustainable world.
Save the date for the UNEP FI Regional Roundtable Africa and Middle East on 14-15 June in Windhoek, Namibia. Join banks, insurers, policymakers, civil society, and academia to discuss sustainable finance in the region. Collaborate, address challenges, and shape a more sustainable future. Find out more information about the Roundtable here.
Source: https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en
European Year of Skills 2023
In the EU, a significant number of companies, about three-quarters, face challenges in finding employees with the required skills, while only 37% of adults engage in regular training. Hence, the European Year of Skills aims to prioritize and promote professional training.
Over the course of 12 months, the focus will be on connecting individuals’ aspirations and abilities to job opportunities, investing in training programs, and enhancing the prospects for skill development. This initiative builds upon existing educational efforts, such as teaching digital skills and fostering a culture of lifelong learning in schools. Moreover, it emphasizes the crucial role of the vocational and education training (VET) sector, which must be adequately supported and equipped to offer accurate, inclusive, and easily accessible professional training for all individuals.
Check here for the events and for more information.
Source: https://www.euractiv.com/
Energy import in Europe
Europe’s heavy dependence on energy imports, which currently surpasses 50%, calls for a necessary shift. It is imperative that we take action. In the year 2022 alone, a substantial investment of 17 billion euros was dedicated to #CleanEnergy projects throughout the European Union. These investments span a wide range of initiatives, from innovative floating wind farms in Portugal to the establishment of @northvolt’s battery gigafactory. By supporting such endeavours, we are actively contributing to the enhancement of #EnergySecurity within the EU.
The EIB is actively involved in financing sustainable energy projects on a global scale. EIB aims to contribute to the reduction of emissions and energy costs by increasing financial support for clean energy sources and innovative solutions. Read more about EIB here.
Source: https://sciencemediahub.eu/
ESMH Summer School 2023: ‘Storytelling in science’
The upcoming 2023 ESMH Summer School, taking place from 6-10 June in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, will specifically focus on the field of science journalism and the significant role of storytelling within it. With over 80 participants attending from various parts of Europe, this event presents a valuable platform for young media makers to delve into the world of science journalism, engage with renowned journalists and science communicators, and benefit from their vast experience.
Additionally, this summer school offers an excellent opportunity for networking and fostering connections with fellow media professionals from different European countries.
More information about the programme and registration can be found here.
Source: https://oa2020.org/b16-conference/
16th Berlin Open Access Conference
As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the influential Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities, we are proud to announce the 16th Berlin Open Access Conference. This significant event, led by the OA2020 Initiative and hosted by the esteemed Max Planck Society, brings us back to the very place where the Berlin Declaration was conceived. It offers a valuable opportunity to enhance and update our strategies for realizing the vision of an open information landscape that serves the needs of both the scientific community and society at large. During the conference, we will place a special emphasis on transformative agreements (TAs), exploring innovative approaches to further advance open-access practices.
The 16th Berlin Open Access Conference, titled “Together for Transformation,” united representatives from various nations, including scientists, scholars, library administrators, higher education officials, funders, and government leaders. This collaborative gathering aimed to evaluate the progress made by scholarly publishers in fulfilling the objectives and aspirations of the research community engaged in transformative open-access discussions. Furthermore, the conference aimed to devise collective strategies for shaping a global scholarly publishing model that is transparent, inclusive, sustainable, and financially fair. By fostering transparency, inclusivity, and equity, we strive to establish an open scholarly publishing paradigm that serves the advancement of science worldwide.
Read more about the conference can be found here.
Prepared by Olivér Berecz
