7th Climate Change Online Conference (CLIMATE2020)
CLIMATE2020 took place exclusively on the internet, and was guided by and contributed to SDG 13 (climate action). The objective of the online conference was to convey the most recent research results on climate change and its impacts, as well as to provide especially early career researchers from all over the world with the opportunity to present their findings at a global level.
This event filled a knowledge gap in respect of thematic discussions on climate change mitigation and adaptation, which were performed both in an integrative and interactive way. The conference also offered participants insights on numerous climate projects, initiatives and strategies that were being implemented on the five continents and considered to be latest examples of worldwide climate change adaptation and mitigation activities.
Specific themes that were addressed include:
- Resilience and Capacity Building;
- Intelligent Climate Policy and Governance;
- Education, Awareness and Adaptation;
- Climate Finance and Access to Funding;
- Intelligent Climate Planning, Small Islands and Developing Countries; and
- Climate Change as a Threat to Biodiversity.
The national patronage of CLIMATE2020 was held by Dr Gerd Müller, Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development who supported the conference with a virtual welcome. Minister Müller particularly appreciated the free, online format of the conference, calling it a good way to spread knowledge without restrictions for all those who wish to learn more about climate change and its impacts. The local patronage of the online conference was held by Dr Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg who also praised the innovative open access format that helped to reach large numbers of delegates.
As a run up to the CLIMATE2020 Conference, the Research and Transfer Centre "Sustainability and Climate Change Management" launched a podcast series, where experts from different sectors were featured. The first guest of the ‘Climate Chats’ series is Martha Molfetas, the Executive Director & Founder of Impact Human, an environmental justice outreach education NGO based in New York City. She’s also a Policy Researcher, Strategist, Writer and Consultant on climate, security, development, and resource issues. Impact Human uses photography, interviews, and policy research to educate the public on human rights and environmental injustices faced by communities coping with climate change and pollution. Impact Human believes stories have the power to change perspectives and inspire action, that stories can bridge the gap between understanding and action.
The seventh edition of the climate conference also had a one-of-its-kind ‘CLIMATE2020 Global Ambassadors’ program in order to nurture the talents of young climate changemakers worldwide. More than 30 Ambassadors from five continents – Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa and America were given a unique opportunity to be part of this mentoring program where they boosted their skills and expertise related to climate communications.
[For more information, please see rcenetwork.org.]
