Science and Technology

ClimACT distinguished by the European Commission

The work developed by thousands of young people and their involvement in various actions were key for the project victory.

Less than a month ago we highlighted ClimACT as one of the possible winning projects of the EU Sustainable Energy Awards (EUSEW Awards). Last Tuesday, June 18th, this hypothesis became a reality. The project coordinated by Instituto Superior Técnico was distinguished by the jury in the Youth category.

In the aftermath of the victory, professor Marta Almeida, C2TN researcher and coordinator of the project, points out “this is a victory for ClimACT schools: for students, teachers and staff” “. “The success of this project is due to the commitment of everyone in the search for innovative solutions to promote the transition to a low carbon society”.

In total, the project involved about 15,000 students from almost 40 schools and universities that were part of Sudoe Space – Portugal, Spain, France, Gibraltar and Andorra, also involving about 2000 parents and 1000 teachers. Portugal was represented by schools from Loures, Lisbon, Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia. “ClimACT presented a more holistic approach to the EU Long-Term Climate Strategy and to the carbon neutrality objective for 2050”, highlights professor Marta Almeida. “It combines a strong technical, financial and social involvement and brings together universities, companies, authorities and non-governmental organisations in the same team. ClimACT also operates in the energy sector, mobility, water consumption, waste management, green shopping, green spaces and indoor air quality”, adds the professor.

“We must act urgently on climate change. This award recognised the outstanding work carried out by ClimACT schools, which motivated all young people involved in the project to continue the work, encouraging others to embrace the challenge of the transition to a low carbon society” says the coordinator of the project.

According to the Técnico professor “although all elements of society need to jointly work towards the carbon neutrality objective for 2050”, the target audience of this project was essentially young people. “Young people are active and inspiring agents for global transformation towards a more sustainable future”, points out professor Marta Almeida. “ClimACT prepares the young people for the challenges of climate change: development of leadership skills and the raise of awareness on economic and social aspects that underlie climate change issues”, adds the C2TN researcher.

In total, more than 100 applications to the EUSEW Awards were submitted. 12 teams were awarded in several categories during the EU Sustainable Energy Week, held throughout the week.