The IMEDEA Think Tank "ConCiencia Gen Z" drives ecological transition with young scientists

17/07/2024

IMEDEA brimmed with hope, motivation and other vibes last Thursday 4th of July at the ‘Gen Z ConScience: the Challenge of Ecological Transition’ Think Tank. The event was opened by IMEDEA director, Gotzon Basterretxea, and scientific director for the María de Maeztu Research Excellence Programme, Anna Traveset. They both underlined the role played by science in ecological transition and the purpose of this third think tank organised by IMEDEA. 

The event ran throughout the morning and included a brief tour around the facilities to get a glimpse of everyday science in action. Moreover, attendees took part in a participatory process to propose useful and interesting topics. During the coffee break, the team of young scientists at IMEDEA who spearheaded the event looked at the proposed topics and broke off into four focus groups on biodiversity, resource depletion, social ramifications and economic impacts. They then shared their reflections in a plenary session. 

As outlined during the working group and plenary sessions, all topics are highly intertwined. Nonetheless, all elements in ecological transition require thorough analysis, in addition to well-informed, evidence-based decision-making. Lastly, potential transformational projects and visions for a more sustainable future were explored. 

Photo: Participants of the 3rd edition of Tink Tank at IMEDEA

 

IMEDEA would like to thank the public agencies and other stakeholders who attended the event, as well as the young people who shared their worries and concerns, and underlined their commitment to the ecological transition process. The pressing climate emergency and biodiversity crisis are leading to ever more individuals suffering fromClimate anxiety. However, we are also convinced contributions can be made to ecological transition through different approaches by establishing shared spaces for debate and reflection. These spaces could foster projects and initiatives to minimise risks, manage problems, design efficient and effective solutions, and mobilise social stakeholders. 

Our aim is to build bridges so that interdisciplinary science becomes the backbone for responsible decision-making processes and serves as inspiration for knowledge-based awareness-raising activities. In this vein, we hope to see positive future impacts and clear progress in the urgent and necessary process of ecological transition.

 

This work was carried out within the framework of the 'Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence' accreditation of IMEDEA, Grant CEX2021-001198 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. 

 
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