On September 12, 2024, at 15:00, LIAISE COST Action held its first Science Café, bringing together experts to discuss the complex landscape of decarbonization. The informal session explored economic, environmental, social, technological, and political challenges, using the decarbonization infographic developed by Creative Dock and Rohrbeck Heger as a starting point.
The discussion featured perspectives from the UK, Portugal, Turkey, and Spain, focusing on public education, industry collaboration, and the need for holistic approaches. The discussion also underscored the importance of community engagement, political support, responsible consumption, AI integration, and long-term planning for successful decarbonization.
With the participation of some 23 experts from various disciplines and regions, the conversation highlighted several key points:
- Decarbonization progress in industrial areas: Rapid advancements were noted, particularly in industrial sectors, but there remains a significant gap in public understanding. There is an urgent need to raise awareness and improve education on decarbonization efforts.
- Public communication: A recurring theme was the importance of better communication and public engagement, with emphasis on bridging the gap between technical knowledge and public awareness. Early education in STEM subjects was suggested as a means to foster a deeper understanding of decarbonization from a young age.
- Sustainable practices: The discussion underscored the critical role of responsible consumption and the implementation of renewable energy sources. Examples of projects in sustainable manufacturing were shared, focusing on energy efficiency, automation, and waste management as crucial elements for achieving decarbonization goals.
- Challenges in scaling research to industry: The complexity of translating research findings into industrial applications was emphasized. Participants agreed on the need for a holistic approach, combining technological innovation with practical, community-based solutions.
- Community engagement and education: The conversation stressed the importance of tailoring educational materials to different audiences, making technical knowledge accessible to non-experts. Projects that successfully engaged communities were shared as examples of how to transfer knowledge effectively.
- Economic challenges: The high cost of recycled materials and the economic constraints faced by certain regions were highlighted. The need for co-creation and collaboration between academia, industry, and society was discussed as a strategy to address these economic hurdles.
- Technology integration: The integration of AI and other technologies into green innovations was a key topic, with participants agreeing that clear policies and frameworks are essential to support AI-driven decarbonization efforts.
Don’t miss the chance to join the next Science Café! Stay tuned for upcoming events and be part of the conversation. Opportunities like this are key to driving impactful change—don’t lose the chance to participate!
