Round table "European experience of adaptation to climate change"
The Climate Management Center of West Ukrainian National University, implemented within the framework of the Erasmus+ project "Synergy of educational, scientific, managerial and industrial components for climate management and climate change prevention" (CLIMAN 619119-EPP-1-2020-1-NL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP), hosted a roundtable discussion on "European experience of climate change adaptation".
CLIMAN brings together partners from across Europe to study climate change issues and find solutions in a comprehensive way. The cooperation of universities, research institutions, governmental and non-governmental organisations allows us to achieve better results through an interdisciplinary approach.
During the meeting, students majoring in Ecology, Agribiotechnology and Transport Technologies shared their experience of their internship at Turiba University (Riga, Latvia). In addition to professional and cultural enrichment, studying abroad also became a period of personal development for the girls. Living in a student hostel in Riga helped them develop communication skills and the ability to find common ground with people from different cultures.
The main focus of the internship at the Turiba University was on the issue of climate change, which is affecting our lives - causing warmer winters and hotter summers, threatening humanity, biodiversity and ecosystems.
They also discussed the peculiarities of the transport industry and the transition to environmentally friendly modes of transport. The students spoke about the benefits of introducing electric vehicles and public electric transport even in small towns.
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for humanity in the 21st century. That is why today each of us must take responsibility for preserving the planet. Starting with everyday actions in our daily lives, such as using resources economically, reducing waste, and choosing environmentally friendly modes of transport, we can make a significant impact.
During the lecture, the participants of the internship noted the friendly and open atmosphere in the Latvian university community. The girls exchanged opinions, debunked stereotypes and found much in common between Ukrainians and Latvians. Informal communication with local students opened up new opportunities for intercultural dialogue.
The learning process itself was carefully organised, combining lectures from leading experts, practical classes and informative excursions to enterprises.
During practical classes, our students had the opportunity to apply the theoretical framework they had learned in practice. In particular, they mastered modern methods of monitoring the state of atmospheric air, soil and water reservoirs, studied the benefits of introducing electric trains into the Riga transport system and the use of solar panels on water bodies.
The girls spent their free time discovering the tourist attractions of Riga and its surroundings. They visited the iconic places of the Latvian capital - the historic Town Hall Square, the majestic St Peter's Cathedral, and travelled around the ancient town of Sigulda. They were particularly impressed by the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, whose exposition tells about the historical past of Latvia.
In general, the training implemented under the project "Synergy of educational, scientific, managerial and industrial components for climate management and climate change prevention" (CLIMAN 619119-EPP-1-2020-1-NL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP) under the Erasmus+ programme, at the Turiba University (Riga, Latvia) was a comprehensive and multifaceted experience for the girls, which significantly expanded their professional and personal capabilities and inspired them to continue their fruitful work in the field of climate and environmental protection.
That is why meetings at the Climate Management Center play an extremely important role, as they remind us of the urgency of the climate change problem and inspire us to take action to address it. Today, the main task of the girls who have returned from their internship is to spread knowledge about climate change and encourage others to join the fight against this global problem.
