From November 11 to 22, world leaders are gathering in Baku, Azerbaijan, to tackle the complexities of global climate change at COP29. As an accredited UNFCCC observer, EFG will be present at this crucial international meeting. Recognising the critical role of geoscience in addressing these challenges, EFG aims to use this platform to highlight its importance to society. The Federation will demonstrate how geologists can contribute actively to climate solutions.
EFG Global Ambassador Maureen Gallagher is leading the Federation’s presence at COP29, participating as an Observer to Party talks for the purpose of understanding the global scope of knowledge, interest, and decision-making with respect to critical/strategic minerals, geothermal, hydrogen, and carbon capture strategies. EFG President David Govoni will also actively participate in this significant event.
Showcasing Innovation: Our EU-Funded Projects
At COP29, EFG will proudly highlight our EU-funded projects: CRM-geothermal, CEEGS, FIC-Fighters, and GENESIS. These initiatives are pioneering disruptive solutions with the potential to drive the global energy transition. They represent EFG’s dedication to fostering innovative approaches that support a sustainable and resilient future.
Key Speaking Engagements
We are organising two sessions at different pavilions:
Arctic Pavillion, 13 November, 14:00 – 15:00 (local time): Arctic for All: Gen X to Z Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Critical Minerals, and Green Energy Production
Our desired outcome is to raise awareness of the importance of significant and ample discussion of the challenges of getting the critical raw materials needed for the green energy in a just transition. Our collective history of mining has the developed world pushing the industry to the global south and the poles (Not In My Back Yard). This is a critical topic that is virtually nonexistent at COP). Protecting fragile arctic ecosystems will be critical and will increase pressure for finance of these operations.
Speakers:
- David Govoni, President, European Federation of Geologists (Italy)
- Bianca Neumann, Chair, United Nations Resource Management Young Member Group Economic Commission for Europe (Germany)
- Daniel Caceras Batra, Representante regional en Sustainable Ocean Alliance (Peru)
- Maureen Gallagher, Global Ambassador, European Federation of Geologists (United States)
More info: https://arcticpavilion-cop.org/page57468877.html
Italy Pavilion, 18 November, 15:30 – 17:00 (local time): Building Blocks of Innovative Effective Climate Policy: Critical Minerals for Green Energy
This session dedicated to identifying the building blocks of policy needed to make global change. Each of the four speakers will focus on a building block in their presentation, followed by a discussion of how these elements become the foundation for policy with global impact.
Agenda:
- Silvia Paparella, CEO, Remtech, Ferrara, Italy, Introduction and Panel Moderator
- Arcangelo Francesco Violo, President, Consiglio Nazionale dei Geologi and Rudi Ruggeri – EFG Delegate of Consiglio Nazionale dei Geologi – Italy’s case in Critical Minerals: Geoscience Professional Contributions to Climate Policy and the Green Energy Transition.
- David Govoni, President, European Federation of Geologists, Milan, Italy Innovative Science: Raw Materials from Geothermal Fluids: Getting the Most out of Resource Extraction
- Bianca Neumann, Chair, United Nations Resource Management Young Member Group Economic Commission for Europe Innovative Collaboration: Multidisciplinary and Intergenerational Collaboration: A Multi-Perspective Study on the Role of Youth in the Raw Materials Environment
- Daniel Caceras Batra, Representante regional en Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Lima Peru, Innovative Advocacy: Environmentally Responsible Extraction of Critical Minerals from the Ocean Floor: Is it possible?
- Maureen Gallagher, Global Ambassador, European Federation of Geologists, Colorado, United States (Organizer) Innovative Finance: The European Federation of Geologists, a Science and Technology Incubator Seeking Just Solutions to the Climate Crisis
Maureen Gallagher will also speak at the Arctic Pavilion on 15 November, during a session on “Standards and Skills: What’s needed to manage Critical Raw Materials for the Energy Transition”, 10:00-11:00 am (local time).
In addition, David Govoni will offer a talk on “Knowledge of the geological-environmental system in urban and territorial regeneration” at the Italian Pavilion on 18 November during the REMTECH event “Cities and Territories: redesigning and regenerating urban system in the third millennium”, 11:30 – 13:00 (local time).
Get in touch if you are attending COP29
Maureen Gallagher and David Govoni would be pleased to meet you if you are attending COP29. We would love to create synergies and boost the impact the geoscience profession can have at the event.
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About COP: A Critical Moment for Global Climate Action
COP, which stands for Conference of Parties, is the series of formal meetings Conference of Parties, where governments assess global efforts to advance the Paris Agreement and the Convention, also limit global warming to 1.5°C as informed by the latest science. At COPs, world leaders come together to measure progress and negotiate the best ways to address climate change.
There are now 198 Parties (197 countries plus the European Union) to the Convention, constituting near universal membership. The Conference of the Parties (COP), is held annually, with the Presidency rotating between the five recognised UN regions.
This year, Azerbaijan has been selected as the Presidency of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), to be hosted in Baku this November.
