The past year has shown us an unsettling rise in record-breaking high temperatures. It’s more than a series of weather anomalies. It’s a wakeup call that demands we sit up and take notice. Merili Ginter, the Head Organiser of Impact Day, shares her thoughts about tackling this problem and the necessary actions we must take.
Let’s start with the stark evidence. Temperatures have been rocketing up at a troubling speed. For instance, this past May was hotter than any May we’ve ever recorded, according to the European climate tracking group, Copernicus. This made it the 12th straight month of higher-than-usual temperatures.
But it’s not just about warmer days. Global warming is triggering ice to melt, sea levels to rise, and extreme weather events to occur more often. These changes can bring health risks, destroy habitats, and cause farming to fail. Sadly, we’ve been hearing more stories about climate disasters over the past year and experts are already predicting a harsh summer.
The “There’s no time left” rallying cry is gaining ground
The urgent cry from climate activists, “There’s no time left”, is finally getting heard. For a long time, environmentalists and scientists have been ringing alarm bells about time running out and the need for quick, decisive action. Now, we’re seeing more focus and awareness about environmental matters in politics and across society. Climate activists’ work has led to several countries seriously mulling over and implementing climate laws with specific targets and actions for carbon neutrality. The European Union has also introduced tighter rules on emissions and is pushing member states to put money into renewable energy.
Even though these steps are absolutely necessary and welcome, we need to pick up the pace. In today’s economic slump, we must remember that environmental spending is not a place to skimp. Green technologies and eco-friendly solutions are not just crucial for our planet’s survival, but they also offer substantial economic opportunities and jobs. If we can marry up climate action with economic growth, we can create a sustainable future that’s good for both the environment and society.
Challenges breed opportunity, and this is no exception
Each problem we face comes with its own set of opportunities, and climate change is no different. The Baltics and Nordics have a golden chance to lead the way in sustainability and show the world how to meet the Paris Agreement targets. It’s high time we made brave policy decisions to aim for carbon neutrality and pass laws that boost green investment and innovation. By being a trailblazer and taking the initiative, Baltics and Nordics can demonstrate that ambitious climate policies are not just doable, but also financially worthwhile. We have the chance to show that environmental protection and economic growth can indeed go hand in hand.
Baltic and Nordic companies have the potential to devise new innovative products and services, unlocking more opportunities and funding. The green tech market is massive and Baltics-Nordics could be a key player. By investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly solutions, Nordic and Baltic companies can not only amp up their competitiveness but also join in the global fight against climate change. As Baltic and Nordic citizens, we can demonstrate how caring for nature can extend to climate preservation, all to create a brighter future for everyone. We can teach the world that even a small country can make big waves by setting an example and inspiring others to do the same.
Full steam ahead!
We need to step up our game and zero in on environmental matters even more. These efforts could help solve the climate crisis and potentially write the next chapter of the Baltic and Nordic success story. Let’s be brave and committed by investing in sustainability and eco-friendly solutions to safeguard our future and reach our targets. Together, we can make both Baltics-Nordics and the world a better place to live in.
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Impact Day is brought to you with an ultimately strong impact community, just look at this list:
CO-ORGANIZERS
SEB Estonia • Social Enterprise Estonia • Lindström • Elisa Eesti • TalTech • Lidl • Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
SUPPORTED BY
City of Tallinn • Visit Estonia • Swedish Institute • The European Social Innovation Alliance • Social Innovation Initiative • European Union • KredEx and Enterprise Estonia • National Foundation of Civil Society • Startup Estonia
PARTNERS
Delfi • Helmes • Schneider Electric • Orkla Estonia • Enefit • KredEx and Enterprise Estonia • Bureau Veritas • Sunfly • Devoteam • Estonian University of Life Sciences • KWOTA • Sunly • OCELL • Taggr • WasteLocker • Swedbank Estonia • Rimi • Neste • Moller Baltic • Ülemiste Centre • RASK • Combat Ready • Linna Ekraanid • Tallink • Omniva • Danone • VELUX • Elektrum
