In the Climate Positive Zone we present to you the most important, relevant and inspiring talks about climate, ecology and nature conservation delivered by the best scientists and experts working within the field. From the muddy wetlands and mature forests to the latest green technologies we bring you the knowledge and inspiration to make more sustainable choices and act for climate security in your everyday endeavors.
DAY 1, 12 June
10:00 - 10:30 Aleksandra Leszczyńska, Wetlands Restoration Centre: Peatlands should be everybody’s business.
Peatlands are precious ecosystems. Rich in rare species and crucial for the water cycle regulation, they also store enormous amounts of carbon. Drainage turns peatlands from the most efficient carbon sinks into sources of huge GHG emissions. At least 85% of Polish peatlands have been drained for agriculture, forestry and peat extraction, resulting in estimated yearly emissions equal to those from the Bełchatów Power Station.
Emissions from peatlands can be stopped almost immediately by rewetting. GHG reductions achieved that way can be traded on the Voluntary Carbon Market and help businesses reach their climate goals. Answering a growing demand for high- quality, reliable and local carbon farming projects, we decided to develop a national, science-based certification scheme for GHG emissions reduction from peatland rewetting “Bagna dla przyszłości”. In parallel we have developed a participatory model of collaboration with private landowners which is essential for the success of peatland rewetting in Poland. An interesting perspective is also promotion of paludiculture, i.e. agriculture of wetland crops.
12:30 - 13:00 Marta Krajewska: Is AI bad for climate? Unpacking the Environmental Costs.
Marta Krajewska will delve into the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, addressing the industry's often overlooked extractive nature. Her talk will explore the necessary mining of minerals such as lithium, critical for modern computing, and the policies surrounding AI's material demands. By examining the tangible environmental costs and considering ethical implications, she will highlight both the challenges and opportunities AI presents for promoting sustainability. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to navigate AI's environmental footprint responsibly.
13:00 - 13:30 Joanna Maraszek- How to quantify a company's climate impact?
If there is only one factor that shows a company's impact on global warming, it is definitely the carbon footprint. In this short presentation, we will cover the climate and regulatory context, the basics of carbon footprint accounting, and solutions - what to do after the report is done. Do you love numbers and our Planet? Come and join us!
14:00 - 15:30 HACKATON: Personal carbon footprint tracking
Dive into the Personal Carbon Footprint Tracking Hackathon. Work alongside other passionate participants to brainstorm on ideas for user-friendly and engaging tools that could help track and reduce personal carbon emissions. This 90-minute hackathon will challenge you to come up with ideas that integrate data accuracy, provide personalized recommendations, and foster community engagement through innovation. With a cap of 25 spots, this is an opportunity for all creative and curious participants, no matter what background they have.
To secure your spot for the Hackaton please register HERE
16:30 - 17:00 Magda Kufrej Tech to Green: How to Pivot Your Career to the Climate Sector
Would you like to use your skills and talents to contribute to the fight against climate change, but don’t know how to land your first job in the climate sector? In this enlightening session, Magda Kufrej, a founder of Work Ally, where she guides people on meaningful career transitions, will guide tech professionals on how to successfully move their careers into the climate space. She will share personal insights and effective strategies for aligning one’s expertise with a passion for environmental impact. Attendees will learn practical tips for leveraging their strengths to make meaningful career shifts towards sustainability.
17:30 - 18:00 Weronika Mrozińska, Weddings that won’t cost the Earth. Say ‘I do’ the sustainable way.
Planning your wedding yet? You've got your vision: the dress, the venue, the invitations, the vibe... but have you thought about sustainability in all this? Let’s discuss the impact of the wedding industry on the environment and what we can do to ensure that our big day doesn't leave behind a big mess, just beautiful memories. Discover how small changes can make a huge difference for our planet without compromising on the dream of a perfect wedding.
DAY II, 13 June
10:00 - 10:30 WWF - Dariusz Gatkowski, WWF - Diversity! Biodiversity makes the Future
The term biodiversity is more and more popular, but it is mainly caused by the alarming information on its state. The Global Risks Report 2024 of the World Economic Forum presents the degradation of biodiversity as one of three most important risks to the economy and society in the long term. What is biodiversity? Where to find it? There will be presented answers for such questions to be sure that we are talking on the same issue. Then we will explore the role of biodiversity in shaping our world and importance to our future. Biodiversity makes the Future.
11:00 - 11:30 Chiara Philips: Fostering climate resilience through geospatial technology
In an era defined by the urgent need for climate action, geospatial technology remains a pivotal tool in addressing environmental challenges. Whether it’s monitoring deforestation patterns in the Amazon to tracking sea-level rise in vulnerable coastal regions, location-based analyses and insights empower decision-makers to take proactive measures in safeguarding our planet. During this presentation, we'll delve into the vital role of spatial analysis, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS) in mitigating the impacts of climate change and building resilience in our communities.
12:00 - 12:30 Aleksandra Jach & Bohdan Pękacki, Huba Foundation, About climate without climate: how to talk about the consequences of climate change?
Climate change, droughts, emissions, loss of biodiversity... you hear these slogans from all sides. Do they have an effect on you? Do they make you think?
Well, that's right. Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time. It is complex and exceeds in scale what we have known so far. It manifests itself in different areas of life and affects everyone - but in different ways. Here's the knot.
Are you a person who needs to flee your home? Or someone who enjoys a fresh tan in April? Or a person who can't sell his crops because a sudden frost has appeared? Do you have limited water in the summer? Do you work under poor conditions producing cheap electronic components for big tech corp? We want to tell you about climate communication, about the challenges behind talking about important and complex topics, about different strategies and audiences. Why? Because, under the term “climate” is hidden “we”. “We” depend on what's around us. How to address it through good storytelling? Let's unpack it together.
13:00 - 13:30 Jarosław Krogulec, OTOP By protecting Aquatic Warblers we protect much more!
Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) is the rarest species of songbird in continental Europe. Currently, on a global scale, it nests in only four countries - Poland, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine. Poland has the responsibility to protect it on an EU scale - 98% of the EU population occurs in our country. Hence, a number of projects for the protection of this species have been implemented in Poland under the LIFE fund of the European Commission. These projects, although dedicated to the conservation of the species, were in fact concerned with the restoration of fen mires - the main habitat of the Aquatic Warbler. As a result, the rich biodiversity of the fen mires and the processes taking place in them were protected. Re-wetting of dried-up fen mires has reduced carbon dioxide emissions, which previously escaped from the dried peat. Aquatic Warblers is often regarded as an umbrella species for the protection of valuable fen mires.
14:00 - 15:30 Hackathon: Biodiversity - tackling urban botanical sexism
Join us for an engaging hackathon where we tackle the pressing issue of pollen allergies caused by urban maple trees. Explore how botanical sexism in tree planting contributes to high pollen levels and impacts public health. Collaborate with fellow participants in brainstorming sessions to spark innovative ideas and strategies to address this challenge through tech innovation. This 90-minute session will provide a platform for creative thinking and initial concept development, aiming to inspire future solutions for reducing pollen-related allergies. With a cap of just 25 participants, this hackathon offers a unique opportunity to contribute to enhancing urban biodiversity and improving public health.
To secure your spot for the Hackaton please register HERE
16:00 - 16:30 Hanna Polanowska, The transformative power of technology in the pursuit of a healthier future for all.
What are innovative strategies to combat air pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, and what is the pivotal role of technology in fostering positive change? Let's explore how technology can enhance systemic changes and map out a way to utilize technology to build citizen awareness, collect substantial data, supercharge advocacy work, and promote market adoption of new rules and innovations through the Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia examples. Based on the outcomes of the digital Hackathon produced by Tech To The Rescue in collaboration with AWS, we will showcase impactful digital tools, outline the methodology behind selecting non-profit organizations and countries, and offer practical advice for tech experts eager to engage in the fight against "silent killers."
