climate change

Organisers of this year's climate change conference, which starts today in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the acronym COP 29, have not shown much optimism. The stance of the world's second-largest polluter, the United States, on climate protection is uncertain after last week's presidential election. The Americans withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement during Donald Trump's first presidency and it is expected that they could withdraw from it again during his second presidency. In addition, world leaders still can't agree on financing a green transition in developing countries, which is expected to be a major focus of this year's climate change conference. Rebeka Hengalová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Plus.

With another heatwave expected this week following record temperatures in July, cities in Central Europe are belatedly taking action – but politics keeps getting in the way. Katarina Svitkova, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute specializing on climate change, urbanism and sustainability, comments for Balkan Insight.

Czech cities could take inspiration in combating high temperatures from cities in southern Europe, such as Barcelona, which has effective plans and is well-adapted to extreme heat. Barcelona boasts over two hundred climate shelters in publicly accessible institutions like museums, galleries, offices, and libraries, providing drinking water, air conditioning, and informational services. According to Katarína Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, Czechia lacks action plans and responds to heat only at the last minute. Preparedness for tropical days is crucial for protecting the population, especially seniors and young children, for whom summer days are the most demanding.

Czech cities can draw inspiration from southern Europe in combating heat, such as Barcelona, which has effective plans and is better adapted to high temperatures. For instance, the city boasts over two hundred "climate shelters" in publicly accessible spaces like museums, galleries, offices, and libraries, providing drinking water, air conditioning, and informational services. However, the Czech Republic is unprepared for heatwaves. Associate Researcher Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute Katarína Svitková commented for the Czech News Agency.

This year's elections to the European Parliament have sparked debates about continuing the European plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, despite recent events suggesting the need to reassess this plan. The election results did not signify as much of a setback for European green ambitions as anticipated. The priority of climate and environment is no longer as high among most Europeans as it was five years ago, reflecting current political and international challenges such as security, economic prosperity, and the competitiveness of European industry. Kateřina Davidova, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, wrote an opinion piece on this topic for Hospodářské noviny.

The average temperature in the Czech Republic has increased by 2.2 degrees Celsius since the 1960s. As a result of climate change, the country is suffering more frequent weather extremes: torrential rain, drought and heat. Heat waves are particularly severe in heat islands that form in cities. Prague wants to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, add greenery and water features. Will it be enough? Katarina Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute gives examples to WHAT news on how Barcelona is adapting to the heat.

With the increasing frequency of tropical days due to climate change, it is essential to adapt cities as soon as possible through various adaptation measures, such as planting trees and plants. Experts emphasize the need for projects that reduce temperature and improve the quality of life for city residents, despite the financial challenges of their implementation. ČTK reports on the discussion on climate change organized by EUROPEUM Institute.

How does the Czech public view climate change and the development of renewable energy sources? Do they see it as a path to competitiveness? According to Czechs, should the European Union focus on environmental issues? Rebeka Hengalová, a research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, discussed the STEM survey results in collaboration with the EUROPEUM Institute on the program "Naše Evropa" on TV Nova.

We invite you to a debate titled "Regional Climate Policies: Will European Climate Policy Help Save the Jizerská 50?," focusing on the impact of climate change on a specific case in the Liberec Region. The event will take place on Monday, April 22nd, starting at 18:00 at the Fryč Bookstore and Second-hand Bookstore.

The Green Deal, a strategy towards greener technologies and climate protection, has recently been a major topic of discussion on the European scene. The Green Deal is also fiercely debated in the Czech Republic, with many farmers calling for its withdrawal in the streets in recent days. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the farmers' protests and their demands for Czech Radio Plus.

In a podcast from the weekly magazine Respekt our senior researcher Kateřina Davidová evaluated the ongoing UN COP28 conference in Dubai and discussed the paradoxical subsidization of fossil fuels in the Czech Republic and the search for a socially just transition to renewable energies.

Cities in southern and western Europe are adapting to summer heatwaves. What measures are they taking to protect their citizens? In an article for EURACTIV, EUROPEUM Institute Associate Katarína Svitková describes the situation.