Climate change innovation requires sharing and people-centred solutions

The fight against climate change was under discussion at the Centre of Engineering and Product Development (CEiiA), in Matosinhos. The event was attended by UN Director of Global Innovation on Climate Change, Massamba Thioye, the Deputy Mayor of Porto, Filipe Araújo, and representatives of the Norte Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N), the municipalities of Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia, the Academia and schools.

For the UN leader, cooperation and a focus on people and their needs define the way forward. Massamba Thioye believes that solutions must go beyond technological innovation, involving individuals, where he highlights cooperative approaches and new business models.

The UN director shared his vision and mentioned what he considered to be the three fundamental aspects of climate change: concern and empathy, reinforcing innovation focused on people and their needs, the sharing of knowledge and experience, and the boldness to be ambitious.

What else to do?

During the discussion, the Deputy Mayor of Porto had the opportunity to question the extent to which more can be done, particularly in terms of the two major challenges cities are facing: 'mobility, which were not related to transport but to the territory, should only be used for what is necessary, and construction, a sector in dire need of new solutions', Filipe Araújo stressed.

Younger voices were also heard on the conference floor, discussing the urgency of getting younger generations actively involved in helping to transform and shape current policies. The attendees agreed that involving young people in climate projects could be very beneficial.