Recently, the University of Western Macedonia organized a dialogue forum as part of the JustReDI initiative, focusing on the climate crisis and green transition. The event aimed to engage social partners and citizens in discussions about the social impacts of the climate crisis and digital transformation, offering a platform for exchange of ideas and collaboration on pressing issues.
During the forum, Dr. Lefteris Topaloglou, Associate Professor and Director of the Institute of Energy Development & Transition to the Post-Lignite Era, presented a range of projects, with a special focus on the Institute’s innovative work. Dr. Topaloglou emphasized the university’s proactive response to the challenges posed by the changing production model in the region.
One of the key highlights was the presentation of the Just Transition Observatory (JT-Observatory), a pioneering project developed by the Institute in collaboration with the Energy Transition & Development Transformation Laboratory – ENTRA Lab. The JT-Observatory aims to provide scientific support to policymakers, ensuring that decisions are made based on accurate data and methodologies, aligning with the goals of a just and sustainable transition.
Additionally, Dr. Topaloglou presented other significant projects being implemented by ENTRA Lab, which contribute to the broader objectives of sustainable development and green transformation. The projects are designed to help guide the region through the necessary steps of energy transition and ensure that the social, environmental, and economic impacts of the transition are carefully considered.
The JustReDI initiative is coordinated by the National Center for Social Research and involves partnerships with prestigious research centers, including “ATHENA,” the National Observatory of Athens, the Hellenic Center for Marine Research, the University of Western Attica (UNIWA), and the International University of Greece.
The successful presentation of the JT-Observatory and other ENTRA-Lab projects highlights the critical role of research and scientific collaboration in addressing the challenges of the climate crisis and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
