The economic losses from climate change are enormous. In 2022 alone, recovery from natural disasters—many climate-driven—cost US$300 billion globally.

The human cost of climate change is harder to quantify but has broad and long-lasting impacts. Climate shocks interrupt schooling and health services, limit people’s ability to earn an income, and displace millions. Slow onset climate trends may not make headlines, but they are no less dangerous. Drought and desertification reduce crop yields, increasing malnutrition and pushing many families into poverty. The poverty cycle can be long-lasting as jobs are lost and children miss out on proper health and education.

Unfortunately, both across and within countries, the poorest and most vulnerable people are most exposed to climate risks. Health impacts, destruction of livelihoods, and increasing food prices due to climate change are likely to drive the largest increases in climate-induced poverty levels.

People do not have to be passive victims of climate change. Indeed, education is the greatest predicator of climate-friendly behavior.

Healthier, better educated people are more resilient, better equipped to work in green jobs, and critical to spur innovation and climate solutions. Human capital is foundational to the green industries of tomorrow which need skilled, healthy people to power them.

Purpose of the session:

The unprovoked and unjustified Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused terrible human suffering and massive destruction of towns and communities. War undermines the resilience of all, in particular the most vulnerable, and exacerbates inequalities.

This session aims to promote sustainable solutions while adhering to the principles outlined in Agenda 2030, ensuring that no one is left behind. These solutions, which can be called as innovations for humanitarian needs, will aid in the recovery of Ukraine’s society while promoting the country’s green transition.

The session is looking new forms of collaboration in how to promote knowledge and innovation communities among companies, research labs and universities. The goal is to increase understanding how to strengthen the ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing challenges.

Opening: Mr. Jyri Wuorisalo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Presentations:

· Skill based climate innovation, Ms. Solveig Zophoniasdottir,EIT Climate-KIC (European Institute of Innovation and Technology)

· Ukraine education team, The World Bank

Panel: How to strengthen human capital in climate innovation and entrepreneurship by training and mentoring students, academic and non-academic staff in systemic problem solving.

Moderator: Ms. Pamela Ragazzi, EIT Climate-KIC (European Institute of Innovation and Technology)

· Multilevel implementation awareness of climate innovation change in war and post-war times, Prof. Viktoriia Kyfyak, Chernivtsi National University, Ukraine

· Prof., DSc. Eng Maksym Karpash, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and Strategic Development, King Danylo University, Ukraine

· Ms. Joana Lapkovskaja, Head of International Relations and Project Management Department and Ms. Ana Aleknavičienė, project manager, Vilnius College of Technologies and design, Lithuania

· Prof. Emil Rozenov Kitchoukov, University of Forestry, Bulgaria

· Mr. Mikko Järvinen, Natural Resources Institute Finland

· Mr. Tuomo Eskelinen, Savonia University of Applied Sciences