The 1st Route Zero Conference took place on October 14 in the auditorium of the Rectory of Universidade Nova de Lisboa, as part of the annual event Nova Sustainability Days. With the support of the Environmental Fund, NOVA has committed to putting the topic of climate action on the agenda of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Portugal. The first of three conferences aimed to launch the dialogue on how to deliver financing for climate action within HEIs.
The conference featured two guest speakers who shared their vision on the European regulatory framework for climate action and sustainability and on innovative financing models. These interventions opened the stage for a debate between the Hon. Rectors of the University of Aveiro and the New University of Lisbon, together with actors from the banking and engineering and construction sectors.
This session highlighted the significant scale and complexity of the challenge in securing financing for climate action HEIs. It was also acknowledged that many obstacles and limitations to implementing this funding are shared, making it essential for Portuguese HEIs to collaborate in adapting and applying innovative solutions and funding models to their specific contexts.
SDG target 13.3- Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
This project has the support of Fundo Ambiental