La Laguna Hosts Event Addressing Climate Change Impact on Island Territories

On October 28, the picturesque city of La Laguna will serve as the backdrop for a significant event dedicated to raising awareness about the profound effects of climate change on island territories. This initiative aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced by these regions, particularly in the context of the Canary Islands.

Highlighting the Vulnerability of Island Regions

The historic Santo Domingo Convent is set to welcome the sixth session of the Economic and Social Forum of La Laguna. This gathering will specifically address the visible impacts of climate change, with a keen focus on the susceptibility of island regions like the Canary Islands. The event is organized in partnership with the University of La Laguna, the European Commission, and the Government of the Canary Islands, showcasing a collaborative effort to confront this pressing global issue.

Attendance to this vital forum is complimentary until the venue reaches its capacity limit, allowing for broad community engagement. Interested participants can easily register through the official website at www.aytolalaguna.es/servicios/FES/. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be streamed live on the forum’s YouTube channel, accessible at https://www.youtube.com/@excmo.ayuntamientodesancri6019/streams, ensuring that the discussions reach a wider audience.

Insights from Experts on Climate Challenges

Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, the mayor of La Laguna and president of the Forum, emphasized the critical need for understanding climate projections, which suggest an uncertain future for many regions. He urged public administrations to enhance awareness regarding the environmental risks faced by society, advocating for a collaborative approach with the scientific community to develop effective strategies.

In his remarks, Gutiérrez also highlighted the necessity of combating misinformation surrounding climate change, particularly in light of the increasing occurrences of heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather events globally. His call to action underscores the importance of informed discourse in addressing climate-related challenges.

Jordi Bercedo, the technical director of the Forum, expressed gratitude for the contributions of various individuals and organizations involved in this initiative. He noted that such forums are crucial for fostering a more resilient and informed community regarding these pressing issues. Bercedo’s insights reflect a growing recognition of the need for collective action in the face of climate change.

Detailed Agenda for the Day

The event will kick off at 17:00 with a presentation by Juan Pedro Díaz, a Physics graduate specializing in Environmental Management from the University of La Laguna. His talk will focus on climate projections specifically tailored for the Canary Islands, providing attendees with valuable insights into the region’s future.

At 17:40, Pedro Dorta, a Physical Geography professor at ULL and coordinator of the GEORIESGOS research group, will delve into anticipated climate risks in the Canary Islands. His expertise will shed light on the potential threats posed by climate change to the local environment and communities.

Following this, Gustavo Pestana, a Geography graduate from ULL and head of the Climate Change and Environmental Information Service within the Department of Ecological Transition of the Government of the Canary Islands, will present on climate planning in the islands. His discussion will focus on the strategies being implemented to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainability.

The final presentation, scheduled for 18:40, will feature Serafín Corral, a professor in the Department of Applied Economics and Quantitative Methods at ULL. He will address climate risks and vulnerabilities specific to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, offering a localized perspective on the broader issues discussed throughout the event.

To conclude the event, a roundtable discussion titled ‘And Now What? How Do We Face the Future Together?’ will take place. This engaging dialogue will feature prominent participants, including Ángela Pereira from the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, Arantxa Mendiharat, co-founder of the democratic project Deliberativa, and Nuria Albert-Torres, coordinator of La Palma Renovable and president of the Energía Bonita energy community. Josefina Suárez, vice-president of the La Laguna Forum, will wrap up the event, ensuring that the discussions lead to actionable insights.

Key points

• The Economic and Social Forum of La Laguna will hold an event titled ‘La Laguna Adapts’ on October 28.
• The event will take place at the Santo Domingo Convent and will focus on climate change impacts.
• It is organized in collaboration with the University of La Laguna, the European Commission, and the Government of the Canary Islands.
• Attendance is free, with registration available online.
• The event will be live-streamed on YouTube.
• Expert presentations will cover climate projections and risks specific to the Canary Islands.
• A roundtable discussion will conclude the event, featuring various experts in the field.