Climate-KIC

☕ We are taking a well-deserved break until the new year to spend time with our families and loved ones. 🎄🥂 From our entire team at EIT Climate-KIC, we wish you and yours happy holidays!!! 📆 We will be closed from 24 December until 2 January. We look forward to collaborating with you in the new year!

🌱Agriculture is at the heart of Europe’s economy and heritage, yet farmers are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change. From extreme weather patterns to soil degradation, the stakes couldn’t be higher. ClieNFarms, that supports the Farm to Fork Strategy that we're a part of, is taking bold steps to unlock innovative solutions such as the Scaling Toolbox or Catalogue of Climate Solutions tailored to the unique needs of EU farmers. Discover the tools and more about the project 👉 https://bit.ly/4giNLcG #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Agriculture #Resilience European Commission

When it comes to climate action, especially in sectors that have been traditionally hard to decarbonise, we often hear that we need to "change the narrative". But what does this mean? This is exactly what our Reframing #FoodFutures Ireland initiative set out to explore, bringing together farmers, policymakers, environmental advocates, and media voices to answer the question: What are the beliefs, assumptions, and stories that could help us accelerate the transition to sustainable food systems? Together with Future Narratives Lab, we unearthed insights that are as relevant globally as they are for Ireland, tied to three main threads: 🧵 Situating change in the national story: We've done it before, we can do it again. Our past, especially in countries with a deep-rooted cultural connection to farming and the land, can be a powerful starting point to imagine a viable future. 🧵 Farmers at the forefront: We need to support and celebrate farmer voices taking a lead in sustainable agricultural practices, and recognise their role of stewards of the land without placing all the responsibility of the transition on their shoulders. We all have a role to play. 🧵 A creative, collaborative challenge: The future of food demands bold, collective imagination - and infrastructure that matches this ambition. Let's spotlight local solutions from creative sectors and communities and help them scale at the national level. Curious to read more? Get all the insights from our brand new paper: https://bit.ly/4fhhmC8 In partnership with Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

What if we could tackle the climate crisis by asking better questions? How Could We? is a podcast that goes beyond the usual climate narratives — questioning power, challenging assumptions, and uncovering sometimes uncomfortable truths. This year we have asked innovators, thought leaders, and implementers about the “what ifs” and “why nots” of climate action. Join us as we explore the benefits of climate action and imagine viable futures with guests who aren’t afraid to shake things up. Together, we talk about fresh ideas, bold collaborations, and stories of impact that could change everything. Listen now and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/3DnsAHS

And that’s a wrap! 🎉 Now that the #IgniteNEB event series has come to a close, we’re delighted to showcase the innovative ideas from our four participating locations. 📍Rotterdam: At BlueCity (010), teams created biobased products like insect repellents and green urban structures. 📍Arquino: In collaboration with Studio Shift, changemakers designed initiatives for rural revitalisation and community-driven podcasts. 📍Donostia-San Sebastián: Cluster Habic facilitated the design of circular furniture models and accessible bathrooms. 📍 Nicosia: At the SocialTech Lab, mounds of discarded olive pits became table-tops, and creativity found a mobile home! The winning projects are now advancing through the Grow NEB programme, where they’ll receive NEB-inspired mentorship and funding to bring their ideas to life. 👉 Read more about the winners and their projects here: https://lnkd.in/g-wcZe3U The Ignite NEB event series is supported by the #EITCommunityNEB, an initiative of EIT - European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

☀️The sunny Slovenian city of Velenje is undertaking the challenge of its history. 🎯To move from a coal town to a climate neutral and sustainable city, Velenje and its inhabitants must embrace restructuring its economy, digitalising its services and decarbonising its infrastructure. But how can this city reconcile its industrial heritage with the demands of a sustainable future? 💬Igor Kapš from the Economic Development and Transition Office of the Mestna občina Velenje / Municipality of Velenje has an idea: "The hardest part is getting everyone involved—citizens, businesses and policymakers. The measures we’re implementing are ambitious but realistic... We’re not just transforming our energy system, we’re transforming who we are as a city, and that’s the real challenge.” Read more 👉https://lnkd.in/eFi35-ZE

EIT Climate-KIC is again recognised as a trailblazer in the start-up world! 🚀 🏅 Last week, we were awarded the “Rising Star” Award, for the second year in a row, during the ninth edition of the Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) Awards. The award is a testiment to our contribution in boosting start-up ecosystems across the globe through our entrepreneurship programmes Climathon, ClimateLaunchpad and ClimAccelerator. We are honoured by the accolade, and as David Watt, our Senior Programmes Manager put it, “Being recognised as a Start-up Ecosystem Rising Star highlights the impact of our climate entrepreneurship programmes in empowering innovators to tackle the climate crisis. At EIT Climate-KIC, we are proud to support start-ups transforming bold ideas into real-world solutions for a sustainable future.” Read more👉 https://lnkd.in/enbDw6bc

We know our food system needs to change. Regenerative agriculture could be part of the solution. But what is it, really? We're proud that our food systems expert Saskia Visser is featured in the new, groundbreaking documentary "Farming, Redefined" by FoodUnfolded. Join us in imagining a future for agriculture grounded in restoration, education, and a healthier planet for generations to come. Watch the trailer on YouTube, and visit them at https://bit.ly/4f5mJ7s to watch the full documentary. Science journalist Silvia Lazzaris will take you on a journey around the world from Brazil to Ibiza, speaking with leading soil health and agroecology experts to examine if and how regenerative agriculture can truly deliver on its promises. FoodUnfolded is an initiative supported by EIT Food and the EIT - European Institute of Innovation and Technology. https://bit.ly/49jUyQR

This #WorldSoilDay, we're shining a spotlight on the importance of healthy soils! 🌱 One way EIT Climate-KIC is supporting farmers, land managers, and rural communities is through living labs and lighthouses to experiment solutions on the ground. 25 such labs have been established with the help of our partners in SOILL and the EU #MissionSoil. Read our interview with Tessa Finch, lead for capability building, on how we're helping design a tailored learning journey for these labs that not only supports healthy soils but helps rural communities thrive: https://bit.ly/3BgwVvV

📅 Mark your calendar!   Check out our upcoming December events and register today:   📍 Community CONNECT | Looking Ahead to 2025 and COP30, 12 December at 16:00 CET Register: https://lnkd.in/e3B9gHFa 📍Climate Farm Demo Knowledge Exchange webinar - Incentivising the transition to soil-health, regenerative farming practices – Insights from SoilValues, December 13th, 2024, 10:00-11:00 CET Register: https://lnkd.in/gMRZnxYg   Check out all our upcoming events on our website 👉 https://bit.ly/4dvBKzY   #SystemsChangeNow #ClimateAction #ClimateChange