COP28 Insights For Youth#2 ｜How Tech. Leaders Shape Green Future

At COP28, this piece features insights from four key players in the technology and innovation hub. Kuehne + Nagel, a leader in global transport and logistics, showcases sustainable supply strategies. Dar Group, a top professional services group, delves into eco-friendly urban development. Space4Climate, a dedicated non-profit, emphasizes the use of space data for climate solutions. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) highlights breakthroughs in climate technology research, underlining the synergy of technology and sustainability in addressing climate issues.

Kuehne + Nagel is a global transport and logistics company based in Schindellegi, Switzerland. COP28 has appointed Kuehne+Nagel as the official logistics partner at the global 2023 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai. We had an opportunity to communicate with Kasia Pearce, the Regional Communication Manager of the company.

|   Kasia Pearce on Kuehne + Nagel’s EnvironmentalStrategy

Kasia Pearce, the Regional Communications Manager at Kuehne + Nagel, shared insights into the company’s sustainability strategy. Pearce discussed Kuehne + Nagel’s ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, a key part of their Vision 2030 and Roadmap 2026.

|   Environmental Initiatives and Climate Action

Pearce highlighted Kuehne + Nagel’s activeparticipation in environmentally beneficial projects. A notable example is thetransportation of wind turbines for the Neon project, in collaboration withEnvision Energy. This project, along with others in Egypt and South Africa,underscores Kuehne + Nagel’s commitment to making a positive environmentalimpact and addressing climate change.

|   Youth Engagement and Educational Programs

A significant focus for Kuehne + Nagel is engaging and educating the youth, who are most affected by climate change. The company collaborates with universities throughout the UAE and the region, providing mentorship, internships, and educational opportunities. These efforts aim to prepare the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable practices and solutions.

|  Pearce’s Message to the Youth

In her closing remarks, Pearce urged the youth to act now and not delay. She emphasized that even small steps towards sustainability can lead to substantial achievements, reinforcing the idea that everyone’s contribution is vital in the journey towards a sustainable future.

( Interviewed by youth pioneers Lim Jia Le, Jean Lee Tzi Yuan, Han Zhi Yuan)

Dar Group is a leading, privately-owned professional services group with a diverse history and a global presence. Renowned for their world-class planning, design, engineering, and project management. DAR is committed to realizing its clients’ ambitions while actively contributing to the development of sustainable communities worldwide.

|   Balaam nehmeh’s Insight

(The Head of Sustainability for DAR)

|   Decade-Long Commitment to Sustainability:

With a proud legacy spanning over a decade, DAR Group has consistently spearheaded sustainable business practices. In 2021, The group made a monumental commitment to achieve net-zero operations by 2030. This endeavor involves decarbonizing their assets, and they are dedicated to sharing the valuable lessons learned with the clients.

|   Supporting the UAE Pledge for Net Zero

This year, DAR Group proudly aligned with the UAE’s net-zero pledge, supporting the mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This global collaboration underlines DAR’s commitment to not only local sustainability but also actively participating in and supporting international efforts.

|   Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future

DAR’s commitment to youth empowerment is exemplified through strategic collaborations with esteemed universities in the Middle East and MIT in the United States. These partnerships go beyond traditional bounds, actively integrating sustainability into architecture and engineering curricula, cultivating a comprehensive understanding of eco-friendly design among the younger generation.

DAR also actively encourages its staff to participate in training programs within universities. They have successfully certified over 500 professionals in sustainable practices. By instilling these values in the new generation joining the workforce, the group aims to foster a culture of environmental consciousness and responsibility.

|   Message to the Youth

“Your impact matters,” said Nehmeh. In a heartfelt appeal, she emphasized that the younger generation possesses the power to drive significant change. Nehmeh invited the youth to join DAR in fostering a community committed to climate change mitigation and transforming their collective vision for 2030 into a tangible reality.

( Interviewed by youth pioneers Chon Fai Loi, Tan Su Jie)

Space4Climate is a non-profit, non-commercial membership organization primarily funded by the UK Space Agency. Space4Climate supports the UK’s leading climate community in delivering and utilizing space-derived climate information, which is essential for integrating into various climate services, benefiting economies and societies worldwide. From satellite launches and data acquisition to data analysis and application, Space4Climate supports a network of companies and organizations in this sector, leveraging their expertise for events and educational initiatives aimed at informing and educating the youth and the public about these topics.

Space4Climate also ensures the delivery of a seamless supply chain by identifying new requirements and overcoming barriers, thereby enhancing the provision and sustainability of climate services.

|   Engage with the next generation of climate scientists

Climate Services Development Manager Krupa Kumar, shared her thoughts on the “Project for Youth”, which aims to engage the next generation in addressing climate change challenges, emphasizing the importance of diverse backgrounds and skills beyond just science. Space4Climate members are keen on inspiring and educating youth about the role of satellites in climate change and policy-making. It underscores the significance of empowering youth to feel in control of their future and the planet’s future, aligning with the broader objectives of Space for Climate and UK initiatives in climate change.

|   Message for youth

“The future is in your hands” said Sally Stevens, the Communications and Engagement Manager of Space4Climate. She emphasizes that climate action isn’t limited to those with a science background. Instead, people from all fields, including the arts, can play a significant role. The key takeaway is for each person to find their own unique path to join in the collective effort of supporting and safeguarding the environment. She encourages the youth to turn their emotions and concerns about climate change into productive and impactful activities.

( Interviewed by youth pioneers Lim Jia Le, Jean Lee Tzi Yuan )

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is a global research centre committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation. Their teams work openly and flexibly to deliver groundbreaking science and transformative technologies.

In interview, Yegor from the Technology Innovation Institute, a hub for advanced materials research, shared his insights on the Institute’s role in addressing climate change and sustainability. The interview provided a deep dive into how this institution is pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation to combat climate challenges.

|   Yegor Morozov

(Consultant Research Associate)

|   Innovating for a Sustainable Future

Yegor emphasized the Institute’s multifaceted approach, encompassing various fields like robotics, computing, and materials research. With a focus on developing materials with a lower carbon dioxide footprint, the Institute is at the forefront of creating sustainable solutions. From innovative coatings to new construction materials, their efforts are geared towards significantly reducing CO2 emissions per volume or mass of these materials. Additionally, the Institute is exploring new production techniques like 3D printing, which have potential applications in fighting climate change.

| Promoting Climate Literacy and Industry Collaboration

The Institute’s commitment extends beyond research and development. They actively engage in conferences, seminars, and events to showcase their achievements and emphasize the importance of new materials in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Yegor highlighted their role as plenary speakers at the COP28, urging attendees to explore their work and understand its impact.

|   Message to Youth

Yegor’s message to the youth is clear and urgent: recognizing the evident climate change and the necessity of immediate action. He stressed the importance of developing new materials and technologies that are less energy and material intensive, promoting cleaner energy sources, and providing safer materials. This message underlines the vital role of innovation and technology in driving sustainable change.

( Interviewed by youth pioneers Chon Fai Loi, Tan Su Jie)