Science Expo 2024: Climate Protection and Science - Government Support for a Sustainable Future

The Science Expo 2024, held at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest from November 21-23, was one of the most significant events for the scientific community. The event aimed to showcase the outstanding achievements of Hungarian science, research, and talent development in an accessible and engaging manner. Among the many panel discussions, one of the most pressing topics was climate protection. 

The panel titled "Climate Protection: How Can the Government Support Science?" brought together experts from various fields, including climate diplomacy, ecology, and hydrogeology. They discussed the causes and urgent challenges of climate change, emphasizing the need for scientific and political collaboration to ensure a sustainable future. 

Panelists discussing climate protection at Science Expo 2024

Dr. Brigitta Czauner, a core member of the ClimEx-PE project, highlighted several critical issues from the perspective of groundwater resources: 

• Water Scarcity and Groundwater Depletion: She pointed out that human activities and climate change, particularly prolonged droughts, exacerbate the existing crisis. This leads to the degradation of ecosystems and severe problems in agriculture and forestry. 

• Importance of Accurate Information: Brigitta stressed the necessity of conveying accurate information to the public to avoid climate anxiety while also communicating that solutions exist to mitigate and address the situation. 

• Urgency of Action: She noted that the current situation took a long time to develop, and similarly, it will take a considerable amount of time to restore, especially concerning groundwater. 

• NaBa-MAR® Innovation: Dr. Czauner introduced the NaBa-MAR® innovation, which is under EU trademark protection. This method ensures the replenishment of groundwater through natural processes. She emphasized that the system's operation requires collaboration, further development, and significant governmental support, although individual efforts are also crucial. This innovation is a core component of the ClimEx-PE project, highlighting its essential role in addressing climate change impacts on groundwater resources. 

The discussion underscored the importance of integrated efforts and innovative solutions like NaBa-MAR® in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.