AE4RIA & 360info Science-Policy Briefs Αρχεία - Ae4ria

Rethinking energy security in a net-zero world

Mary Psilou — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:06:36 +0000

As the world accelerates toward a cleaner energy future, ensuring energy security remains a complex challenge. A severe blackout in Spain and Portugal in April 2025 exposed critical vulnerabilities tied to intermittent renewable energy, aging grid infrastructure, and insufficient contingency planning.

Energy security—defined by the United Nations as the continuous availability of affordable energy—hinges on the “Four A’s”: availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability. The blackout revealed weaknesses in all three except affordability, highlighting the risks of relying heavily on variable renewables without adequate storage and grid resilience.

Renewable energy is central to achieving net-zero emissions and reducing geopolitical risks, but its integration demands smart grids, energy storage, and modern infrastructure. The transition faces technical, regulatory, and social hurdles.

The UN’s Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET) is providing global engineering expertise to support this shift, addressing barriers like financing, skills gaps, and fragmented regulations.

Building a secure, sustainable energy future will require coordinated investment, regulation modernization, public engagement, and cross-border cooperation to balance innovation, reliability, and inclusivity—meeting the needs of both people and the planet.

Authors: Prof. Nicolaos Theodossiou

Editors: Giuseppe Francaviglia & Samrat Choudhury

Published on: July 14, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 by 360info™.

This article is part of the Science-Policy Briefs series, produced through the collaboration between the Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aeiphoria (AE4RIA), an alliance of prestigious research and innovation institutions, and 360info, a not-for-profit wire service delivering free, research-based, solutions-focused journalism by experts. The series aims to translate cutting-edge scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for policymakers and the wider public, supporting evidence-informed decision-making on key sustainable development challenges.

Photo: © Outages in Spain and Portugal (CIRA 2025-04-29) JPSS imagery: CSU/CIRA & NOAA/NESDIS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Can AI offer the SDGs a lifeline?

Mary Psilou — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:44:48 +0000

Progress toward the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set in 2015, is faltering—only 17% of targets are on track, with many stalled or regressing. A key barrier is systemic fragmentation, where siloed policies, competing priorities, and uncoordinated efforts hinder effective progress. This disjointed approach leads to inefficiencies, conflicting outcomes, and missed opportunities for synergy.

The cost of inaction is steep: the World Bank estimates $2.4 trillion annually is needed just to address global crises in developing nations, while the UN projects $5–7 trillion per year to meet the SDGs globally. Regulatory complexity further complicates international collaboration.

To address these challenges, a new AI-powered platform called SustainChain has been launched by the Global Coalition on Sustainability in collaboration with the UN. With support from partners like AE4RIA, SustainChain acts as a digital matchmaking hub, connecting businesses, scientists, policymakers, and others to align fragmented initiatives into a cohesive, collaborative ecosystem.

By centralizing data and facilitating partnerships, SustainChain helps dismantle silos and foster “collective intelligence”—a crucial element for accelerating sustainable development as the 2030 deadline approaches.

Authors: Mariangela Chatzigiannakou, Jacqueline Corbelli & Prof. Koundouri

Editors: Vicky Markolefas & Giuseppe Francaviglia

Published on: June 24, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 by 360info™.

Photo: © Olav Ahrens Røtne on Unsplash

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Hotter, harsher, smarter: Greece’s blueprint for climate adaptation

Mary Psilou — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:55:47 +0000

Greece’s Attica region, facing severe climate risks due to urbanization and economic pressures, is pioneering a model for integrating climate adaptation into regional development through the Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI) initiative. This effort connects innovation, sustainable economic growth, and resilience-building, aiming to serve as a blueprint for other climate-vulnerable European regions.

Key Elements:

Strategic Framework: The PRI initiative aligns climate adaptation with Attica’s 2021–2027 Smart Specialisation Strategy, focusing on three priority sectors—tourism, digital technologies, and transport—to promote resilient and sustainable development.
Risks & Inequalities: Climate change poses substantial threats to infrastructure, services, and economic stability, with disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged populations. Resilience strategies target social protections, equitable resource distribution, and robust infrastructure.
Transformation Focus: Adaptation in Attica is viewed not only as a defensive response but as an investment in long-term well-being, innovation, and governance capacity. Actions include urban heat island mitigation using IoT and GIS technologies, and cultural heritage protection integrated into tourism strategies.
Methodology: The adaptation planning followed the 3A and T model—Adapt, Anticipate, Absorb, Transform—to identify strengths and vulnerabilities, and to guide targeted actions.
Funding & Partnerships: The initiative leverages European funding sources such as Horizon Europe, Interreg, ERDF, and others, promoting cross-sectoral collaboration and innovation clusters for implementation.
Pan-European Relevance: Attica’s approach offers a replicable model for other European regions, emphasizing participatory planning, strategic investment, and climate-smart growth.

Overall, Attica’s PRI-driven strategy demonstrates how climate resilience and regional innovation can be jointly pursued to address climate threats while driving inclusive, sustainable development.

Authors: Anna Triantafyllidou, Kostas Dellis, Maria Chourdaki, Prof. Koundouri

Editors: Vicky Markolefas & Giuseppe Francaviglia

Published on: June 18, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 by 360info™.

Photo: © Anasmeister on Unsplash

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Suburban myths: Why green isn’t always safe

Mary Psilou — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:27:36 +0000

Greece’s leafy suburb of Kifissia, often seen as a climate haven due to its greenery, faces growing environmental and urban challenges that threaten its resilience. Despite having slightly above the WHO minimum green space per resident, much of it is private and inaccessible. Urban issues like traffic congestion, pollution, fragmented roads, and insufficient public transport undermine residents’ quality of life and strain its suburban identity.

Experts argue that genuine resilience requires sophisticated, integrated long-term planning tailored to local needs. This includes detailed assessments of green spaces, transport networks, and urban functions, alongside sustainable mobility and accessible public areas. Citizen participation and neighborhood-level design foster a sense of belonging and ensure public spaces reflect community values.

Incorporating Green and Blue Infrastructure (trees, wetlands, stormwater systems) is crucial for climate adaptation and improving environmental quality. Building urban resilience demands multi-disciplinary collaboration and strategies that respond to local geographic and social conditions. Effective urban planning not only mitigates climate risks but also enhances public health, social cohesion, and economic development.

Authors: Prof. Koundouri , & Afentouli Eirini

Editors: Vicky Markolefas & Giuseppe Francaviglia

Published on: June 2, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 by 360info™.

Photo: © Wikimedia Commons.

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Why Greece should bank on its diet for a double dividend in climate and health

Mary Psilou — Thu, 22 May 2025 07:36:40 +0000

A return to the traditional Mediterranean diet in Greece offers a powerful opportunity to address both environmental and public health challenges. Research using the FABLE Calculator shows that widespread dietary change could reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% by 2050, primarily through lower meat consumption and more efficient land use.

Despite the country’s heritage, modern dietary habits—especially among younger generations—have drifted from Mediterranean principles, contributing to rising chronic disease rates and environmental stress.

Adopting this diet not only supports climate goals but also promotes healthier lifestyles. Strategic policies, public awareness, and support for local food systems are essential to realizing these benefits and creating a more sustainable future for Greece.

Authors: Prof. Koundouri ,Dr. Dellis & Christopher Deranian

Editors: Vicky Markolefas

Published on: May 22, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 by 360info™.

Photo: ©Vasilis Caravitis /Unsplash

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Climate cash crisis: Can investment planning fix Europe’s finance adaptation gap?

Mary Psilou — Tue, 20 May 2025 09:06:31 +0000

The Adaptation Investment Cycle (AIC) — a strategic investment planning tool developed through our Horizon Europe Pathways2Resilience project.

With €738 billion in climate-related losses since 1980, and adaptation finance making up less than 5% of global climate funding, urgent investment is essential.

The AIC enables smarter, faster, and more effective climate action — helping to protect communities and economies across Europe.

Authors: Maria Chourdaki, Dr. Dellis & Prof. Koundouri

Editors: Vicky Markolefas & Giuseppe Francaviglia
Published on: May 20, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 by 360info™.

Photo: ©Masood Aslami/Unsplash

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New model uncovers roadblocks to Greece’s green shipping challenge

Mary Psilou — Tue, 13 May 2025 09:51:59 +0000

The MaritimeGCH model, developed by the UN SDSN Global Climate Hub, is a powerful decision-support tool designed to help shipowners navigate the complex decarbonization landscape shaped by evolving EU and IMO regulations.

With Greece operating nearly 18% of the global shipping fleet, the country is uniquely positioned to lead in sustainable maritime transport. However, the analysis highlights critical gaps in Greece’s national strategy and emphasizes the urgent need for stronger policy support and international collaboration.

Authors: Prof. Koundouri, Angelos Alamanos, Olia Nisiforou & Chris Deranian

Editors: Vicky Markolefas & Piya Srinivasan
Published on: May 13, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 by 360info™.

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Greece ought to act holistically against climate challenges, or face failures

Mary Psilou — Mon, 12 May 2025 08:08:31 +0000

Greece’s Climate Targets at Risk Without Cross-Sector Integration

Greece’s ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is under threat due to fragmented policymaking across the energy, agriculture, and water sectors. While the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) outlines a shift to renewables and decarbonisation, it often overlooks critical cross-sector dependencies—such as how agricultural practices affect water and energy use.

A new analysis by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) using integrated systems modelling reveals that current policies lack coordination, risking inefficiencies and missed opportunities. For example, agriculture policy doesn’t fully consider its emissions or energy and water demands, and energy plans miss key variables like land and water needs.

Delays and weak implementation of water management strategies further compound these issues. The European Commission has also highlighted the need for better coordination among Greek ministries.

Experts stress that a systemic, science-informed approach is essential. Aligning policies across sectors can help Greece build a resilient, sustainable economy that meets its climate goals.

Authors: Angelos Alamanos, Prof. Koundouri , Ioannis Arampatzidis, Stathis Devves

Editors: Vicky Markolefas & Namita Kohli

Published on: May 12, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 by 360info™.

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Running dry, then underwater: Greece’s path to building resilience against climate threats

Mary Psilou — Mon, 12 May 2025 07:43:36 +0000

How prolonged droughts are intensifying flood risks—and how political inertia is hindering the adoption of well-known solutions such as nature-based defenses and improved planning.

Authors: Prof. Koundouri & Dr. Alamanos

Editors: Vicky Markolefas & Samrat Choudhury
Published on: May 12, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 by 360info™.

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Beyond the trade deficit: The real risks of Trump’s tariffs

Mary Psilou — Tue, 06 May 2025 07:17:05 +0000

The often underestimated risks associated with tariff implementation, along with the broader economic and political implications, deserve closer scrutiny.

Tariffs are frequently used as policy tools, but their real-world effects are often more complex and far-reaching than commonly perceived. In this article, I unpack the hidden costs and unintended consequences that can undermine both economic stability and international cooperation.

Authors: Prof. Koundouri, Dr. Dellis & Dr. Triantafyllidou’s

Editors: Vicky Markolefas & Samrat Choudhury

Published on: May 06, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 by 360info™.

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