Speakers at the first panel under the theme “Climate emergency and social impact: Lions commitment”, stressed that the transition to renewable energy is at the center of solutions to combat climate change alongside the promotion of research and innovation, calling for strengthening the synergy between the various institutions in the Mediterranean and intensify training and communication actions, in order to meet the climate challenges posed.
“We should change our behavior and act in favor of the environment,” they insisted, stressing the need to promote solidarity and human relations, and to develop the culture of peace and shared prosperity.
Representatives of the Lions districts of Turkey, France, Italy, Portugal and Morocco emphasized the importance of establishing genuine cooperation between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean and making climate change a priority, noting that environmental responsibility requires joint and concerted action.
“We should admit our responsibility, change our perception of climate change, and change our habits,” they said, stressing that Lions clubs are a key link in raising public awareness of local problems to strengthen environmental mobilization.
The experts affirmed that social and climate emergencies require joint action and shared solutions, in addition to strengthening collaboration with research structures, calling for the reappropriation of the founding and unifying values of the lionistic movement, namely “freedom, intelligence and security”, and the promotion of the principles of good governance.
The speakers also addressed the phenomenon of water stress, which has long-term repercussions on communities and local economies, especially in the southern Mediterranean countries, stressing that these impacts can be severe and long-lasting, affecting food security, health and migration, and causing the loss of livelihoods and environmental degradation.
They thus stressed the imperative to invest in advanced technologies, use water more efficiently, promote water conservation and improve water management, in order to address this issue.
