The first ever Climate Security Festival aims to create an open and equal space for discussing future changes and solutions regarding climate change related risks. More than 100 experts from different fields are expected to take part in the event on September 21-22 in the Finnish Meteorological Institute in Kumpula.
The event is the first of its kind in Finland. It brings together researchers, artists, civil society actors and public and private sectors.
Climate security refers to climate change related direct and cascading effects, such as effects of extreme weather phenomena and societal tensions.
– There is a growing link between discussions on climate change and security. Questions of climate security arise in different sectors such as research, civil society and security actors, and in society at large. By organizing this festival, we wish to provide the time and possibility for a versatile joint discussion. Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in climate change mitigation and adaptation, regardless of your background or economic resources. New solutions for decisionmaking as well as for sharing costs and knowledge are needed, says Rosa Rantanen, the head of the Safer Climate network.
Rantanen is a Doctor of Social Sciences and a Research Coordinator at the University of Helsinki Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR).
– To understand climate change and to slow down its effects, everyone is needed, says Academician of Science, Professor of Aerosol and Environmental Physics Markku Kulmala.
The Safer Climate network is a part of the ACCC Flagship that produces multidisciplinary research and impact work to mitigate climate change.
– We need science – all fields of research -, decision makers, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations. Understanding climate change is a necessary foundation for climate security, Kulmala continues.
The main element of the festival program is a series of workshops that aim to help the participants in finding new solutions and approaches beyond sectors. In addition to the workshops, the festival offers short keynote speeches, artistic performances and a poster session about different projects and research results.
The festival offers space for slow thinking and creating connections. The organizers encourage participants to stay away from their laptops, smartphones and other devices during the workshops.
– Every participant has their unique expertise, but our primary aim is to achieve a genuine connection between people, Rantanen says.
The idea of the festival first saw the daylight in a meeting between Safer Climate and the Committee of 100 in Finland late in the fall of 2022.
– We in the Committee of 100 in Finland see climate change as one of the most significant security risks. Slowing down its effects is only possibly through collaboration. We want to be a part of building methods and spaces that enable handling climate change related contradictions in a peaceful manner, says Jarmo Pykälä, the General Secretary of the Committee of 100 in Finland.
In addition to the main event at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the event also spreads to other locations in Helsinki. On September 21st, a movie screening and related panel discussion is organized in Oodi central library in collaboration with the Helsinki International Film Festival Love & Anarchy in honor of the UN International Day of Peace.
The festival is organized by Safer Climate network together with the Committee of 100 in Finland in collaboration with the Finnish Meteorological Institute, Sivis Study Center, Savonia University of Applied Sciences and Helsinki International Film Festival Love & Anarchy.
The festival is part of an ongoing project Toward a Safer Climate, coordinated by the Committee of 100 in Finland and the Initiative for a Safer Climate. The project is funded by Kuluttajaosuustoiminnan säätiö. Safer Climate is a part of the Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center (ACCC) funded by the Research Council of Finland.
What? Climate Security Festival
Where? Finnish Mteorological Institute, Dynamicum building, Erik Palmén square 1, Helsinki
When? 21.-22.9.2023 / 8.30–15.00.
Official festival site: https://www.saferclimate.org/climatesecurityfestival
Registration: https://www.saferclimate.org/climatesecurityfestival/registration
Festival images for media and communications: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sadankomitea/albums/72177720310638944
Contact:
Rosa Rantanen,
Safer Climate, Research Coordinator, University of Helsinki
050 336 0785
rosa.rantanen@helsinki.fi
Juhis Ranta
Communications Specialist, Committee of 100 in Finland
040 167 9660
juhis.ranta@sadankomitea.fi
Inquiries regarding the practicalities, program and registration:
Elina Niinimäki,
Event Producer, Committee of 100 in Finland
040 172 2118
elina.niinimaki@sadankomitea.fi
