President Josipović present at the panel discussion on climate change in Croatia

On 23rd of April, in „Novinarski dom“ in Zagreb, a panel discussion “The science of the climate changes and Croatia” was held. On the panel the 5th global report on climate change, AR5 report, by UN’s IPCC and its effects on Croatia was presented. The panel was organised by Zelena akcija, Grupa 22 and the foundation Heinrich Böll, Croatia. Croatian president Ivo Josipović attended the panel and also gave a short speech.

Before Josipović, Ivan Čačić, director of the Croatian meteorological and hydrological service gave a short speech as well. In his speech Josipović stated that when Croatia joined EU it also took over a lot of obligation in the Energy sector in order to fight the global warming. “Republic of Croatia is a small country but it also must act in this sector. The situation regarding the climate change in the world is very serious at it must be taken into consideration with highest care. Steps must be done in order to minimise the damage done by global warming and to save the planet for the future generations.” – Josipović concluded.

 

In the scientific part of the panel the following experts gave their presentations: professor Mirko Orlić, PhD, from the Faculty of science, University of Zagreb, professor Lučka Kajfež-Bogotaj, PhD, from Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Igor Matutinović, PhD, director of Gfk Croatia and teacher on Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb and Mladen Domazet, PhD, Scientific Associate at the Institute for Social Research in Zagreb.

It was interesting to hear that Mr Matutinović spoke very highly about the importance of the development of the railway system in Croatia and also about the necessity of the further development of all the other public transport systems in Croatia. When citizens use public transport more often instead of their cars, than the CO2 emissions decrease significantly.

In the end of the panel the need for more significant involvement of the stakeholders in the economy sector in the discussion about the climate change was stressed out.

Text and photo: Ante Klečina