ECOMONDO Day 4: Challenges and the Way Forward in Coastal Resilience & the Launch of the First European Assessment Report on Sea Level Rise

In our last day at ECOMONDO, we focused on Challenges and the Way Forward in Coastal Resilience. The morning included a significant milestone with the Launch of the First European Assessment Report on Sea Level Rise. Directed by Nadia Pinardi (UN Ocean Decade Centre for Coastal Resilience, CoastPredict Programme) and Bart van den Hurk (IPCC Working Group II), this report reflects the combined expertise of over 70 leading climate and marine experts across Europe. The report delivers an authoritative analysis on sea level rise to support policymakers, practitioners, and coastal planners, providing essential insights into scientific observations, projections, impacts, adaptation, and governance challenges.

In the afternoon, we hosted a keynote speech and roundtable featuring artists, curators, and educators, who explored the dynamic relationship between science and art in promoting climate awareness. This interdisciplinary exchange highlighted how creative expression can inspire deeper understanding of coastal resilience, connecting scientific concepts with emotional resonance and community engagement.

As one speaker noted, “The idea that the future is unpredictable is undermined every day by the ease with which the past is explained.” This insight encapsulates the need for both historical context and innovative thinking as we prepare for coastal challenges ahead.

Stay tuned—materials from today’s discussions, including speaker presentations and recordings, will soon be available, offering rich insights into the complex paths forward in coastal resilience.