Conference: “Climate change and Artificial Intelligence”

Conference on Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence

09:30–10:00 Registration and Welcome Coffee

10:00–10:15 Opening Remarks

10:15–11:30 Panel I: AI, Democracy and Europe’s Strategic Autonomy

11:30–11:50 Coffee Break

11:50–13:05 Panel II: AI, Climate, Data Governance and Resilient Societies

13:05–13:15 Concluding Remarks and Closing of the Conference

PANEL I

AI, Democracy and Europe’s Strategic Autonomy

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the balance between innovation, security, and democratic governance. As Europe seeks to strengthen its technological sovereignty, trusted AI, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and strategic competitiveness have become central to its future. Bringing together leading voices from science, technology, public policy, and regional governance, this discussion will explore how Europe can build an AI ecosystem that is both globally competitive and firmly rooted in democratic values.

Speakers (alphabetical order)

        •       Michalis Bletsas

    Director of Computing at the MIT Media Lab and Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority of Greece

        •       Maria Damanaki

    Senior Advisor, Oceans 5; Professor at NOVA University; former European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs

        •       Nikos Kalogeris

    Vice Governor of Crete for European Affairs

        •       Loukas Tsoukalis

    Professor, Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po, and President of ELIAMEP

        •       Cédric Villani

    Mathematician; Fields Medalist; Academician; President of the Fondation de l’Écologie Politique; Scientific Director of Festum π

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PANEL II

AI, Climate, Data Governance and Resilient Societies

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we understand, predict, and respond to climate change. From satellite observations and Earth system modelling to trusted data governance, environmental policy, and local decision-making, AI is becoming an indispensable tool for strengthening resilience while ensuring the responsible use of sensitive data. This discussion will explore how scientific innovation, ethical data stewardship, and regional action can work together to address the challenges of climate adaptation and build more sustainable and resilient communities.

Speakers (alphabetical order)

        •       Maria Logotheti

President of the Climate Change Hub; Economist; Ambassador-Counsellor (Ret.); Special Advisor at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)

        •       Panagiotis Simandirakis

    Mayor of Chania and President of the Regional Association of Municipalities of Crete (PED Crete)

        •       Michel Tsamados

    UCL sea ice physicist specialising in satellite remote sensing, climate modelling, and AI for Arctic sea ice

        •       Cédric Villani

    Mathematician; Fields Medalist; Academician; President of the Fondation de l’Écologie Politique; Scientific Director of Festum π