Extreme natural phenomena have increased in intensity and frequency all over the world, as witnessed very recently in Mozambique and the devastating forest fires in Portugal in 2017-18. The Youth Climate Strikes, inspired by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, are demanding that governments take concrete steps to address the climate crisis.
Aware of the need to debate the various models identified by the international community, SI Portugal organized a one-day Conference with the title, “Sustainability, Climate Change & the Role of Water – In the Hands of Women” on 6 April in Lisbon. Scientists, academics, experts and well-known professionals came together to discuss climate change, sustainability and water. NATO Specialist Brigadier General Ton Strik from the Netherlands also explained the complexity of operations in the face of catastrophes.
SI Portugal invited several participants from the villages receiving support in the national project on wild fires: Safe and Resilient Villages – the Role of Women. On this occasion they donated special kits to the guests to help protect them in the future. The Conference served as a learning tool for these villagers.
Past SIE President Kathy Kaaf gave a talk on “Soroptimist International’s Impact on Promoting Climate Justice”, and Austrian Soroptimist Christine Peer presented the UN strategy on the Sustainable Development Goals.
 |
President of the Union of Portugal Rita Nogeira Ramos (left) and SIE Past President Kathy Kaaf (right)
The Conference ended with a magnificent tribute to psychologist Maria de Lourdes Bettencourt who celebrated 100th birthday in January and was the Founding President of the first Soroptimist Club in Portugal.
The Conference concluded on the note: There is no PLANet B.