Right before the Christmas break MESPOM and MESP students participate to the yearly Student Conference. The event closes the academic period before the holidays and opens up to creativity and imagination. The conference gives free space to students to deepen their knowledge and present their findings on a topic of their interest. The students show their presentations to their colleagues, professors and external participants.
Below some insights from students’ presentations.
Hedda: The Secrets of Seagrass: How EUs proposed Nature Restoration Law can contribute to healthier marine ecosystems in the Decade of restoration
We are constantly searching for new technologies to capture and store carbon to limit climate change, but often nature already has the solution. Restoring seagrass meadows can store carbon and protect beaches from erosion while benefitting biodiversity. In my student conference I will explain why we need to protect seagrass meadows, and why they are so difficult to restore once they are gone.
Masha: Environmental pollution in Ukraine caused by war. What consequences will be for the biosphere?
After the Soviet Union collapsed Ukraine received different environmental issues that no one took care of for a long period. After 1991 the country made big steps to improve the state's laws in environmental protection. After the nation decided to turn off its friendship with Russian Federation the war happened in our country. This war caused many environmental problems. Despite this, the state was actively trying to improve the situation and to integrate EU environmental directives inside the inner system. But full-scale invasion changed the situation and made everything even worse. With my presentation, I will show what happened with the environment in Ukraine during the last 9 months and what could be possible solutions.
Lena Zehne: The aims and objectives of the European Green Deal – between Ambition and Ambiguity
The European Green Deal was introduced by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen 2019 as "a dedicated roadmap" to a carbon neutral EU by 2050" - But is it truly that dedicated? How dedicated can this roadmap be, if the European Commission lacks consensus on a definition for carbon neutrality, but establishes a non-transparent set of policies & regulations? With my presentation, I will explore the European Green Deal between ambition and ambiguity, while analysing what is necessary for net zero in the EU.
Sam Nasson: Unhealthy Car Pollution in Tirana, Albania: A Pursuit to Decrease Emissions
Air pollution is one of the main factors contributing to the worsening global environmental problems. Car pollution in Tirana, Albania is a huge environmental/health problem in the city. I am excited to research pollution factors and policies contributing to the increase of car emissions in the city.
Guilhem: A review on the valorization and alternative treatment possibilities of sheep wool
Sheep wool is currently considered as a cost in Europe. This great natural and sustainable matter, full of potential is currently wasted. I'm looking forward to present during the student conference some of the many valorizing ways that exist!
Caroline: Analysis of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on the air quality of different cities
Due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, atmospheric emissions were drastically reduced as a result of restrictions on different sectors, but air quality did not necessarily improve. I'm looking for highlight the importance of understanding the pollutants dynamics in the atmosphere in the improvement of air quality.
Maria Fomina: Climate Justice Implications of Carbon Markets –A Postcolonial Critique of Carbon Offsetting
International Carbon Markets are considered to be an important instrument in reducing global GHG emissions. One mechanism of carbon pricing is offsetting, which is the compensation of CO2 emissions by countries, companies and individuals through climate projects. The offsetting practice raises critical questions about justice since it tends to benefit countries in the ‘Global North’ and leads to human rights violations in the ‘Global South’. I aim to explore the offsetting practice from a postcolonial perspective.
Zara Pachiorka: The Integration of Sustainable Industrial Hemp Farming in Saskatchewan
Hemp is a great sustainable alternative so I am excited to present on how Saskatchewan could be a global leader in hemp production.
Dalija: Challenges of management in protected areas - Who do they really benefit? Case study of Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
Can tourism and efficient environmental conservation exist in harmony? Biggest Croatian national park- Plitvice lakes, struggles with balancing mass tourism and growing infrastructure with nature conservation and needs of the local community. This presentation examines how the Park addressed these issues with their new management plan.
Hedda: Hedda Thomson EK, MESPOM Lund, Sweden
Masha: Maria Smiirnova, MESP, Ukraine
Lena: Lena Zehne, MESPOM Lund, Germany
Sam Nasson: Samantha Nasson, MESP, USA
Guilhem: Guilhem CHIARELLO COUPINOT, MESPOM Lund, France
Caroline: Caroline Mogollon Sotelo, MESPOM Manchester, Columbia
Maria Fomina: MESP, Germany/Russia
Zara Pachiorka: MESPOM Lund, Canada
Dalija: Dalija Delic, MESP Croatia/Bosnia