University at COP28
Estonian Univeristy of Life Sciences participates in the Climate Conference COP28 in Dubai
As a leading knowledge center for circular and bioeconomy, Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMÜ) is participating in the United Nations Climate Conference COP28 in Dubai this year.
EMÜ has an expertise in the fields of agriculture, forestry, veterinary and animal science, rural life and economy, food production and processing, biodiversity, nature protection, renewable natural resources, engineering and environmentally friendly technologies.
With our top-level research areas, we are your partner in the green transition, helping to create science-based practical solutions to adjust and mitigate to climate changes.
At COP28, one of our goals is to represent our country and Estonian science in solving challenges related to climate change.We are willing to share our experience and knowledge with the policy makers and research community. We are definitely looking for new contacts in our research fields.
Programme
Our scientists are participating at COP28 from the 8th to the 10th of December 2023. You can find us from the Estonian Pavilion B6-75, Expo City Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Estonian University of Life Sciences itself is organising five sessions at the COP programme and our scientist participate in several panel discussions organised by other participants as well.
9th December, Day of Nature, Land Use and Oceans at COP28
13:00-13:00 Landfill Resources Against Climate Change, Case study by Estonian University of Life Sciences
We’ve converted a municipal landfill into a thriving public park, employing landfill mining technology to extract resources, including plastic conversion to construction materials, oil, and solid recovered fuel. We’ve also harnessed waste-derived energy for 24-hour heating in Tallinn. Most significantly, we’ve repurposed fine, soil-like landfill fractions into a methane-degrading landfill cover, actively combating greenhouse gas emissions. We invite you to explore our landfill-park virtually or in person, showcasing our successful academy-enterprise partnership.
Presenter
Mr Mait Kriipsalu, Professor of Water Protection and Waste Management, Estonian University of Life Sciences
10th December, Day of Food, Agriculture and Water at COP28
09:00-09:45 Climate-Smart Agriculture – Driver of Circular Bioeconomy, Morning Coffee and Opening the Exhibition hosted by Estonian University of Life Sciences
The pop-up exhibition “Climate-Smart Agriculture: Driver of Circular Bioeconomy” focuses on providing climate-friendly, science-based solutions in agriculture and the bioeconomy value chain, starting from soil and plant health and ending with precision farming, industrial waste valorization, and the development of novel foods. The implementation of these highlighted solutions brings producers closer to achieving the goals outlined in the EU Farm to Fork and other climate strategies.
Speakers
Mr Aret Vooremäe, Director of the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Estonian University of Life Sciences
Mr Alar Astover, Professor of Soil Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences
Ms Evelin Loit-Harro, Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, Estonian University of Life Sciences
Ms Reelika Rätsep, Researcher of Sustainable Food Production, Estonian University of Life Sciences
Mr Timo Kikas, Professor of Biosystems Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences
10:00-10:30 Contextualized Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Soils: Potential and Limits, Panel discussion by Estonian University of Life Sciences
Soils, as the largest pool of organic carbon (C) in terrestrial ecosystems, play a crucial role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Political and societal expectations are high, anticipating that sustainable agricultural practices can universally enhance C storage in soils. However, in reality, the organic C sequestration potential of soils and its impact on climate mitigation varies significantly depending on local climate, soil types, and management practices. In this session, we demonstrate and discuss the significance of a locally contextualized approach, using European managed mineral and organic soils as examples, to achieve a more carbon-neutral and climate-resilient agriculture.
Moderator: Mr Alar Astover, Professor in Soil Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences
Speakers
Ms Ieva Lῑcῑte, Research Assistant, Latvian State Forest Research Institute ”Silava”, LIFE OrgBalt Project Manager
Ms Elsa Putku, Soil Science Expert, Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge
Ms Kristi Klaas, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Climate, Estonia
11:00-11:30 Climate Resilient Agriculture - Is the Future of Food Organic? Panel discussion by Estonian University of Life Sciences
Ensuring food security sustainably is the challenge of today and tomorrow. Organic farming stands out as one of the best-known environmentally-friendly approaches. In Estonia, 23% of agricultural land is managed organically, ranking the country third globally in this regard. How was this achievement reached? What lessons have been learned? What are the paths forward?
Moderator and speaker: Ms Evelin Loit-Harro, Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, Estonian University of Life Sciences
Speakers
Mr Ants-Hannes Viira, Head of Agricultural Research, The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge
Mr Marko Kass, Director of Research, The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge
12:00-12:30 Food and Wood: Towards Zero-Waste, Panel discussion by Estonian University of Life Sciences
Sustainable solutions for food and wood production side streams are imperative. The discussion revolves around utilizing various fractions and their bioactive components from plant-based production by-products, versus advancing thermochemical valorization and biorefining technologies for second and third-generation biochemical production from lignocellulosic biomass. Could this be the key to a future green economy?
Moderator: Ms Iris Reinhold, student, British International School Abu Dhabi
Speakers
Mr Timo Kikas, Professor of biosystems engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences
Ms Reelika Rätsep, Researcher of sustainable food production, Estonian University of Life Sciences
Ms Lisandra Rocha Meneses, Senior Researcher of biorefinery, Estonian University of Life Sciences
14:00-14:30 Transforming Agriculture: Harnessing Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology to Combat Climate Change, Panel discussion by The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK)
In regions worldwide, the accelerating pace of climate change has outpaced traditional crop breeding. To address this critical gap, a multitude of emerging technologies beckon as powerful allies in the global battle against climate change and the environmental impact of agriculture. Key among these are innovative precision breeding methods, including CRISPR-Cas systems, synthetic biology, machine learning, and computational biology. These bioengineering tools hold immense potential for addressing large-scale global challenges and shifts in consumer habits. Join us to explore the intersection of precision breeding, climate change, biodiversity loss and the urgent need to bridge this gap.
Speakers
Mr Martin Kala, Junior Researcher, The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge
Ms Aveliina Helm, Professor of Restoration Ecology, University of Tartu
Ms Evelin Loit-Harro, Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, Estonian University of Life Sciences
Mr Ants-Hannes Viira, Head of Agricultural Research, The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge
16:00-16:30 How Circular Innovations Can Solve the Biggest Challenges of Our Time – Sustainable Food & Fertilizers Production, Panel discussion by Ragn Sells
Feeding the planet sustainably is a pressing global challenge, with the UN warning of an impending historic hunger crisis, partly due to a fertilizer shortage. Current nutrient sourcing practices, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are ecologically damaging and fuel climate change. Over 2% of greenhouse gas emissions result from burning fossil gas for nitrogen production, while millions of children suffer stunted growth from local water nitrogen pollution. Phosphate mining emits harmful heavy metals, and potassium dependency on Russia and Belarus raises concerns. Thankfully, innovative technology, pioneered by environmental company Ragn-Sells and scientists, offers a sustainable solution by recovering these vital nutrients from industrial waste, earning them recognition as 2022 Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize finalists.
Speakers
Mr Pär Larshans, Director of Sustainability and Public Affairs at Ragn-Sells Group
Mr Alar Astover, Professor of Soil Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences
Check out the full program of Estonian pavilion at COP28 here.
Meet our delegation
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Aret Vooremäe Spokesperson of the delegation Director of the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, EMÜ + 372 513 6348 |
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Mait Kriipsalu Professor of Water Protection and Waste Management, EMÜ + 372 513 6664 |
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Alar Astover Professor of Soil Science, EMÜ + 372 512 2824 |
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Evelin Loit-Harro Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, EMÜ + 372 5912 5549 |
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Reelika Rätsep Researcher of Sustainable Food Production, EMÜ + 372 5343 2842 |
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Timo Kikas Professor of Biosystems Engineering, EMÜ + 372 5302 3636 |
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Lisandra Rocha Meneses Senior Researcher of biorefinery, EMÜ |
