World Enviroment Day 2026 – Conserving Biodiversity to protect the Climate – the Thrace Experience

When:
Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 15:30-17:00
Where:
AC Auditorium, Deree – The American College of Greece
Organized by:
ACG Center of Excellence in Sustainability
Environmental Studies Program, Deree – ACG

About the event

Join us on Thursday, June 4, 2026, 15:30, AC Auditorium, for a student presentation on the importance of Conserving Biodiversity to protect the Climate as experienced during a Field Course in Thrace.

Efforts to assess and conserve biodiversity through field work play a vital role in climate protection by safeguarding ecosystems that naturally regulate the Earth’s climate. Field research helps scientists monitor species, habitats, and ecosystem health, enabling the identification of environmental threats such as deforestation, habitat degradation, and species loss. Conserving biodiverse ecosystems supports carbon sequestration, as these ecosystems absorb and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Healthy ecosystems are also more resilient to climate-related disturbances such as droughts, floods, and wildfires, helping communities adapt to climate change. In addition, biodiversity conservation preserves essential ecological functions, including soil fertility, water regulation, and pollination, which contribute to sustainable livelihoods and food security. Through evidence-based field work and conservation action, biodiversity protection strengthens nature-based climate solutions and supports long-term environmental sustainability for both people and the planet.

The presented experience is within the framework of the Field Course in Environmental Studies, a course that provides opportunities for active learning through field work and in-situ research on different thematic areas of interest to Environmental Studies, which in 2026 was implemented in Thrace, Greece, May 11 – 16. The participating students are presenting the experiences gained on the field, the biodiversity and ecosystem issues, as well as practical, technical, management and social challenges.

Event Agenda and speakers