The seventh edition of the International Congress on Climate Change and Coastline, Uhinak, concluded today at Ficoba in Irun. Over two days, scientists, public administrations, and companies exchanged views on climate change, emphasizing research, model improvement, and the duty to communicate scientific findings to society.
Rogelio Pozo, CEO of the organizing technological center AZTI, highlighted the scientists' dual responsibility: to "research and improve models," but more importantly, "to be the voice." He stated, "Telling society what we know. Even when it hurts. And telling it every day. Not just when we are invited to a congress. Every day."
Amidst warnings about the impact of misinformation, Pozo called for "courage and imagination": "courage to explain the evidence, even when uncomfortable, and imagination to reach those who will never attend a congress, from classrooms to fishing guilds, municipal councils, or family conversations."
A notable addition this year was the inclusion of two round tables focused on coastal municipalities, the first to experience the consequences of sea-level rise. These sessions showcased adaptation projects and planning tools from Euskadi, Wales, New Aquitaine, and Northern Basque Country.
The program also featured two keynote speeches by researchers Antonio Turiel (CSIC) and Melisa Menéndez (IHCantabria), alongside 40 oral communications and 25 posters.
