54 Posts in Environment

The meeting was attended by Greek Environment & Energy Ministry Minister Kostas Skrekas and his counterpart of Bulgaria Rossen Hristov, who agreed that the pipeline is of great geostrategic importance for both countries. Furthermore, it was also understood that this project will contribute to Bulgaria's independence from Russian oil, but also to the further transformation of the port city of Alexandroupolis in northern Greece into an energy hub. It was also dicsussed that a special-purpose company will be tasked with compiling a feasibility study for the specific project. "With a shared vision for the well-being of our citizens," said Skrekas in a statement after the meeting, "we are consolidating Greece and Bulgaria as poles of stability and security in the whole of Southeast Europe, constantly deepening our strategic cooperation in the energy sector." Establishing this working group was foreseen in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two energy ministers at Maximos Mansion on February 16, in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev. The project was first conceived in 1993 to transport oil from the Caspian Sea to Bulgaria and via Burgas to Alexandroupolis, but had several starts and stops before being abandoned in 2011.

Entering the Garden from the entrance of L. Amalia, the natural environment is enriched with the works of the exhibition Seeing The Invisible. Seeing the Invisible requires its free application (https://seeingtheinvisble.art/app/) on the visitor's mobile phone (with a minimum of 4GB memory) or iPad, tablet. After connecting to wifi, the proposed route appears on the app's map and the works hidden scattered throughout the Garden are revealed. The experiential and one-of-a-kind exhibition is presented in the National Garden of Athens and at the same time in ten botanical gardens around the world. For its Athenian edition, the Greek department of Outset (founded in 2012 by Elina Kountouri) collaborated with the municipality of Athens. The eponymous exhibition began as an initiative of the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and in its first phase, in 2021, was presented simultaneously in twelve gardens around the world, in collaboration with the contemporary art organization Outset Contemporary Art Fund (founded in 2003 based in London) and the support of the Jerusalem Foundation. "The theme of the exhibition is a reference to climate change and the loss of biodiversity. It adopts models of sustainable practices from outside and places these digital experiences inside the gardens, highlighting the importance of the flora and fauna of the area and keeping the carbon footprint to a minimum" emphasizes Artemis Stamatiadis, director of Outset Greece. The National Garden of Athens hosts thirteen augmented reality works by renowned international artists as well as a commission from Outset Greece to a Greek artist, Loukia Alavanou, with the result that the National Garden is the only participating Garden with 14 works. Loukia Alavanou's project "Nea Zoi" was co-created with Roma children from Nea Zoi Aspropyrgos, who transformed with their paintings a dystopian original landscape into a green flower-strewn place, as they would ideally like their neighborhood. Unseen works scattered throughout the National Garden await visitors. Between them is a huge circle that forms zero, a symbol of peace, solidarity and coexistence, according to Persian scholar theory. The project was originally designed for the United Arab Emirates, home of participating artist Mohamed Kazem, who invites the viewer to traverse the circle that embodies universal values, as if starting from equal ground. As the day progresses, the light, shadows and reflections above the digital structure change, further enhancing the connection between work and natural environment. The same applies to the cave-temple of artist Timur Si-Qin - originally from China and based in Berlin. Through a portal the viewer passes through rooms with designed walls and constellations on the ceiling. The project proposes a new secular faith in the face of climate change, global pandemics and the collapse of biodiversity. The impressive colorful tapestry of soft drink caps, a combination of aesthetics and commentary on post-colonial history, racial discrimination, consumerism, is the work of sculptor El Anatsui, which he constructed together with the Ghanaian community. Refik Anadol's surrealist work from Turkey combines creation with artificial intelligence and other interesting works are revealed in the Seeing The Invisible exhibition, which runs until September 2023. More information at www.seeingtheinvisible.art

In a statement, the organizations asked "for at least a month's time to interested citizens, in order to process and comment on such an important bill." The bill was posted for public consultation on February 24th, and the deadline is February 28th, 2023. Signing the request are: Anima, Archelon, 'Callisto' Environmental Organization, Ecological Recycling Society, 'Elliniki Etairia' Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Greenpeace, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, Medasset, Society for the Protection of Prespa, and WWF Hellas.

Greece, which views gas as a transition fuel as it ramps up renewables, has produced small quantities of oil in the past and has attempted to explore its hydrocarbon potential. A shift to green energy and lack of political will had stalled its exploration plans. But the war in Ukraine last year prompted Athens to speed up exploration in six onshore and offshore blocks, aiming to get a first idea of potential gas reserves later this year. article-prompt-devices Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (HEREMA) said processing company PGS has concluded 2D seismic surveys off Crete on behalf of ExxonMobil (XOM.N) and Greece's biggest oil refiner HelleniQ Energy (HEPr.AT), which own 70% and 30% respectively of the exploration rights for gas in the two blocks off Crete. "A total of 12,278 km of seismic data were collected against the minimum contractual obligation of 6,500 km for the two blocks combined," it said, adding that the operators will now process and evaluate the data before they decide to enter the next exploration phase. Under HEREMA's gas exploration plan, the next stage will be the collection of more enhanced 3D seismic data which will determine whether the operators will conduct a test drilling. Past seismic data had indicated the existence of structures similar to recent gas discoveries off Egypt and Cyprus. "Our goal is to have the first exploration drilling within 2025. We need to discover if a new potential source of wealth exists," Hellenic Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas said.

6 beaked whales were found dead on Friday, while a pod of four were found beached on Thursday, the Cyprus department of fisheries and marine research said.  3 of the 4 from Thursday were guided back to sea, while the fourth died, it said in a statement. It was unclear if the dead pod found on Friday included those whales from Thursday that had been returned to the sea, it said. “These animals have an echolocation system which is affected by sea noise; it could be military exercises, seismic drills or naturally the earthquake in the region,” Yiannis Ioannou of the Cyprus Department of Fisheries and Marine Research told Sigma TV. Authorities identified the whale as ziphius cavirostris, or more commonly known as Cuvier’s beaked whale. It is not very common offshore Cyprus. The whales were found in what is a relatively small part of Cyprus’s northern coastline under the control of the island’s internationally recognized government. The longer part of the coastline is controlled by a breakaway Turkish Cypriot entity. Monday’s mega earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which have killed tens of thousands of people, were also felt on the east Mediterranean island. [Reuters[

"A little attention is needed because the fault that caused today's earthquakes is close to the big fault of Agia Paraskevi that runs through the island from one end to the other," seismology professor and head of the Geodynamic Institute, Akis Tselentis, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA). Morever, little damage has been detected in houses so far due to the 4.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred in the early hours of Saturday in Mytilini. In particular, the minor damage that has been reported has been done to houses in the villages of Pelopi and Molyvos, while damage has also been found to the church of Agia Triada in the village of Stypsi. In addition, rockslides from the slopes of the surrounding mountains have occurred on the road network in the area. The Mayor of the area, Taxiarchis Verros reports that "the services of the Municipality are ready and communication has been made with the relevant Ministry and with Professor Efthymios Lekkas. The Seismic Risk Assessment Committee will meet in the next few hours for further information." Attention is drawn to the seismic vibrations of the area... The seismologists appear cautious regarding the seismic tremors that occurred in Mytilini, since as the professor of seismology and Director of the Geodynamic Institute Akis Tselentis stated in an interview he granted to ANA, "We are not 100% sure that this is the main earthquake and the time is difficult to say such a thing". He added that "a little attention is needed because the fault that caused today's earthquakes is close to the great fault of Agia Paraskevi that runs through the island from one end to the other".

The goal of the song is to shine an even brighter light on the plight of stray dogs: recognizing their rights, ensuring their well-being and eliminating their abuse. All of the above shows the level of our humanity and culture. By "entering" the position of a dog, we are described the feelings and thoughts of the stray, who appeals for support and help from people, the only ones who can provide a solution to his problems. Watch the wonderful video clip starring the creator of the song Vassilis Kolovos with our 4-legged friends and sensitively directed by Giorgos Louridas. https://youtu.be/abVNtFETXp8 Music - Lyrics - Interpretation: Vassilis Kolovos Orchestration – Mastering: Nikos Kalambalikis Cinematography – Editing: Louridas Giorgos We thank: Konstantinos Samson, Panagiotis Kostopoulos

Green hydrogen is made from water by electrolysis using renewable wind and solar power. The U.S.-German company, which supplies gasses such as oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen to factories and hospitals, said it was the first green hydrogen production in Greece. "Linde is taking an important first step towards establishing the green hydrogen economy in Greece, allowing us to advance our sustainability agenda across the country," said Oana Reiber, General Manager of Linde Hellas. Hydrogen is key in Europe's energy transition to a sustainable environment and net zero emissions by 2050.

The magnitude-4.9 quake occurred inland, near the western coast of the island of Evia, and follows an uncommon pattern of seismic activity in the area. Felt in Athens some 70 kilometers (45 miles) to the south, Wednesday’s quake occurred after two temblors in late November on the south of the island, of magnitude 5.0 and 4.8, that had been described unusual by seismologists. Seismic experts held an emergency meeting with the government’s civil protection authority, which urged residents in affected areas to avoid spending the night in quake-damaged homes and to be vigilant for falling debris if the quakes continue. The mayor of a small town near the epicenter of Wednesday’s quake said windows were shattered and minor damage to homes and businesses was reported. (AP)

Unfortunately, in this urban river, in addition to garbage and rubble, various domestic animals end up, such as in this case with the American mink. Although it is a very lovable animal, it has nothing to do with the Greek ecosystem, as is actually endemic to North America and is can be a very aggressive and invasive species that destroys the local fauna. In Greece it is bred for its fur and by accidental or misplaced releases it has colonized lakes and wetlands of Northern Greece, thus destroying the balance of natural local ecosystems. White is not its natural color and, on the contrary, has been created after genetic interventions by the breeders. The photo shows its first appearance in the urban fabric of Athens, probably from an accidental or misplaced release by someone who had acquired it as a pet, creating a great danger for the already burdened ecosystem of Kifissos.

There is no cause for concern from the new earthquake of 4.3 Richter that occurred in Evia, argues seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos, stressing that another strong aftershock in the coming days is not excluded. For his part, seismologist Efthymis Lekkas adds that it is positive to have earthquakes of this magnitude in the region. "The earthquake is part of the post-seismic activity," said seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos speaking to ERT. "The earthquake has a magnitude of 4.3 on the Richter scale and the epicenter is located in Nea Styra in South Evia, that is, in the area that was activated at the end of November. Since then, the aftershocks have continued, so I am of the opinion that today's is also part of the aftershock sequence of the strong 5 Richter magnitude earthquake that occurred on the night of November 29 in the same area. There should be no particular cause for concern." He also added: "From November 29 until today, the aftershocks with smaller magnitudes have not stopped. The seismic sequence will continue and may reach magnitudes above 4 Richter, just as it happened today. This possibility is not ruled out, that there will be another aftershock in the next few days with a noticeable magnitude." Lekkas: It is positive to have such sizes "We are entering a period of normality in the region, it is positive to have such figures," seismologist Efthymis Lekkas pointed out, speaking to ERT, following the new 4.3-magnitude earthquake that occurred in the afternoon, again centered on Evia. The new seismic tremor "shaken" Evia and was particularly felt in Athens. According to the Geodynamic Institute's revised solution, the tremor measured 4.3 on the Richter scale. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 8 Km. SE of Zaraki in Evia, while the focal depth was 13.5 km.   Moreover, in related news, unstable weather is forecast today  in several regions of the country. Local rains are expected mainly in the west, in the north and in the Eastern Aegean. There is a chance of storms in the northwest. Limited visibility and fog at night and early morning. Southerlies with intensities up to 6 Beaufort in the seas. High temperatures for the season. In more detail, on Thursday, December 15th, 2022, clouds are expected throughout the country, with local rains in several areas. The phenomena will be more important in the Ionian, in the western and northern continental areas, where after noon they will weaken, as well as in the islands of the Eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese, where they will intensify in the evening. Scattered thunderstorms are likely in the northwest. At night and early in the morning visibility will be locally limited and fog will form. Atmospheric conditions favor the transport of African dust to the Aegean and Crete. The temperature will vary in Northern Greece from 2 to 17 degrees, in Epirus from 9 to 21 degrees, in Thessaly from 7 to 20 degrees, in the rest of the mainland from 10 to 21-22 degrees, in the Ionian Islands from 15 to 20 degrees and in the islands of the Aegean from 10 to 20 degrees, while in North Crete the maximum will locally reach 24-25 degrees Celsius. The winds will blow in the Aegean from southern directions with intensities of 4-5 Beaufort and at times locally 6 Beaufort. In the Ionian Sea, south-southeasterly winds of 3-4 Beaufort will blow, gradually strengthening to 5 Beaufort and from the evening locally 6 Beaufort. In Attica we expect clouds with the possibility of light rain until the morning hours. Visibility will be locally limited, especially from the afternoon hours, and fog may form. Winds will blow from south directions with intensities of 3-4 Beaufort. The temperature will range from 15 to 19-20 degrees. In Thessaloniki we expect clouds, with an increased chance of light rain until the morning. From the afternoon hours the visibility will be limited and fogs may form. Winds will blow mainly from the east with intensities of 2-4 Beaufort. The temperature will range from 10 to 15 degrees.

Kikilias emphasized that all surveys show that travelers are becoming increasingly aware of sustainable tourism, and Greece has taken important steps in this direction. “Travelers are leading the way, demanding less or zero carbon dioxide emissions. Along with travel safety, this issue will be a top priority for visitors from all over the world in the current tourist season as well as in the next ones,” said the minister, underlining that Greece is leading the interventions aimed at accelerating the green and sustainable transformation of the country’s tourism sector. Moreover, in related news, renewable energy sources accounted for 47.1% of Greece’s electricity generation in the first ten months of the year, thus surpassing the share of fossil fuels for the first time, according to a report based on Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE) data. “The energy crisis has de facto accelerated the energy transition. Any attempt to move in the opposite direction is harmful for the citizens and the economy,” said Nikos Mantzaris, a policy analyst with Green Tank, the think tank that published the report. Although until September 2022 fossil fuels were cumulatively ahead in the mix, the high production from renewable energy sources in October, combined with the large reduction in electricity demand in the same month, high gas supply prices and other economic parameters, reversed the trend, leading to a large reduction in the energy produced from fossil gas and lignite, the report states. From January to October, “green” energy produced 20,186 gigawatt hours compared to 19,589 from lignite and natural gas. While the share of hydropower in the overall mix fell to 8.2% from 9.7% last year, the share of wind and photovoltaic increased to 38.9% from 32.3% in the same period. The report noted that electricity demand in October decreased by 9% compared to the same month last year. It was the fourth month in a row to see a decrease in demand compared to the previous year. In October, Greece managed to cover 100% of national demand for electricity using only renewables for a period of five hours.