VITO at COP: Driving global climate action together
As climate change continues to demand urgent attention, the world’s focus turns to COP29 (Conference of the Parties) in Baku, Azerbaijan. From 11-22 November 2024, world leaders, policymakers, and experts gather to discuss the most pressing environmental challenges. VITO is proud to be part of this important dialogue, contributing our knowledge and expertise to drive real, actionable solutions for a sustainable future.
Why COP matters to VITO
Every year, the Conference of the Parties (COP) brings together leaders, policymakers, and experts from the member states of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). All with a clear, common goal: to address the global climate crisis. For VITO, participating in COP UNFCCC conferences is more than just attending an international event—it’s a critical opportunity to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and contribute to real-world solutions that make a lasting impact.
VITO has been an active participant in COP UNFCCC conferences for several years, and each edition has strengthened our resolve. We’ve seen how engaging directly with global policymakers, industry innovators, and climate scientists opens doors to partnerships that amplify our efforts. These collaborations strengthen our projects and align our work with international climate goals.
Our contributions to climate action
During the COP UNFCCC conferences, we share the insights gained from our diverse projects around the world. Whether helping African nations establish climate data systems or working with cities to implement nature-based solutions, our contributions to COP UNFCCC conferences are grounded in practical, on-the-ground experience.
Our extensive climate services portfolio spans several key areas, including climate change mitigation, resilience building, remote sensing, and circularity – all crucial in driving global sustainability efforts. Here’s how we make a difference:
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Climate change mitigation
VITO plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable growth. Through our NDC Support Center, we collaborate with the African Union to help African nations develop energy systems, model emissions, and create frameworks for climate action. Our Power-to-X Solutions programme promotes decarbonised industrial clusters and fosters regional cooperation in clean technologies. Additionally, our sustainable concrete research is helping to reduce emissions from the concrete industry by developing alternative materials.
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Building climate resilience
Building resilience to climate impacts is a priority for VITO, especially in vulnerable urban and agricultural areas. We are working with cities like Niamey and Johannesburg to implement nature-based solutions, such as green infrastructure, that help prepare urban areas for climate risks. In agriculture, we support farmers with tools such as CLIMTAG, which provides weather forecasts and climate assessments to improve long-term planning. Our research on water resilience also addresses water quality, re-use, and flood prevention, ensuring communities are prepared for the challenges of a changing climate.
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Remote Sensing for climate action
VITO’s remote sensing services offer essential data for disaster risk reduction, agriculture, and water management. As part of the EU and ESA’s COPERNICUS programme, we make environmental data easily accessible to support global sustainability goals. We also contribute to Natural Capital Accounting (NCA), monitoring ecosystems and resources to enable informed, sustainable decision-making worldwide.
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Circularity and waste management
VITO is committed to advancing circularity and reducing waste. Our research into innovative recycling technologies and participation in projects that promote sustainable resource use help pave the way for a circular economy, where materials are reused, and waste is minimised.
Building partnerships for global impact
Alongside our own research related contributions to climate action, we recognise that large-scale change can only be achieved through collaboration. COP UNFCCC conferences present a key opportunity for VITO to not only share our knowledge but also to forge new, concrete partnerships with international stakeholders. Through our engagement with global platforms like G-STIC, we help shape practical discussions around climate finance, policy implementation, and technological solutions. These collaborations are essential to ensure that climate action is both effective and inclusive, aligning our efforts with the global community to tackle the climate crisis at all levels.
And on that note, be sure to come find us in Baku this year to explore how we can join forces for a lasting climate impact. We look forward to connecting with you!
Want to know more?
For more details on our activities at COP UNFCCC conferences, feel free to reach out to us at international.office@vito.be.
Curious about our international climate services? Visit our dedicated webpage to learn more: Climate services | VITO
You can also read about our previous contributions at COP28 in our article, Reflecting on COP28 – Our Commitment to Global Sustainability.
