Sofia University marks Antarctica Day with an international conference on climate change

An international event focusing on European policies for a sustainable planet and climate change is being held today at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". The event is organised by the National Centre for Polar Studies at Sofia University and the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute. It marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty.

The organisers emphasise that environmental changes in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are interconnected and influence global climate factors. Rapidly evolving conditions require equally rapid management responses, they stress. These could include new partnerships within the European Union for research and innovation, investment in research infrastructure, accelerated data generation and access, potential treaty updates, and new geopolitical relationships.

Speakers at the event include President Rumen Radev, Rector of Sofia University Prof. Georgi Valchev, polar researcher Prof. Hristo Pimpirev, EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva and the President of the World Meteorological Organisation Dr Abdulla Al Mandous.