February 8 & 9, 2024 | Liège - Palais des Congrès

The 1st European Summit dedicated to adaptation issues

Adapting to climate disruption is a major challenge, at the heart of local climate action. The European Green Deal has placed ecological transition at the heart of all EU policy proposals.

In this context, the Climate Chance Europe 2024 Wallonia Summit will contribute to the European work led by the Belgian Presidency on climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions and resilience. This is the very first time that an international event has been devoted to this theme.

The event is intended to be broad-based and inclusive. Faced with the consequences of climate change, which Europe as a whole is having to deal with, we need to facilitate exchanges and collaboration between companies, associations, local authorities and citizen organizations across the European Union. This dialogue will focus on the adaptation solutions put in place by all parties in this local, regional, national and European multi-stakeholder context. So, for example, the resilient reconstruction of the Vesdre Valley following the dramatic floods of 2021 could be an inspiration for other European communities faced with similar meteorological phenomena. Conferences, workshops, field visits and discussions will enable participants to benefit from the experience and expertise of other European players.

The aim of this meeting will be to produce the “Liège Declaration“, an ambitious collective roadmap that will mark a decisive milestone in the work of the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council. Key messages will be conveyed to the European institutions with a view to a renewed and strengthened European Green Deal after 2024.

Liège Declaration

Collaborations

Programme

A 2-day program featuring some 15 workshops, plenary sessions, field visits, events and networking opportunities, will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and share practical solutions for achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Download the program

Thursday 8 february

  • 09:00 - 10:00
  • 10:00 - 12:30
  • 12:30 - 14:00
  • 14:00 - 15:30
  • 15:30 - 16:00
  • 16:00 - 17:30
  • 18:00

  • 09:00 - 10:00

    Welcome coffee

  • 10:00 - 12:30

    Opening plenary Delivering on the European Green Deal to improve local resilience and adaptation to climate change More info

    Hall : Europe

    The European Green Deal was initiated by the European Commission with the aim of making the European Union carbon neutral by 2050. Thus, the Green Deal mainly focuses on mitigation policies by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, but it also includes elements that contribute to the adaptation effort. However, in the context of accelerated climate change, including in Europe and Wallonia which has experienced major floods, these efforts still remain insufficient. This opening session of the Climate Chance Europe 2024 Wallonia Summit brings together different actors, European and Walloon, in order to take stock of the main challenges of adaptation to climate change in Europe, but above all to identify the levers of action to strengthen collective capacities adaptation on the continent in areas such as infrastructure, food, biodiversity or governance systems.

    Introduction : Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, IPCC

    Welcome Panel

    • Willy Demeyer, Mayor of Liège
    • Anne-Sophie Nyssen, Rector of the University of Liège
    • Philippe Henry, Walloon Minister for the Environment, Spatial Planning, mobility, transportation, and brownfield sites
    • Céline Tellier, Walloon Minister for Environment Nature, Animal Welfare and Rural Renovation
    • Ronan Dantec, President of Climate Chance Association, Senator of Loire Atlantique
    • Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissaire européen à l'environnement, aux océans et à la pêche (message vidéo)
    • Elina Bardram, Director for Adaptation and Civil Society Relations and Mission Manager for the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, DG for Climate Action
    • Blaz Kurnik, Head of Group climate change impacts and adaptation, European Environment Agency

    Introduction Video

    • Video

    Presentations

    • Paola Vigano, Architect and Urbanist - Vesdre Valley Schema
    • Arthur Keller, expert in systemic thinking applied to societal risks and collective resilience - Systemic issues beyond climate emergency

    Debate among non-state and European actors

    • Andreas Wolter, Mayor of the City of Cologne, President of Climate Alliance, member of the Convenant of Mayors in Europe & Tom de Schutter, Director, Union des Villes et Communes de Wallonie
    • Employers, wokers and civil society organizations: Peter Schmidt President of the NAT section of the European Economic and Social Committee
    • NGOs: Sven Harmeling, CAN Europe & Sylvie Meekers, Director General, CANOPEA & Christine Mahy, Secretary General, Walloon Network for the Fight against Poverty
    • Business: TBC, CLG Europe & Cécile Neven, CEO, Walloon Business Union
    Moderation : Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, PwGIEC

  • 12:30 - 14:00

    Lunch break & networking

  • 14:00 - 15:30

    Workshop 2 Insurance and the financing of cross-border inter-state solidarity as part of a “fair and united adaptation”

    More info

    Hall : Foyer des Délégués

    Hall : Foyer des Délégués

    There can be no economic activity without insurance" (AGEA) Insurance plays a very important role every day, including in adapting to future climate change. In fact, it is already influencing the day-to-day decisions of businesses, local authorities and our leaders. Changes (in infrastructure, planning, land use, the habits of communities and citizens, and the availability of more or less food) will either take place with them or not at all. The ideal is to create a new contract between policyholders, (re)insurers and communities. How can this be done?

    What is the sector's role? What are the social issues to which this sector can respond? What is the limit of the risk that this sector is "prepared" to take on, given that many French local authorities are already excluded from certain major insurance companies, particularly for their flood risks (source: Catastrophes climatiques : les assurances lâchent les communes (reporterre.net))? How can insurance become a powerful lever for transformation: a different model, management and modulation of risk premiums, a vector for change through its backing/knowledge of banks? How can technologies (AI, new risk management models, new technologies, new materials) be integrated into this model and what are their roles/limits?

    List of speakers :

    • Hein Lannoy, Managing Director, Assuralia
    • Thomas Alvarez, Research and public relations officer for climate-related insurance issues, Agea
    • Samuel Lietaer, Expert in climate adaptation policy, Belgian Federal Service for Climate Change
    • Nicolas Jeanmart, Co-rapporteur to the European Commission on the "Climate Resilience Dialogue" report, Insurance Europe

    Moderation : Bernard Soulage, Secretary General of the Climate Chance Association, Chairman of the GART Scientific Council

  • 14:00 - 15:30

    Workshop 12 Caring for our soils

    More info

    Hall : Elisabeth

    Hall : Elisabeth

    What is soil health and the many environmental services that soils can provide? This workshop will address several key aspects of soil health and climate change. A number of key initiatives in Wallonia and Europe will be presented, covering a range of uses (agriculture, forestry and urban areas). These actions in the agricultural environment will cover carbon farming practices, actions undertaken as part of the Walloon Recovery Plan for Soil Monitoring and Agro-Ecological Transition (TERRAE), followed by a presentation of actions to combat erosion. The forestry component will be addressed by highlighting a training initiative on soil quality in forestry to increase the dissemination and use of soil quality diagnostics in forestry to adapt forestry practices to soil resilience. The urban component will be outlined in terms of the fight against sealing and decontamination using nature-based solutions.

    List of speakers :

    • Bruno Huyghebaert, Scientific Director, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre
    • Laurent Serteyn, Agronomist, Greenotec asbl
    • Hubert Bedoret, Director, Natagriwal asbl
    • Gilles Colinet, Professor, University of Liège, Gembloux AgroBiotech
    • Brigitte Bariol-Mathais, General Delegate, FNAU
    • Christophe Calvaruso, Founder, EcoStain

    Moderation: Eddy Montignies, BRIOAA

  • 14:00 - 15:30

    Workshop 1 Cross-border and decentralized cooperation

    More info

    Hall : Rogier

    Hall : Rogier

    There is a clear need for a bottom-up approach in adaptation, empowering citizens and communities as well subnational governments to adapt to heightened risks of the planetary crisis whilst respecting planetary limits - and ideally acting as stewards of their own habitats. Responding to local and community-based adaptation needs requires a different way to do things on all government and community levels, both when it comes to transborder cooperation and decentralization within climate partnerships between Global North and Global South, but also when it comes to the EU. It is always the most vulnerable groups who are most exposed to the risks of the accelerating crises. Giving agency to citizens and communities means a new way of thinking and doing for multi-level governance, meaningful participation and resourcing - the grassroots’ way. How can we put community-based adaptation center stage in EU policies - both outside and inside Europe? How can policies take account of the fact that in the eyes of citizens - and of the planet - mitigation and adaptation are really one, on all levels of the crises (climate, biodiversity, pollution) - and need to be tackled together?

    List of speakers :

    • Nicolas van Nuffel, President of the Climate Coalition and Head of the Advocacy Department, CNCD-11.11.1
    • Nina Klein, policy lead ECOLISE - the European network for community-led initiatives on climate change and sustainability
    • Josué Dusoulier, Transition Coordination, Training and Facilitation, Transition Network (Wallonia, BE)
    • Géraldine Pegoff, Climate and Environment Officer APEFE

    Co-moderation: Eva Banos CEMR/ Platforma & Elena Petsani, Covenant of Mayors - Europe

  • 14:00 - 15:30

    Workshop 13 How can local levels be integrated into national adaptation plans in Europe?

    More info

    Hall : Europe

    Hall : Europe

    Europe is warming faster than the global average, with the last five years exceeding pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) by more than 2.2°C, compared with 1.5°C globally in 2023, the hottest year on record. However, all the indicators show that policies to adapt to climate change are still largely marginal to national priorities for climate action. Now, for the second time since 2021, the Member States of the European Union have had to provide the European Commission with information on their national climate change adaptation strategies and planning, describing the actions they have implemented and planned to facilitate this adaptation. On the basis of analyses of these strategies and feedback from adaptation practitioners, this workshop will look at the ways in which European national policies can be coordinated with sub-national levels (cities, regions).

    List of speakers :

    • Luc Bas, Director of Climate Risk Assessment Center- CERAC, Service public fédéral Santé publique
    • Irene Bonvissuto, Team Leader, EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change
    • Angelika Tamásová, Climate Change Adaptation Expert, European Environment Agency
    • Tania Martha Thomas, Research Officer, Global Observatory of Climate Action, Climate Chance
    • Vasileios Latinos, Head of Resilience and Climate Adaptation, ICLEI Europe
    • Raffaele Cataneo, Undersecretary of International and European Affairs, Lombardy region (tbc)

    Moderation : Ronan Dantec, Chairman of the Ecological Transition Council's specialised committee on adaptation to climate change

  • 14:00 - 17:30

    Pitch Corner

    Program 8.02

  • 15:30 - 16:00

    Coffee break

  • 16:00 - 17:30

    Workshop 3 A holistic vision of risk and vulnerability management

    More info

    Hall : Europe

    Hall : Europe

    Environmental disasters and threats around the world underscore the urgent need to put environmental justice on the agenda and to address the triple planetary crisis - climate, nature, and pollution – that is caused by our unsustainable systems of production and consumption. As some planetary boundaries are being crossed, the world is faced with a pressing need to integrate systemic approaches rather than look at narrow sectors. During this workshop, Eric Lambin (Professor UCLouvain) will guide us through the planetary boundaries, as one of the scientists who took part in defining this concept. Hans Bruyninckx (Professor KULeuven and former Executive Director of the European Environment Agency) will dive into more theoretical concepts, explaining various key aspects of climate change adaptation, such as cascading risks, soft and hard limits of adaptation, maladaptation, and nature-based solutions.

    The holistic vision will be explored in view of undertaking effective adaptation actions that align, leading to good governance in Europe. The second part of the workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss concrete adaptation measures across sectors with practical field experiences. Brigitte Bariol (General Delegate of the French Network of Urban Planning Agencies) will tell us how planetary boundaries, and doughnut economics can be integrated into territorial policies for adaptation, while Pao Fernandez (Dam Removal Europe) will talk us through the benefits of removing highly damaging river barriers, addressing aspects like water quality and safety risks. The aim of this workshop is to provide an opportunity for dialogue, to share experiences, and to formulate recommendations based on a systemic approach, such as the planetary boundaries and the doughnut theory, as an operational framework for EU adaptation policies.

    List of speakers :

    • Hans Bruyninckx, Professor of Environmental Governance at Antwerp University and former Executive Director of the EEA
    • Pao Fernandez, Dam Removal Europe
    • Brigitte Bariol-Mathais, General Delegate of the Fnau

    Video clips :

    • Eric Lambin, a geographer and environmental scientist
    • Testimonial from Grenoble

    Moderation: Guiseppe Bettoni, professor of geography and geopolitics at Tor Vergata University in Rome

  • 16:00 - 17:30

    Workshop 8 Transport Systems Adaptation

    More info

    Hall : Rogier

    Hall : Rogier

    Adapting to climate change affects all sectors of activity. Transport is no exception, whether it's the movement of people or goods. While infrastructure is largely shared between these two sub-sectors, each also has its own specific characteristics. And adaptation is as much about infrastructure as it is about transport operations. What's more, transport is largely an induced activity and therefore has many links with other sectors of human activity. How will climate change affect the way human societies function, and therefore the need for transport? And how will the quality of tomorrow's transport services (which will be exposed to many hazards) require adaptations in other sectors of activity? Finally, how should mitigation measures - which by their very nature limit the need for adaptation - themselves be adapted to the future climate? These are the different dimensions that we will try to address during the Round Table.

    List of speakers :

    • Bernard Piette, Managing Director, Logistics in Wallonia
    • Karen Vancluysen, Secretary General, POLIS
    • Etienne Willame, Managing Director, SPWMI Service Public de Wallonie pour Mobilité et Infrastructures
    • Arthur Cormier, Junior Manager Mobility Governance, UITP

    Moderation: Bernard Soulage, Secretary General of the Climate Chance Association, Chairman of the GART Scientific Council

  • 16:00 - 17:30

    Workshop 4 New risks and information

    More info

    Hall : Foyer des Délégués

    Hall : Foyer des Délégués

    The IPCC report 2022 states the need for lifestyle changes which could reduce greenhouse gas emissions reductions of up to 70% in specific areas. A prerequisite for these lifestyle changes to happen on a massive scale is that the right systemic framework conditions are given, and that the right to have a choice to life sustainably is given for all people. Policies such as the European Green Deal need to focus on transformative social innovation, acknowledging that people matter when it comes to coining place-based policies, harnessing the agency of citizens and communities. Community-led initiatives already now show that a positive handprint on the planet is possible as the Time for Collective Action Manifesto shows. How can policies strengthen community-building, collective action and social change towards strong sustainability? How can they strengthen social imagination, meaningful participation and lively democracies? What are concrete political demands integrated within the Liège Declaration on Adaptation?

    List of speakers :

    • Elsa Ogien, Missions publiques - bringing citizens into policy
    • Anne-Kathrin Schwab, eco-villager & academic researcher, ECOLISE
    • Nina Klein, Policy Officer, ECOLISE
    • Pierre Ozer, Professor, University of Liège
    • Anouchka Lilot, IPCC Platform Wallonia
    • Josué Dusoulier, Transition Network Belgium/ Wallonia

    Moderation: Nina Klein, ECOLISE

  • 16:00 - 17:30

    Workshop 14 Structuring and advancing your climate change adaptation strategy: the case of the ACT Adaptation method

    More info

    Hall : Elisabeth

    Hall : Elisabeth

    Since 2015, ACT – Assessing low-Carbon Transition® initiative has supported and assessed more than 350 organizations with future-oriented, sector specific methodologies to deliver credible climate and just transition plans. This workshop is an introduction to the newly released ACT-Adaptation methodology, developed by the Ademe.The session aims at providing attendees with practical tools to evaluate their companies’ adaptation strategy, in order to spot strengths and opportunities for improvement. It will also draw on feedback from pilot companies having experienced the methodology, and set perspectives.

    List of speakers :

    • Stephia Latino, engineer at ADEME's Adaptation Unit and author of the ACT Adaptation method
    • Romain Poivet, Climate and energy engagement lead, World Benchmarking Alliance
    • Rémi Bussac, Senior Policy Advisor - Climate & Energy, EDF
    • Chen Chung (Jason) Tan, Climate Adaptation Leader, Decathlon

    Moderation: Stephia Latio, Ademe

  • 18:00

    Cocktail in the presence of Dr. Florika Fink-Hooijer

Friday 9 february

  • 09:00 - 10:30
  • 10:30 - 11:00
  • 11:00 - 12:30
  • 12:30 - 14:00
  • 14:00 - 15:30
  • 15:30 - 16:00
  • 16:00 - 17:30
  • 17:30

  • 09:00 - 10:30

    Workshop 16 Greening Cities

    More info

    Hall : Europe

    Hall : Europe

    Using concrete examples of implementation and the experience of a range of speakers, the workshop will look beyond the goal of greening cities to the creation of truly resilient ecosystems that can evolve spontaneously with minimal intervention. In this context, examples of nature-based solutions, equitable access to urban green spaces, appropriate regulatory measures, citizen involvement and the benefits of city networks in the replicability of urban greening initiatives will be explored.

    List of speakers :

    • Chantal Van den Bossche, EU ClimAct Project Coordinator, WECF
    • Antoine CRAHAY, Geographer, specialising in urban planning and the environment, CityTools
    • Sylvain BOISSON, Expert in biodiversity management and nature-based solutions, Co-founder of VIVUS - Spin off from the University of Liège
    • Thomas Brose, Director, Climate Alliance

    Moderation: Evelyne Huytebroeck, Member of the Brussels Parliament - Forest Councillor

  • 09:00 - 10:30

    Workshop 10 Public procurement as a lever for climate action

    More info

    Hall : Rogier

    Hall : Rogier

    By encouraging companies in the construction sector to reduce their emissions and adopt sustainable practices, the CO2 Performance Ladder plays a crucial role in strengthening companies' ability to adapt to the challenges of climate change. This tool, developed by the Dutch foundation SKAO, is the focus of this workshop, which will show how public purchasers and construction companies can contribute to the transition to a sustainable and resilient economy through public procurement. Here is an overview of the programme:

    • Why and how can public procurement be used as a lever for the transition?
    • What levers are available in Wallonia to integrate the CO2 performance scale into works contracts?
    • How can the CO2 performance scale be used in practice?
    • Discussion between the audience and the speakers on the essential role of public procurement in the transition.

    List of speakers :

    • Gael Vervoort, chef de projet construction durable, Service public de Wallonie
    • Joan Prummel, International Circular Economy Advisor, Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat
    • Frédéric Coupain, chef de service, IDEA
    • Sarah Louviaux, Process Engineer, John Cockerill Balteau
    • George Thurley, promoteur de l’échelle de performance CO2

    Moderation: Robin Heynen or Natacha Zuinen, economists for the Walloon Public Procurement Observatory, Walloon Public Service

  • 09:00 - 10:30

    Workshop 9 Building renovation and sustainable construction

    More info

    Hall : Elisabeth

    Hall : Elisabeth

    This workshop will focus on two key aspects of adapting buildings to climate change. The "technical and behavioural" aspect of adapting to climate change in housing renovation projects and the role of the public sector in strengthening public policies, and the "sociall" aspect of adapting to climate change in housing.

    The workshop aims to explore innovative approaches to adapting residential buildings to climate change, with a particular focus on sustainable building practices and post-climate disaster rehabilitation. The workshop will also explore the active role that the public sector can play in supporting local public policies to build community resilience through sustainable construction initiatives, and will seek to identify and share examples of successful case studies and good practices in renovation and sustainable construction. These examples should serve as models for replication across the EU and contribute to the wider dissemination of effective sustainable construction strategies.

    It also aims to integrate the social and behavioural aspects with the technical aspects of renovation in issues related to the adaptation of the built environment to climate change, with a focus on just transition, gender equality and the role of behavioural changes in building use.

    The workshop will foster collaboration among participants to generate targeted policy recommendations adapted to the EU context, explicitly addressing the specific challenges and opportunities associated with building renovation and sustainable construction in adapting to climate change. The workshop aims not only to enrich the thinking on climate change adaptation, but also to provide actionable insights that can shape policies to promote sustainable building practices or new occupant behaviours across Europe's diverse landscape.

    The expected outcome of the workshop is a list of concrete policy recommendations in line with the considerations of non-state actors at EU level and a repertoire of replicable examples and practices.

    List of speakers :

    • Aurore Fransolet, Researcher, Research Group on Socio-Environmental Dynamics (SONYA), ULB - Coordinator of the "Coping with climate debt through just transition" project (COGITO)
    • Geoffrey van Moeseke, Slowheat research project, UCLouvain
    • Marcela Norena, Shared Green Deal Project, WECF
    • Geoffrey Grulois, Professor, Faculty of Architecture, LoUIsE - Laboratory on Landscape, Urbanism, Infrastructures and Ecologies, ULB
    • Julien Dijol, Policy Director, Housing Europe
    • Anne-Michèle Janssen, Director of Eco-Construction

    Moderation: Prudence Adjanohoun, Secretary General, Réseau Habitat and Francophonie

  • 09:00 - 10:30

    Workshop 18 Entrepreneurial Innovation as part of Adaptation to Climate Change

    More info

    Hall : Foyer des Délégués

    Hall : Foyer des Délégués

    The floods of 2021 hit Wallonia hard, particularly the Vesdre, Ourthe and Hoëgne valleys. As well as the human tragedy that affected the local populations, the industries located all along these valleys were also hard hit, sometimes with considerable impact, whether it be Câbleries d'Eupen upstream or Everzinc at Angleur downstream.

    One of the hardest hit companies was Corman in Dolhain-Limbourg, which faced a desperate situation and a very uncertain future. Yet Corman survived and was gradually able to resume its activities. How was the resilience process established, and what lessons were learned from the past in the company's recovery and future? Corman will give us his vision.

    But beyond the direct physical impact that climate change has had on its site, Corman is facing another threat to its business. The food sector is highly exposed to climate change at all levels, whether it's companies that depend on water or those that depend on agricultural production. WAGRALIM, as an innovation cluster focused on the food industry, has a holistic view of the life of an industrial sector that is essential to the Walloon economy. Among the areas of expertise developed within the cluster, specific thought is being given to the consequences of climate change for the sector and how to prevent the risks, mitigate their effect and anticipate the future for the entire industry.

    SOIL CAPITAL is also part of this dialogue with industry. Soil Capital defends a more profitable and regenerative form of agriculture for the farms it supports by offering access to a sustainable agricultural resource to the companies that support the initiative. This initiative has a dual purpose, as it also allows businesses in the broader sense to benefit by enabling them to contribute financially to regenerative approaches in the agricultural sector via a system of certification of GHG emissions for local use. So it is in its capacity as a forerunner that SOIL CAPITAL has come to talk about its experience and the difficulties encountered in setting up a virtuous model that can directly or indirectly benefit companies keen to make the transition.

    However, the food sector is far from the only one to be affected by the vagaries of the weather. The extractive sector was also affected by the floods of 2021, as was the case at the Trooz quarry. However, their presence in the workshop is not intended to present the impact of climatic hazards, but to show how a sector is working towards a sustainable activity that respects the environment as part of a long-term approach. Quarry sites generally offer large areas conducive to the development of particular biodiversity. As part of the "Life in Quarries" project, FEDIEX and its partners have been working to raise quarrymen's awareness so that they can develop dynamic management of their sites that takes account of the often remarkable species and environments. Today, inventories, management and awareness-raising are the key actions implemented in the 25 quarries involved in this project. By surrounding themselves with environmental players whose expertise has helped to create a constructive dialogue, a real reflection process has been put in place, leading to the commitment of the participating sites to biodiversity management programmes for a period of 15 years.

    EDF will also be taking part in the workshop to present the French industry's approach to adapting to climate change.

    Through the prism of the ADAPT tool, EDF will present the reflection it has undertaken on the consequences of climate change and its effects on its field of activity. EDF will also present the practical ways in which it is integrating the issue of climate change into its activities and how it is implementing, through concrete cases, the solutions recommended in the context of adaptation by integrating the local, environmental and ecological dimension into its thinking.

    This workshop will be an opportunity for the organisations listed above to share their experiences, adaptations and innovations to climate change and its consequences.

    List of speakers :

    • Serge ADANS, CFO, CORMAN
    • Emmanuel Vanzeveren, Co-director, WAGRALIM
    • Chuck de Liedekerke, CEO, Soil Capital
    • Anna Delruelle, Conseillère Nature et Biodiversité, FEDIEX
    • Alexandre Barré, Ingénieur, EDF

    Moderation: Laurent Lognay and Ludovic Babusiaux, Wallonie Entreprendre

  • 09:00 - 12:30

    Pitch Corner

    Program 9.02

  • 09:00 - 12:30

    Field visit Adapting transport systems in urban areas

    More info
    • 9.00: presentation at the Palais des Congrès on flooding, its global impact and its local impact
    • 10.00am: departure by bus
    • 10.10am: disembarkation - visit the Ourthe-Meuse confluence
    • 10.45 am: boarding and bus tour to see the rehabilitation of the Kinkempois, Grosses-Battes and Cointe tunnels
    • 11.45am: return to the Palais des Congrès

  • 09:00 - 12:30

    Field visit Vallée de la Vesdre

    More info

    During the visit, you will have the opportunity to see resilient reconstruction projects and projects currently under study based on an innovative methodology adopted by the Department of Non-Navigable Watercourses. A history of the actions taken since the dramatic floods will also be presented along the way. Through two presentations in Theux, you will have the opportunity to discover the link between the actions to be carried out in the catchment areas before the water arrives in its natural receptacle, the watercourse, and then its management within the Theux crossing

  • 10:30 - 11:00

    Coffee break

  • 11:00 - 12:30

    Workshop 7 Transition, adaptation and resilience of energy systems

    More info

    Hall : Europe

    Hall : Europe

    This workshop Transition and energy autonomy in Europe is evolving by now around three axes linked to link with the Liège Declaration proposals Axe CASCADES - Séquence des risques liés à des défaillances non seulement dans les infrastructures énergétiques elles-mêmes mais aussi dans les services qu’elles rendent. Les impacts d’épisodes climatiques extrêmes sur des réseaux de distribution et la mise en vulnérabilité d’autres services (délestage, déni de service, …). C’est le rôle d’identification de risques en cascade et des vulnérabilités spécifiques. Au-délà de l’identification et évaluation de ces risques la composante propositionnelle de mesures de maîtrise pour nous rendre plus résilients et robustes sera un des aspects clés du travail prospectif et du monitoring du B-CERAC. Aspects RESA Second Axe « NEW ALEAS AND RISKS » will focus on energy production, E², ENR, networks, efficiency, and seasonal variability. For example, changes in precipitation, increased risk of drought, reduced snowpack, and changes in the timing of snowmelt in spring will influence our patterns of energy and water.

    It’s a matter of fact that warming will be widespread around the continent and our islands so elsewhere than in Corsica, Malta or Majorque temperature will rise and likely increase summer peak electricity demand. We will need new mechanisms to manage system reliability and peak demand, which can be more expensive than average demand levels. A warmer climate may reduce the efficiency of power production for many existing fossil fuel and nuclear power plants because these plants use water for cooling physically talking the colder the water, the more efficient the generator so, summer temperature evolution on the next years with higher levels of evaporation and warmer air and water temperature could reduce the efficiency of this type of electric plants. Growing crops for biomass and biofuel energy could stress water resources in certain regions, depending on the type of crop and so on. The third chapter « ON THE SPOT » will be factually linked to specific regional exemples

    List of speakers :

    • Luc Martin, Director of Operations, RESA
    • Marlon Hilden / Eva Banos de Guisassola, Energy, Climate, Sustainable Finance Officer, CEMR CEMR - Council of European Municipalities
    • Aurore Brunson, Environment Expert, CERAC
    • Jean-Yves Grandidier, Président, VALOREM

    Moderation: Damien Ernst, ULiège

  • 11:00 - 12:30

    Workshop 6 Giving water its rightful place back

    More info

    Hall : Elisabeth

    Hall : Elisabeth

    Preventive flood management is based on a combination of measures, which may include reducing vulnerability, retaining water upstream of flood-prone areas or hydraulic engineering measures. Leaving space for the river makes it possible to address these three pillars by reducing the number of buildings located in areas at high risk of flooding, creating areas for preferential inundation (temporary inundation zones, remeandering, etc.) and increasing the flow capacity of the most restricted stretches of river (flood extension zones, raising crossings, removing obstacles in the watercourse, etc.). These measures are based on the implementation of nature-based solutions, which aim to diversify the benefits of the developments beyond the purely hydraulic ones, taking into account all the ecosystem services associated with green infrastructure: water management, of course, but also biodiversity, access to green spaces, etc.

    List of speakers :

    • Jacques Teller, Université de Liège
    • Marc Thirion, SPW ARNE
    • Claudia Niessen, Ville d’Eupen, Bourgmestre
    • Chris Baker, Wetlands International Europe
    • Violeta Jelic, Secretary General / Advisor for international cooperation and EU affairs at Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts (HOK), Member of EESC

    Moderation: Sébastien Dujardin, UNamur

  • 11:00 - 12:30

    Workshop 15 The Covenant of Mayors in Europe: the role of adaptation in city climate plans

    More info

    Hall : Rogier

    Hall : Rogier

    Local authorities play an essential role in the transition to a low-carbon society and the resilience of their territory to climate change. Key actors in mobilizing citizens as well as stakeholders on the ground, municipalities are the centerpieces of tomorrow's challenges. Indeed, the commitment of our territories towards a low carbon economy, more resilient to crises, is more than ever essential, both from an environmental and economic point of view. Perceiving the essential role of local authorities in the face of these challenges, the Covenant of Mayors - Europe offers a space for concrete commitment by municipalities within the framework of European objectives. Drawing on the experience of Covenant signatories, this event will present current trends, opportunities and examples of strengthening local resilience to ensure a sustainable future of urban energy systems. Representatives from local authorities will present their concrete actions in favour of adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change. Financing adaptation will be a core topic of discussion between cities and key European financing institutions. The event will also present the first results of the study on adaptation at the level of the Walloon Region and the importance of tools for diagnosing vulnerability to the harmful effects of climate change at the local level.

    List of speakers :

    • Alison de Luise, Covenant of Mayors - Europe
    • Margarita Espinós, Metropolitan Area of Barcelona
    • Gilles Foret, Deputy Mayor of Liege
    • Elisa Muzzini, Council of Europe Development Bank
    • Manu Harchies, Consultant, ICEDD
    • Isabel Loureiro, General Coordinator of Mission Structure Guimarães 2030

    Moderation: Elena Petsani, Covenant of Mayors - Europe

  • 12:30 - 14:00

    Lunch break & networking

  • 14:00 - 15:30

    Workshop 5 Resilient Food Systems

    More info

    Hall : Elisabeth

    Hall : Elisabeth

    The session on "Resilient Food Systems" will begin with a global overview of the challenges that our food systems face in becoming more resilient in economic, environmental and social terms. To meet these challenges, tools need to be put in place to guide the transition of our food systems. A number of tools will be discussed in this session:

    • The implementation of the European "farm to fork" strategy: progress, failures and challenges.
    • Monitoring tools for the transition: the Walloon example.
    • Public procurement to strengthen the resilience of our regions: towards a new framework?

    List of speakers :

    • Representative, Director, FAO Brussels
    • Amaury Ghijselings, CNCD
    • Inès Sneessens, Sustainable Development Department, SPW
    • Marion Tanniou, France Urbaine

    Moderation: Julien Pierart, Direction of Sustainable Development SPW

  • 14:00 - 15:30

    Workshop 11 CSRD, SFDR, CDDD: Understanding the new European Reporting Standards for the climate

    More info

    Hall : Europe

    Hall : Europe

    As part of the European Green Deal, the European Union has engaged into the transformation of corporate reporting and disclosure obligations relating to environmental, social and governance issues. Four key pieces of legislation are about to transform the daily life of companies, financial actors and citizens regarding sustainable activities: the green taxonomy, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D). The goals of this new normative framework are to enhance corporate transparency and accountability, support sustainable investment from financial actors and better inform citizens and consumers of the best available practices. This workshop intends to help attendees to decipher these new regulatory environment and discover practical tools to understand it.

    List of speakers :

    • MEP Pascal Durand, European Parliament rapporteur on the CSRD
    • Mirjam Wolfrum, Head of Multilevel Governance, CDP
    • Amandine Van Den Berghe, Senior Lawyer/Juriste, Value Chains, Trade & Investment ClientEarth
    • Romain Poivet, Climate and Energy Engagement Lead, World Benchmarking Alliance
    • Marc Degaute, membre du Comité de Direction Étendu, Wallonie Entreprendre

    Moderation: Antoine Gillod, Director of the Global Climate Action Observatory, Climate Chance

  • 14:00 - 15:30

    Workshop 17 Planting, regenerating, Resilient forest

    More info

    Hall : Rogier

    Hall : Rogier

    The workshop on "Planting, Regenerating and Resilient Forests" will present concrete initiatives aimed at the sustainable development of tree and shrub cover in open and forested areas in order to benefit from the many environmental services they provide. The role of the European Union in these issues will also be discussed, as well as the importance of taking social issues into account when preserving forests. Walloon initiatives will be presented, including the "Yes, let's plant!" strategic programme to support the goal of planting 4,000 km of hedges, the "Resilient Forests" support project, Operation Haie'lève involving local actors from the Condroz-Famenne and Tiges et Chavées LAGs, and the Ardennes Communes forestières network. At European level, FERN will address the issue of environmental and social justice, focusing on forests and the rights of forest peoples in the policies and practices of the European Union, while the European Forest Institution will share its expertise on European forests and the importance of preserving and restoring them.

    List of speakers :

    • Philippe Canot, President, Communes forestières des Ardennes
    • Stéphanie Goffaux, Communication Director, Natagriwal asbl
    • Laeticia Forget, Project Manager, Filière Bois Wallonie
    • Valérie Grandjean, Director, Condroz-Famenne LAG
    • Sydney Vennin, European Forest Campaigner, Fern
    • Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat, Chief Scientist, Mediterranean Forests, European Forest Institute

    Moderation: Eddy Montignies, BRIOAAA

  • 14:00 - 15:30

    Pitch Corner

    Program 9.02

  • Coffee break

  • 16:00 - 17:30

    Closing plenary Adaptation, resilience and nature-based solutions: proposals from non-state actors to accelerate action More info

    Hall : Europe

    This closing session will be an opportunity to take stock of the Climate Chance Europe 2024 Wallonia Summit and to present the Liège Declaration, supported by the networks of European non-state actors and their members. This is the first collective declaration of European non-state actors on adaptation issues under the Belgian Presidency of the EU. Non-state actors will present their proposals and symbolically hand them over to the European authorities with a view to shaping EU policies in a collaborative way that strengthens adaptation strategies in Europe.

    Master of ceremonies: Jean-Pascal van Ypersele (IPCC)

    Presentation of the Declaration:

    • Ronan Dantec, President, Association Climate Chance

    Reaction to the Declaration:

    • Doris Quadflieg, Conference of Mayors of the District of Verviers
    • Vasileios Latinos, Head of Resilience and Climate Adaptation, ICLEI Europe
    • Nina Klein, Policy Lead, ECOLISE
    • Anne Barre, Coordinator Gender and Climate Policy, WECF
    • Nathalie Lhayani, Director of sustainable policy for the Caisse des Dépôts Group (member of ELTI) and President of the Forum for Responsible Investment
    • Camille Delaunoy, UN Youth Delegate for Biodiversity, Youth Forum
    • Marco Beroš, Senior Expert, Water Division, Projects Directorate, European Investment Bank
    CONCLUSION
    • Alain Maron, Minister of Climate Transition, Environment, Energy, Cleanliness, Participatory Democracy, Health and Social Action of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region, chair of the Environment Council of the Belgian Presidency of the EU

  • 17:30

Speakers

The full list of collaborations and partners will be published in January.

Dr Florika Fink-Hooijer

Dr. Florika Fink-Hooijer is the Director-General of the Environment Department of the European Commission. Having occupied various senior management positions in the European Commission, Florika is recognized for her strong management and leadership skills and her in-depth experience in EU policy making & shaping. A lawyer by training, Florika brings a proven record of accomplishment in foreign external and security policy as well as in humanitarian aid and disaster risk reduction. She has extensive experience in leading complex inter-institutional and intergovernmental negotiations. In her current role, she is responsible for implementing the European Green Deal objectives in particular the areas of Circular Economy, Biodiversity and Zero Pollution

Paola Viganò

Architect and urban planner, full professor of urban theory/design at EPFL (Switzerland) and IUAV (Venice, IT). Coordinator of the strategic plan for the recovery of the Vesdre Valley (Belgium) after the flood disaster of summer 2021.

Ronan Dantec

Senator, Chairman of the Climate Chance association

Pr Jean-Pascal van Ypersele

Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, doctor of physical sciences, climatologist and professor at UCL, where he co-directs the Master's degree in Environmental Science and Management, and former Vice-Chairman of the IPCC (2008-2015)

Arthur Keller

Specialist in societal risks and resilience strategies, speaker and consultant

Sven Harmeling

Sven Harmeling leads the Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe climate policy work. His main areas of work are international climate policies, in particular related to adaptation.

Peter Schmidt

Peter Schmidt is the President of the NAT Section of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), responsible for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.

Karen Vancluysen

Karen Vancluysen is Secretary General of POLIS, the leading European network of cities and regions on urban transport innovation.

Nina Klein

Nina Klein is Policy Lead at ECOLISE, the European network for community-led initiatives on climate change and sustainability.

Pao Fernández Garrido

Pao Fernández Garrido (World Fish Migration Foundation) is a forestry engineer specialized in river restoration and evaluation and design of fishways, who later focused on the removal of river barriers. Pao has a holistic, systemic and geographically broad vision on adaptation obtained throw Amber (Atlas Data Collection) and DRE (Dam Removal Europe) projects that has been collecting for 8 years the existing information on dam removal projects as nature-based solutions and their multiple benefits.

Sylvie Meekers

Sylvie Meekers is a bioengineer by training. Before joining CANOPEA, she was Quality Director at Fost Plus before, which organises the collection and recycling of paper and PMC in Wallonia.

Christine Mahy

Christine Mahy is one of Wallonia's leading figures in the fight against poverty, a committed campaigner for a more inclusive society and an advocate of enrichment through integration of diversity and consideration for minorities.

Michèle Boverie

Michèle Boverie has been with the UVCW since 1994. Deputy General Secretary for 7 years, she has been General Secretary since September 2018. She is at the service of local democracy and all the members of the institution.

Cécile Neven

Bioengineer by training, Cécile Neven was previously in charge of energy and environmental issues at the UWE. Cécile Neven has been familiar with Walloon companies and their contacts in all sectors for many years.

Anne-Sophie Nyssen

Willy Demeyer

Anne Barre

Anne Barre, Gender and Climate Policy Coordinator for the WECF (Women Engaged for Common Future) network. Coordinates the gender and climate policy of the WECF network, within the framework of the UN Climate Convention. She has contributed to the realization of numerous field projects in the areas of access to water, agriculture and renewable energies.

Andreas Wolter

Andreas Wolter, Mayor of Cologne, President of Climate Alliance, member of the Covenant of Mayors in Europe

Streaming

The two plenary sessions of the Summit will be broadcast live through the following link

Schedule: see the programme above.

Workshops and field visits cannot be broadcast online during the summit or afterwards.

Pitch Corner

We are launching a call for contributions on climate actions within the European Union! Selected actions can be presented by project leaders at the Pitch Corner, a space at the heart of the event. They will be published on the Action mapping, which lists best practices and climate initiatives around the world.
Submit your initiatives and projects now (until January 15)

Check the program

Field visits

Urban visit

  • 9.00: presentation at the Palais des Congrès on flooding, its global impact and its local impact
  • 10.00am: departure by bus
  • 10.10am: disembarkation – visit the Ourthe-Meuse confluence
  • 10.45 am: boarding and bus tour to see the rehabilitation of the Kinkempois, Grosses-Battes and Cointe tunnels
  • 11.45am: return to the Palais des Congrès

Tour of the Vesdre Valley

During the visit, you will have the opportunity to see resilient reconstruction projects and projects currently under study based on an innovative methodology for the Directorate of Non-Navigable Watercourses. A history of the actions taken since the dramatic floods will also be presented along the way. Through two presentations in Theux, you will have the opportunity to discover the link between the actions to be carried out in the catchment areas before the water arrives in the watercourse and its management within the Theux crossing.

Practical information

Palais des Congrès de Liège,
Espl. de l’Europe 2, BE-4020 Liège

Contact : info@scce24wallonie.eu

Accessibility

Brussels stations (North, South or Central)

Numerous connections from Brussels stations to Liège-Guillemins, Liège-Carré or Liège Palais are organized every day and take around 50 minutes. For more information, visit the SNCB website.

From Zaventem airport

If you arrive at Zaventem airport, you can take a train from Gare-Brussels Airport-Zaventem (located on level -1 of the airport). The whole journey takes about an hour. For more information, visit the SNCB website.

From Charleroi airport

If you arrive at Charleroi airport, take a bus to Charleroi (the bus stop is a 5-minute walk from the airport) and get off at Charleroi station, where you’ll find connections to all three Liège stations (Guillemins, Palais and Carré). The journey takes about two hours. For further information, visit the SNCB website. You can also take a direct bus via Flexibus. The journey takes between 1h15 and 1h40.

Where to stay?

Liège offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. This page contains a non-exhaustive list of places to stay during the congress. Preferential rates (via the booking link) have been negotiated for the event, subject to availability. Don't delay in booking!

PENTA HOTEL

  • Reservation date:February 7 to 10, 2024
  • Standard single room:€126 + €5.50 city tax, breakfast included (per night)
  • Standard double room:€146 + €5.50 city tax, breakfast included (per night)
Book

RADISSON LIEGE CITY CENTER HOTEL

  • Reservation date:February 7 to 10, 2024
  • Single standard room:€112.26 + €3 city tax, breakfast included (per night)
  • Standard double room:€139 + €3 city tax, breakfast included (per night)
  • To book:Please send an email to info.liege.city.centre@radisson.com, quoting reservation code CLIMAT_2024, along with your preferred dates, full name and payment details.

IBIS STYLE LIEGE GUILLEMINS

  • Reservation date:February 7 to 9, 2024
  • Single room:€87 + €3.40 city tax, breakfast included
  • Double room:103€ + 3,40€ city taxes, breakfast included
  • To book:Please complete and return the reservation form to HB6D9-BO@accor.com
Download form

VANDERVALK LIEGE CONGRES

VANDERVALK HOTEL SELYS LIEGE

YUST HOTEL

Press contact

Fabienne SMETS
Press officer, Climate Chance Europe 2024 Wallonia Summit
fabienne@origami.be

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