Bridging Continents for a Just Energy Future: The METAVASIS Project
Picture a future where clean energy empowers communities, not burdens them. That’s the ambitious goal of the METAVASIS project, a groundbreaking collaboration between the Texas A&M Energy Institute and the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), supported by the U.S. Embassy in Athens.
The Challenge: Energy Transition Crossroads
The race to clean energy is on, but at what cost? Rapid change can leave vulnerable communities behind. Coal mines shutter, jobs disappear, and pollution lingers. METAVASIS tackles this head-on, focusing on the human dimension of the energy transition.
Student-Led Solutions, Global Impact
This isn’t just another project. METAVASIS empowers students to become the next generation of energy leaders. Through exchange programs and collaborative research, students are:
- Uncovering the social, economic, and environmental impacts of energy transition in Texas and Greece.
- Exploring solutions that ensure a just transition, benefiting everyone, not just the bottom line.
- Building a global network of future energy leaders committed to sustainability and social justice.
From Classrooms to Coalfields: Experiencing the Reality
METAVASIS isn’t just theoretical. Students from both universities have walked the talk:
- Texas A&M students witnessed environmental injustice firsthand in Houston’s Ship Channel.
- AUA students saw the struggles of Megalopolis, Greece, a city grappling with the closure of a massive coal mine.
Building Bridges, Not Walls
METAVASIS is more than just a project; it’s a catalyst for collaboration. The project has sparked:
- A signed Memorandum of Understanding between Texas A&M and AUA, paving the way for future research and education partnerships.
- Expanded collaboration by bringing in the Universidad Privada de Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia.
The Journey Continues: Bridging Continents for Sustainable Solutions
On June 20 and 21, 2024, the METAVASIS project culminates in a hybrid workshop in Athens. Students will showcase their findings, alongside scientists and officials discussing the future of energy transition in both regions.
The METAVASIS project is a beacon of hope, proving that a just and sustainable energy future is possible. Working together across borders we can achieve that no one will be left behind in the energy transition process.
Event Timing
Jun 20, 2024 08:30am to 05:30pm EET
Jun 21, 2024 09:00am to 12:30pm EET
Online/Virtual Attendance
The workshop will be offered through Zoom.
Zoom details will be provided to registrants before the workshop.
In-Person Attendance
Agricultural University of Athens
Central Administration Building
Multiple Purpose Hall
75 Iera Odos, Athina 118 55