The continuous increase in natural disasters is directly linked to the phenomenon of climate change. The impacts are now evident, with global warming, the rise in extreme weather events, the frequency of wildfires, floods, and droughts increasingly engaging scientists and governments worldwide. The wasteful and irrational use of natural resources, along with anthropogenic activities, is closely associated with the climate crisis and the emission of greenhouse gases. Hence, the urgent need arises to reduce air pollution emissions and, consequently, the carbon footprint of cities and urban centers. The implementation and integration of various Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) are particularly crucial. The gradual reduction of atmospheric pollution and, by extension, the limitation of the climate change phenomenon and crisis that currently plague the entire planet can be achieved through the adoption of these technologies. The importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources is underscored by the need to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, such as rising global temperatures and the increased occurrence of extreme weather events. Scientists and governments worldwide are increasingly recognizing the urgency of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy alternatives. Moreover, the interconnection between climate change and natural disasters, such as wildfires, floods, and droughts, is becoming more pronounced. The excessive exploitation of natural resources and the emission of greenhouse gases contribute to the intensification of these disasters, posing significant challenges to both ecosystems and human societies. It is now imperative to shift towards more sustainable practices and energy sources. The integration of renewable energy sources stands out as a key solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat the adverse impacts of climate change and natural disasters. By embracing renewable energy technologies, we can pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for our planet.

In a time where the phenomena of climate change and energy crisis increasingly engage the scientific community, there is talk of the integration and application of green energy technologies. The focus is primarily on technologies related to the production and integration of green hydrogen. Hydrogen can be utilized as a fuel, an energy carrier, and a means of energy storage. Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolytic splitting of water, with the required electrical energy sourced from purely Renewable Energy Sources. Its production method indicates zero emissions, especially concerning CO2 levels. Such a system can ensure energy transition and autonomy, with applications ranging from industrial sectors to building facilities at the urban and rural levels. The goals set by the European Union regarding hydrogen by 2030 are ambitious, and Greece aims to play a leading role in this new phase, as it constitutes a key pillar in the transition to green energy. The objective is to adapt to the new market dynamics and develop the technical and economic framework related to green hydrogen. This requires advanced knowledge, the development of new infrastructures, and improvement in factors related to hydrogen storage, transportation, and distribution.

The global social and political landscape is heavily influenced by the energy crisis, the phenomenon of climate change, and other environmental issues. Tense geopolitical relations and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine are causing significant shifts in the energy sector worldwide. This leads to new requirements and challenges for Governments.  The transition to clean energy is a major issue and a top priority for governments. Rivalry in the market and economies is evolving and closely linked to the shift toward green energy. Energy market demand and needs are primarily driven by international affairs, which have been highly disruptive and rapidly changing in recent years.  However, as previously mentioned, given that the energy transition is closely connected to global social, political, and economic developments, there are some inhibitory factors. One of them is the increased cost of systems using non-conventional energy sources, as well as the taxation imposed in cases where existing hydrocarbon-based systems are not replaced, particularly affecting low-income citizens. Additionally, there has been talk of a surge in natural gas prices as a direct consequence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Europe had to grapple with the loss of Russian natural gas through liquefied natural gas imports despite its transition towards clean energy. These were highly expensive investments that resulted in a sharp increase in natural gas prices, significantly burdening society.  Therefore, it is considered necessary for governments to take measures to encourage and facilitate a smooth energy transition for citizens, as the installation costs of Renewable Energy Sources systems to meet energy requirements, as well as electric vehicles, are quite high. It is particularly important to create incentives and support measures for citizens to actively participate in the fight against climate change and environmental crisis reduction. Furthermore, increasing investments and infrastructure in zero-carbon technologies are crucial. 

Recognizing human emotions and ideas as the driving forces on the path of evolution and radical change is the first and most essential step towards understanding the concept of sustainable development and sustainability, and ultimately achieving them. Understanding human emotions, perceptions, and experiences lies in breaking free from the idea that addressing all the enormous environmental problems worldwide is only possible through practical actions. Green energy projects, innovative technologies, strategies to reduce atmospheric pollution and mitigate climate change and energy crisis are not enough when society has not delved into the roots and magnitude of these problems. The essence lies in respecting nature and the environment that host humans and their activities. The goal is to deeply understand – as a society – the urgent need for protection and preservation of the natural environment. It is the opportune moment to consciously emphasize the cause, and for frequently used environmental terms such as ecology and sustainability to be substantively integrated and entrenched in the culture, beliefs, and aspirations of society. Furthermore, of significant importance in the development and modernization of ideas and the projects being implemented by humans today – utilizing their intelligence, knowledge, experiences, and the stimuli they receive, as well as the resources and technologies at their disposal – is the genuine recognition of the environmental crisis and the demand for its address. By setting the root of this problem as a compass, humans direct their own needs, desires, and perceptions, expand their horizons, and are properly prepared to manage the plethora of innovations they encounter, evolve their desires and beliefs, and realize that the environment is the source of their life and therefore they must truly protect and cherish it!

Global warming is increasingly concerning scientists worldwide, as it is a phenomenon with catastrophic consequences for humans and nature, closely linked to the major environmental issue of climate change. Every year, most countries in the world are affected by extreme weather phenomena, which cost human lives and more. Devastating damages and consequences to the natural environment are disheartening, including the death of countless animals, destruction of forests, plants, and trees. However, the problem that concerns scientists more than ever lies in the alarming frequency and occurrence of these phenomena, as well as their unpredictability. Extreme high temperatures, deadly storms, and sweeping winds create serious problems in many parts of the planet, with a high cost to ecosystems and biodiversity. It is worth noting that in the last month, particularly high temperatures have been recorded in Europe and North America, with scientists expressing fear and uncertainty about the future, as well as the urgent need to curb the phenomenon. As a result of prolonged heatwaves, there is intense drought prevailing for a considerable period, leading to an increased risk of wildfires. Another direct consequence of the climate crisis is intense and frequent rainfall and storms, causing massive floods and frequent overflow in rivers and lakes, resulting in the deaths of many people, destruction of large ecosystems, and the deterioration of water resources’ quality.

Tourism is a pillar of economic development as it is an important activity that is intense both in winter and summer, generating significant income for our country’s annual budget. However, increased tourist activity, especially during the summer months, has significant impacts on the environment – the most important of which are water pollution, increased waste in island areas (solid and liquid), increased levels of atmospheric pollution, as well as the imprudent use and waste of energy to meet the needs of the increased population. There is also a noticeable phenomenon of overexploitation of coastal areas and their use mainly as shops, dining and entertainment spaces, and hotel units, intervening and significantly disrupting the natural environment. Thus, the term sustainable and sustainable development enters the tourism industry. The goal is to preserve the natural environment and biodiversity, as well as the preservation of the pristine natural beauty – where it exists – with minimal interventions to highlight these landscapes to the multitude of tourists who visit our country every year. Furthermore, within the framework of sustainable development, actions are implemented to preserve and highlight the cultural heritage of each place, to ensure and defend the value and benefits of the social whole – as an integral part and pillar of sustainable development – to implement land improvement projects for the protection of water and soil, to achieve smart and green solutions in the transportation sector, as well as to exploit and implement new projects and technologies for Renewable Energy Sources. Already since 2021, the Smart and Sustainable Island program for the island of Astypalaia – the first green and smart island in the Mediterranean – has been approved, thus paving the way towards climate neutrality, reducing carbon footprint, and promoting green development. The aim of the program is the replacement of vehicles with internal combustion engines with new electric vehicles whose required electrical energy is provided by purely Renewable Energy Sources, achieving complete energy autonomy in the transportation sector. The achievement of the new challenge for energy self-sufficiency of the island is realized through the design and installation of photovoltaic systems and a wind park, covering over 80% of the required energy. Another characteristic example of transition to green islands is Chalki, which was inaugurated as the 1st GR – eco Island in November, and Kythnos, which joined the GR – eco Islands initiative in June, with the aim of increased use of Renewable Energy Sources, sustainable development, as well as the promotion of digitization and technological advancement.