Minister of National Economy Kostis Hatzidakis, at the opening of a climate change symposium, emphasized that the climate crisis underscores the need for collective action towards a sustainable planet, involving everyone, including the Patriarchate and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Hatzidakis stated, "Today, climate change, the climate crisis, is not a theory but a reality."
He noted that while some may question the climate crisis for their reasons, in Greece, it has caused significant damage and left victims. "This is why the current government decided to establish a Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection," he added.
Hatzidakis also addressed the issue of financing for poorer countries to meet international climate change agreements.
The symposium, titled "Earth: A Sustainable Planet for All - Call to Action - Change is Possible," is organized in Rethymno, Crete, by the Metropolis of Rethymno, the University of Crete and the Goulandris Natural History Museum. The event is under the auspices of Hellenic President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.