Youth, Skills, and Circular Thinking for Climate Action
A major highlight was the session “Voices for Regeneration: Youth, Knowledge and Skills for Climate Action” (12 November, Italy Pavilion).
During this event, Maureen Gallagher presented FIC-Fighters, explaining how the project transforms phosphogypsum waste, one of Europe’s largest industrial by-product streams, into valuable commercial products through sustainable, safe, and circular processes. This valorisation approach helps reduce environmental burdens while supporting healthier, more resilient cities.
Organised in collaboration with the Italian National Council of Geologists (CNG), the session amplified youth perspectives and emphasised the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer, empowering young geoscientists and fostering innovative thinking around circular waste management.
Below you can watch the recording of Maureen’s presentation during this session:
Using Nature to Tackle the Challenge of Climate Change: Businesses and Urban Regeneration
Another key moment for FIC-Fighters at COP30 was the event “Using Nature to Tackle the Challenge of Climate Change: Businesses and Urban Regeneration” (14 November, Italy Pavilion), organised by UN Global Compact Network Italy and RemTech Expo.
During this session, David Govoni and Maureen Gallagher highlighted that Europe’s green and digital transitions cannot be achieved without geological knowledge. They underscored how projects like FIC-Fighters help connect geology, sustainability, and innovation, demonstrating the essential role of geoscience in advancing circular solutions, managing industrial by-products responsibly, and supporting nature-based urban regeneration.
Promoting Geoscience-Based Circular Solutions at COP30
Throughout COP30, EFG showcased FIC-Fighters as a leading example of how geoscience supports climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and circular and nature-based solutions. The project featured prominently in discussions focusing on:
- the role of geologists in developing circular processes for industrial waste and improving environmental safety,
- responsible and ethical resource management, including the recovery and reuse of by-products such as phosphogypsum,
- the global shift toward clean and sustainable technologies,
- the need for stronger collaboration between science, youth, industry, and communities.
Learn more about the impact of the FIC-Fighters presentation at COP30 by checking the following infographic:
Professionals can engage with FIC-Fighters through a Community of Practice on LinkedIn and our monthly FIC-Fighters Connect networking sessions that provide a forum for peer-learning around the challenges and opportunities of phosphogypsum valorisation.
