Petra Svahn, project specialist

10.30–10.45

Turku has already made the greatest reductions in climate emissions among Finnish cities, but there is still a lot of work to be done. To meet our climate goals, everyone in Turku needs to get involved.

The City of Turku encourages youth to participate in local climate action alongside 100 other cities around the world. In cooperation with Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action fund, the city is providing funding for climate-related projects planned and carried out by young people themselves.

Saana Niemi, Department of Study of Religion, UTU

10.45–11.05

Damanhur is an Italian New Age community, striving for ecological sustainability. The community practices magical rituals in its village, believing that by doing so they maintain the order of the world and the universe.

The community's existence provides an example of how communities striving for an ecological and alternative lifestyle operate in the world outside of mainstream society. The community has become particularly well-known for their Temples of Humankind, that have been dug inside a mountain.

Dr. Milla Unkila, Head of Communications, BIODIFUL

11.05–11.25

 BIODIFUL is an interdisciplinary research project (2021-2027) that seeks solutions for biodiversity loss by focusing on its genuine causes - human actions, assumptions and values.

 In this presentation Dr. Milla Unkila, projects' head of communications, shares insights about the project and its outreach learnings from the past three years and takes a peek at its future outcomes.

European Languages, Cultures and Societies in Contact, UTU

Tobechukwu Precious Friday

11.25–11.45

This presentation explores the role of language preservation in sustaining cultural diversity and social resilience in an era of climate change and globalization.

Drawing on my work with Wikitongues and my studies in European Languages and Cultures, I highlight how documenting and promoting endangered and minority languages fosters sustainable communities by preserving indigenous knowledge, oral histories, and local ecological practices. The talk proposes a rethinking of sustainability through a linguistic lens—where preserving languages is not only a cultural act but also an environmental and social necessity.

11.45–12.05 Oliver Müller

Oliver Müller, the entrepreneur at Savitaito tmi, introduces himself and his business, and presents environmentally friendly construction materials, especially clay plaster.

Savitaito focuses on clay plaster and other clay-based material. Müller does clay plastering, and guides courses and workshops on utilizing clay plaster and natural materials as supplies for art. He is also interested in yard construction and would like to expand his operations into yard construction workshops and building services.

12.05–12.25 Time Out – Lumi Aalto-Setälä

Two students at the University of Turku turned an idea into impact through interdisciplinary collaboration and the courage to experiment. This presentation shares the journey of creating Time Out, a series of science-inspired discussion events for the mind and nature, and provides practical insights on how to leverage university support, build partnerships, and ultimately make a difference.