Experts at the Symposium proposed ideas for adapting to climate change
The impact of global climate change on the planet’s future was discussed during the podcast debate "Contours of the Future: Expectations and Reality" with leading Russian scientists. The event took place as part of the International Symposium "Inventing the Future".
During the discussion, experts spoke about global climate processes affecting nature, the economy, and human life, distinguishing between scientific forecasts and myths, and proposed ideas for adapting to the transformations of the future world.
Special attention was given to climate modelling as a key tool for assessing long-term changes. Using supercomputers and physical models verified against historical data, including ice cores, scientists study the complex interactions of the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere.
"Climate modelling is a key strategic tool that allows us to predict changes and their consequences decades ahead. Using advanced physical models and supercomputers makes it possible to create digital twins of the planet that help assess risks for infrastructure projects — such as building nuclear power plants or developing the Northern Sea Route — under changing climate conditions," said Pavel Konstantinov, meteorologist, Candidate of Geographical Sciences, and Associate Professor at the Department of Climatology and Meteorology, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University.
Experts concluded that the ongoing changes require adapting infrastructure and social planning to new climate realities, such as hotter summers, more frequent heatwaves, and irregular precipitation leading to floods and other consequences.
"Climate change is accompanied by internal fluctuations that are not always predictable. However, the anthropogenic influence on global warming is undeniable and exceeds natural processes. It is important to consider not only long-term trends but also the impact of extreme weather events when developing effective response and planning measures," emphasised Alexei Semikhatov, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Chief Researcher at the Department of Theoretical Physics of the Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and host of the television programme "Question of Science" on the Nauka (Science) channel.
The discussion also covered key strategies to address the consequences of climate change: mitigation — the transition to low-carbon technologies, and adaptation — the adjustment of infrastructure and cities to new conditions. Among adaptation measures, participants highlighted the importance of smart urban greening, which helps reduce temperature peaks and improve quality of life.
"Modern global warming is the fastest in millions of years and is linked to the intensification of the greenhouse effect caused by human activity. The transition to electric vehicles and other technologies must take into account all pollution factors, including mechanical dust. Teams of specialists and urban planners must work together to enhance the resilience of cities and life-support systems amid new climate realities," concluded Vladimir Surdin, astronomer, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor at Moscow State University, and Senior Researcher at the Sternberg State Astronomical Institute (GAISh).
The II International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is being held on 7 – 8 October at the National Centre RUSSIA, bringing together participants from more than 85 countries and all regions of the Russian Federation. Over 260 Russian and international experts from China, the United States, Italy, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are taking part.
The International Symposium "Inventing the Future" is organised at the instruction of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, under the aegis of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The analytical partner of the Symposium is the VCIOM Analytical Centre, and the literary partner is the Eksmo-AST Publishing Group.
