While we were away from the newsletter for a while, we were in fact busy leading all the activities you will find in this edition!
Over recent months, Cape Verde has demonstrated that climate action is more than an agenda; it is a national commitment involving science, youth, communities, technology, governance, and diplomacy. This edition is an invitation to revisit moments that reflect this integrated vision.
We know that climate challenges do not wait. Heat waves, storms, coastal vulnerabilities, and socioeconomic pressures demand rapid and effective responses. How can we, as a society, adapt to a changing climate? How can we ensure that no one is left behind?
Youth mobilization was at the forefront with the National Youth Forum and the Youth Academy for Climate Action, which brought together young leaders to develop micro-projects and solutions tailored to local realities. Higher education also assumed a strategic role through the UniCV project, which strengthened climate literacy and trained climate ambassadors, consolidating the integration of climate action into Cape Verdean higher education.
Sport became a powerful voice for climate action through Climate Run 2025, transforming the capital’s streets into a space for awareness and intergenerational unity. Science was also present through a pioneering study on heat waves and health risks, providing essential data to protect the most vulnerable populations.
Along the ocean–climate axis, initiatives such as the Mosteiros Resilient project stood out, promoting sustainable fishing and valuing marine resources, alongside Cabo Verde Ocean Week, which fostered discussions on bioindicators, technological innovation, and the strategic role of the Marine Campus (Campus do Mar) in capacity building for the blue economy. Nature also took center stage with the Restore the Dunes project on Sal Island — a science-based solution to protect ecosystems and combat sea-level rise.
At the institutional level, Cape Verde strengthened climate governance and financing with the launch of PEMAC, a structuring plan designed to mobilize resources and accelerate the energy transition. Internationally, active participation at COP30 consolidated the country’s climate diplomacy, presenting innovative solutions and reinforcing budget transparency.
In the energy sector, the Santiago Pumped Storage project marked a decisive step toward sustainability, while reflections on cybersecurity highlighted digital risks in the energy transition and the need to ensure technological sovereignty. This edition also features inspiring stories, such as the experience of a young international professional who found in Cape Verde a space for learning and impact, and highlights the importance of Lusophone youth on the global agenda through webinars on climate transparency.
Each of these actions reflects a shared commitment: to build resilient, informed communities prepared to face climate challenges.
This edition is a review of activities; and, more importantly, a powerful testament to the strength of collaboration and innovation. We invite you to dive into the articles, meet the protagonists, and discover how, together, we are transforming challenges into opportunities NOW.
Happy reading!