According to an overwhelming body of scientific evidence, climate change is real. It's happening right now, it's largely caused by human activities, and it will have many serious and potentially harmful consequences in the decades ahead, some of which are already evident.
 

And, while individuals alone may not be able to make drastic emissions cuts that limit climate change to acceptable levels, personal action is essential to raise the importance of issues to policymakers and businesses. Using your voice as a consumer, a customer, a member of the electorate, and an active citizen will lead to changes on a much grander scale.

1. Eat less meat & dairy 

Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. Studies suggest that a high-fiber, plant-based diet is also better for your health - so it can be a win-win. Eat fewer or smaller portions of meat, especially red meat, which has the largest environmental impact, and reduce dairy products or switch them for non-dairy alternatives. Try to choose fresh, seasonal produce that is grown locally to help reduce the carbon emissions from transportation, preservation, and prolonged refrigeration.

Instead of getting in the car, walk or cycle – and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, and the money saved. For longer journeys, use public transport, or try car-sharing schemes. Not only do cars contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but air pollution caused by exhaust fumes from traffic poses a serious threat to public health. It has been shown to affect the health of unborn babies and increase the risk of dementia.

3. Reduce your energy use & bills

Small changes to your behavior at home will help you use less energy, cutting your carbon footprint and your energy bills: Put on an extra layer and turn down the heating a degree or two. Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them and replace light bulbs with LEDs or other low-energy lights. Make simple changes to how you use hot water, like buying a water-efficient showerhead.

4. Respect and protect green spaces

Green spaces, such as parks and gardens, are important. They absorb carbon dioxide and are associated with lower levels of air pollution. They help to regulate temperature by cooling overheated urban areas, can reduce flood risk by absorbing surface rainwater, and can provide important habitats for a wide variety of insects, animals, birds, and amphibians. They also provide multiple benefits to public health, with studies linking green space to reduced levels of stress.

5. Cut consumption & waste

Everything we use as consumers has a carbon footprint. Avoid single-use items and fast fashion, and try not to buy more than you need. Shop around for second-hand or quality items that last a long time. Put your purchasing power to good use by choosing brands that align with your new green aspirations.

To read this article in full, please visit: imperial.ac.uk

Five years have passed since the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in 2017 changed the lives of the residents of Athens and visitors to the Greek capital for the better. From then until today it is a favorite destination for cultural and sports activities but also an ideal entertainment destination for the young and old.

About the SNFCC

The SNFCC is an international, environmentally sustainable public space for expression, culture, and recreation. The creation of the SNFCC was initiated by SNF and executed with an exclusive grant from the Foundation and the cornerstone of the more than $750 million in support SNF has allocated to the project in total. It includes the facilities of the National Library of Greece (NLG) and the Greek National Opera (GNO), as well as the 40-acre Stavros Niarchos Park.

From the inception of the idea for the creation of the SNFCC through the cultural institution’s fifth anniversary, SNF gave a total of $739 million toward the project through several grants. This amount primarily went to the construction of the SNFCC but also supported operational and programming costs for its first five years, following the commitment SNF made during the delivery of the SNFCC to the Greek state. In addition, SNF’s support has gone to programs for the development of the SNFCC and to infrastructure projects beyond the original design.

The idea for the SNFCC originated in 1998, with SNF’s decision to support the construction of new facilities for the NLG and the GNO. From these disparate plans and with the opportunities offered by the site allocated for the project in the Municipality of Kallithea came an exciting opportunity for a cultural, educational, and environmental “Triple Project.” This would include the new NLG and GNO facilities, as well as the creation of a major urban green space, Stavros Niarchos Park.

Stavros Spyrou Niarchos (Greek: Σταύρος Σπύρου Νιάρχος, 3 July 1909 – 15 April 1996) was a Greek billionaire shipping tycoon. Starting in 1952, he had the world’s biggest supertankers built for his fleet. Propelled by both the Suez Crisis and increasing demand for oil, he and rival Aristotle Onassis became giants in global petroleum shipping.

The video to celebrate its 5th anniversary 

On the occasion of this anniversary, a video was created, “My Face” written by Giannis Asteris, directed by Andreas Loukakos, and voiced by Harry Frangoulis. The video also stars Angel Martinez Sanchez, a dancer of the National Opera Ballet. The video was created in collaboration with the National Opera and the National Library of Greece and is in Greek. 

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com

 

The Hotel Grande Bretagne has been included, one more time, on the top of the World’s Best List of the well-known Travel + Leisure magazine. The King George Hotel is also an honoree for the first time. 

 

Every year, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe and share their opinions on the top hotels, destinations, cruise ships, airlines and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value and as a result, Hotel Grande Bretagne was ranked as the best hotel in Athens while King George was placed third.  

Readers praised the hotels’ beauty, location and restaurants while T+L specifically mentions, “to stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne is to sleep inside a small piece of Athens's history”.

 

Having received these important distinctions, Hotels Grande Bretagne and King George are committed to continue delivering exceptional, indigenous experiences for their guests. Both Hotels have the best location in the heart of Athens with spectacular views to the Acropolis and set a significant example in the international hotel industry, offering exceptional services and memorable experiences.

Celebrating 150 years of culinary excellence, the Hotel Grande Bretagne marks this milestone with the new anniversary menu "Always Grand|150 Years of Flavors", signed by the twice Michelin-starred Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis. 

From November 6th until December 31st, 2024, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a special gastronomic journey at the Winter Garden City Lounge of the historic Hotel, inspired by the urban culture of old Athens.

Reviving recipes from the mid-20th century, the menu highlights the culinary heritage of the iconic Hotel, with dishes that starred in historic events during its 150 Years of continuous operation. From the authentic “Athinaiki” salad, a symbol of the urban cuisine of the 1970s and the impressive Shrimp fountain to the renowned 'Vol-au-Vent', emanating the elegance of French cuisine, the dishes evoke memories of another era. Paying tribute to the Greek tradition, the menu includes ‘lahanodolmades’ (cabbage rolls), while desserts such as nougatine, which traveled from the great European courtyards to the Athenian salons, complete the unparalleled journey from the past to the present, captivating even the most discerning palates. 

Guests can also enjoy the anniversary afternoon tea, masterfully curated by Pastry Chef Alexandros Koufas, adding a nostalgic touch of authentic Athenian glamour.

Discover the anniversary menu "Always Grand|150 Years of Flavors", an exciting culinary journey that uniquely connects the past with the present, through unique dishes that remain classic and beloved.

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has set up a studio on the Greek island of Lesbos to highlight the plight of refugees.

The island has been the main point of entry into the EU for hundreds of thousands of refugees over the past year and the studio would produce several projects with themes related to the refugee crisis from him and his students, Ai told reporters.

“As an artist, I have to relate to humanity’s struggles... I never separate these situations from my art,” he said. The artist is as well-known for his clashes with the Chinese authorities as for his work.

Ai praised the people of Lesbos for having a “very good understanding” of the refugees’ plight,their needs and for being “very helpful and very tolerant”, but emphasised they had limited resources to deal with the issue.

To read more, please visit: ekathimerini

The government has decided to extend its vehicle-scrapping initiative until May 20, in which it subsidizes the purchase of new cars so that old vehicles are taken off the road; although the subsidy will be cut by 50 percent from last year.

The measure will be brought to parliament and once signed by Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, it will apply retroactively from January 1. This will bring great relief to the thousands of prospective buyers who have the necessary scrapping documents, but were unable to proceed with their new purchase.

To read more, please visit: eKathimerini

The traditional dance festival called ‘Diamantis Palaiologos,’ held on Skopelos island this August, won a European award by the EILEEN (Enhancing Intercultural Learning in European Enterprises) project. There were over 600 participants and volunteers this year from Greece, Cyprus, Ukraine, and Nepal.

The Festival of Traditional Dances ‘Diamantis Palaiologos’ is a member of European Folklore Festival Association and is organized by Konstantina Angeletou, President of the Plegma, a nonprofit organization, along with the Thessaly Region.

The Greek National Commission to UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs, the Greek National Tourism Organisation and the Municipality of Skopelos embrace this big cultural event, putting the Festival under their auspices.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

‘Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities; with so many places to visit, things to experience, stories to be told. And if you had only 60 secs to describe it, this is how Athens would look and sound.’

Athens Mayor Yiorgos Kaminis announced the 'Athens Tourism Partnership,' an initiative for tourism promotion in Athens. The City of Athens, Aegean Airlines, and the Athens International Airport unite for the first time having a common objective - promoting Athens as a modern cultural centre and attractive tourist destination throughout the year.

The first result of this collaboration is a new, vibrant and dynamic campaign entitled 'One City. Never Ending Stories' aimed at showcasing the Athenian experience.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda