New Ambassadors Join the European Climate Pact

February 6, 2025
Ten new ambassadors have joined the European Climate Pact, representing fields such as science, local governance, the arts, and media. These individuals are actively engaged in environmental initiatives and have the potential to inspire meaningful change.
The European Climate Pact is a European Commission initiative that encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to contribute to a climate-neutral Europe. The pact aims to inspire Europeans to take everyday actions—such as using eco-friendly transportation, reducing food waste, and improving home energy efficiency—to help combat climate change and build a sustainable future.

This initiative brings together a network of ambassadors across all EU countries—community leaders, activists, and inspiring individuals selected by the European Commission. By sharing knowledge about climate challenges, collaborating on effective solutions, and supporting one another in achieving sustainability goals, these ambassadors play a crucial role in advancing the shared commitment to a climate-neutral Europe.

Currently, there are over 1,000 active and inspiring leaders involved in the pact across Europe. With the addition of new ambassadors, Lithuania's representation has now grown to 28 members.

One of the newest ambassadors, sustainable fashion designer Olesia Les, who has over 50,000 followers on social media, says that the greatest motivation for joining the ambassador community was the power of collective action.

"They say one person alone can’t make a difference. I disagree—one individual can achieve a lot and influence the world. But when like-minded people come together as a team, small actions and initiatives can transform into large-scale changes that impact not just a country but potentially all of Europe. I hope our ambassador community can help counteract at least some of the negative impacts caused by individuals and their communities," says O. Les.

Simonas Barsteiga, Head of the Smart and Climate-Neutral Manufacturing Processes, Materials, and Competencies Center at VILNIUS TECH, also shared his thoughts on becoming an ambassador:
"I am constantly looking for new ways to connect ideas, people, and solutions. I believe that knowledge sharing and inter-institutional collaboration are the foundation for innovation that can change the world. We cannot afford to stand still—we must rethink existing systems and challenge conventional thinking to create a sustainable and just future. Only through bold collaboration and knowledge exchange can we build a smart, climate-neutral Lithuania."

Meanwhile, science and climate journalist Agnė Tarailaitė promotes sustainability through both her journalism and social media presence, where she has built a large and engaged community.

"After earning my bachelor's degree in political science, I focused heavily on climate change communication. Over the past year and a half, I have traveled the world exploring sustainable travel solutions. My main areas of interest include science communication, climate change awareness, promoting sustainable travel, and journalism—particularly fact-checking and debunking misinformation," she explains.

A full list of ambassadors can be found on the European Climate Pact’s official website. In Lithuania, the initiative is coordinated by the environmental organization Žiedinė Ekonomika.

Launched by the European Commission, the European Climate Pact is part of the European Green Deal, a movement driven by a shared mission to create a more sustainable Europe and help the EU achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Press release by: CoAgency

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New doctoral dissertation
New doctoral dissertation
VILNIUS TECH Library invites you to follow the published new dissertations. The dissertation „Resistance of technological waste-modified concrete to freeze–thaw cycles and alkaline corrosion“  („Technologinėmis atliekomis modifikuoto betono atsparumas užšaldymo ir atšildymo ciklams bei šarminei korozijai“) prepared at VILNIUS TECH by Edvinas Pocius. The dissertation was prepared in 2021–2026. Scientific consultant – Prof. Dr Džigita Nagrockienė. The dissertation was defended at the public meeting of the Dissertation Defence Council of the Scientific Field of Materials Engineering in the Aula Doctoralis Meeting Hall of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University at 10 a.m. on 8 June 2026. The dissertation investigates concrete modified with glass processing waste, concrete sludge, and a crystallizing additive. The goal is to develop concrete that is resistant to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction (ASR) by replacing part of the cement with glass waste and sand with concrete sludge. By selecting the optimal amount of technological waste, the aim is to improve the basic properties of concrete while maintaining its resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction. The tasks addressed in the work include the analysis of glass processing waste and concrete sludge, evaluating their impact on the properties of the cement paste. After determining the recommended waste content, the physical and mechanical properties of the modified concrete are investigated, focusing on resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction. This research sequence aims to substantiate the basic properties and resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction of the newly developed material. The dissertation consists of an introduction, three chapters, general conclusions, a list of references, a list of the author‘s scientific publications, and a summary in English. The Introduction discusses the research problem and relevance, describes the object of research, formulates the aim and tasks, and outlines the research methodology, scientific novelty, practical significance, and statements for defence. The First Chapter discusses active mineral substances, their formation and use in concrete production. It discusses the generation of concrete sludge and glass waste, as well as the impact of their use on the physical and mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The durability of waste-modified concrete and the assessment of carbon dioxide emissions are also described. Conclusions are formulated, and the objectives of the dissertation are refined at the end of the chapter. The Second Chapter presents the materials used, their properties, and their formation. It describes the research methods and equipment chosen to investigate the structure and properties of the concrete and to calculate its CO2 emissions. The Third Chapter substantiates recommended dosages of glass waste and concrete sludge and their effects on cementitious systems. Glass waste was found suitable for cement replacement, and dry sludge for fine aggregate. An environmental impact assessment was also performed. Five scientific articles were published on the dissertation topic in the Web of Science database, Science Citation Index Expanded, peer-reviewed publications with a citation index. Doctoral dissertation readers can search via VILNIUS TECH Virtual Library.
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