Two Belgian scientists protecting the climate

03/03/2022

This year, to mark International Women's Day, the United Nations has chosen the theme of "Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow". In the Belgian scientific world, we have chosen to highlight two women, Sara Vicca and Nadine Gouzée, who are contributing to the construction of a more sustainable tomorrow.

Sara Vicca is a biologist from the University of Antwerp. She follows climate change very closely and primarily studies the way in which it affects the carbon cycle in forests, grasslands, and other terrestrial ecosystems (EOS Pipet Award, 2014). She is the author of several articles for the science blog EOS, with a focus on heat waves, greenhouse gases and renewable energy. The biologist is not afraid to question politicians on the climate emergency and is fighting for a rapid transition to a carbon-neutral society. She believes that this is only possible with the support of political decision-makers and by building on the Sustainable Development Goals. This idea is also supported by Nadine Gouzée, who holds a master's degree in econometrics from the ULB. The economist works with the United Nations, Europe and Belgium to solve sustainability problems. She is currently advising our federal government on sustainable development policy.

Both scientists are looking to the future and the younger generation. Nadine recently took part in a seminar on the need to integrate education on sustainable development into schools. And Sara is part of the international Scientists for Future collective, which has expressed its support for the young people participating in Climate Thursdays in an open letter.

These are just two examples of the many women who are working to create a better world.