Time to act echoed through a recent Elche gathering focused on climate action within the Climates for Change initiative. The forum explored how the education sector, guided by Hidraqua and its subsidiaries, can confront the climate crisis. The event drew insights from Federico Buyolo, director of cultural innovation at the Ortega y Gasset-Gregorio Marañón Foundation; Carlos González, the mayor of Elche; Javier Prieto, managing director of the Aigües d’Elx mixed company; and Mónica Pérez Clausen, academic director of the Water School. Throughout the discussions, speakers stressed that coordinated, cross-sector collaboration is essential to address a crisis that is widely recognized yet not fully understood by all communities.
Buyolo urged the room to move from bearing part of the problem to becoming part of the full solution. He called for accelerating change and reversing current trends, while the mayor emphasized daily social awareness, aligning strategies, and anchoring all policy choices to emissions reductions and decarbonization efforts.
Within Aigües d’Elx, sustainability criteria are integrated into every decision, reflecting a broader commitment to training and education. The organization highlighted its partnership in the Aqualogy educational program, which helps students grasp climate crisis concepts and sustainable development. A comprehensive events calendar has been developed for Clot de Galvany Natural Park, a site the company manages in collaboration with Elche City Council to promote environmental stewardship and public engagement.
In presenting her academic perspective, the speaker noted a growing social awareness around climate issues. People of all ages see the impacts of climate change in daily life, yet climate science remains intricate. One example shared was the Fresco workshops from the Water School program launched in 2022, a card game for adults that encourages group dialogue about causes and consequences of climate change. The sessions help participants confirm known facts while highlighting the more nuanced details of cause-and-effect relationships that public discussions often overlook.
Participants agreed that ongoing collaboration must be strengthened. They acknowledged two-speed dynamics: administrative and corporate actions often incorporate sustainability criteria, while broader society must consider economic realities that influence daily choices. Efficient appliances and vehicles, while sometimes more expensive upfront, are essential for advancing awareness and broad access to sustainable options for all citizens.
Pérez Clausen emphasized that effective climate action requires coordinated efforts across all actors. The SDG 17 goal, which stresses alliances as a strategic axis, aligns with ongoing work in education. Although progress exists, significant steps remain, particularly in vocational training. The discussion noted collaborations with two European projects to identify emerging skills in the Water School, including renewable energies and energy efficiency, with the aim of developing training programs that respond to these needs.
Aquae STEM Program
Prieto explained that Aigües d’Elx seeks to extend educational opportunities in STEM fields for future generations, anticipating that these disciplines will be highly sought after by employers. The Aquae STEM program operates with two training centers in Elche and reaches thousands of students across Spain, aiming to boost scientific careers among girls who often gravitate toward other vocational paths. The initiative embodies a proactive approach to building a diverse pipeline of talent for the jobs of tomorrow.
The Next Meeting: Climates for Change
The forthcoming gathering is scheduled for June 29 in Cullera, featuring regional and local leaders. Participants include Francesc Colomer, regional secretary responsible for tourism; Dolores Ordoñez, vice president of Gaia-X Hub Spain and Turistec; Jordi Mayor, the mayor of Cullera; and Laura Gascón, manager of Hidraqua and Aigües de Cullera. The meeting will continue the conversation on aligning education, industry, and public policy in pursuit of climate resilience.
More Information
Details are available through the Hidraqua and Aigües d’Elx platforms, which describe ongoing initiatives and program updates.