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On April 22, 2025, Earth Day was celebrated at the National Library of Portugal, in Lisbon, through an event organized by the TERRA Associate Laboratory. The event gathered representatives from various sectors of society, including policymakers, public and local administration authorities, scientists, and academics. With strong attendance from members and stakeholders, the event focused on contemporary environmental challenges and the role of science and philosophy in advancing a sustainable future.
The full-day program provided a platform for knowledge exchange and critical reflection on the role of science in addressing socio-environmental issues. The morning session featured several panel discussions with experts from diverse scientific fields. The first panel, moderated by Professor Teresa Ferreira, coordinator of TERRA, included presentations by Ana Abreu (ISAMB), Ruben Heleno (CFE), Luís Zêzere (CEG), Manuela Branco (CEF), and David Fangueiro (LEAF). The panel addressed innovative scientific approaches to environmental challenges while promoting inter-institutional collaboration.
The second panel, led by Dr. Paulo Branco, CEO of TERRA, highlighted recent scientific innovations and collaborative strategies being implemented by the laboratory to address pressing environmental issues. This was followed by a session on the use of digital infrastructures to enhance scientific research, featuring Dulce Correia (FCCN), who demonstrated how digital services can support research in the context of sustainability. Subsequent presentations emphasized the crucial role of scientific infrastructure in advancing socio-environmental research. António Gouveia (CFE), Joana Cardoso da Costa (CFE), and Gonçalo Duarte (CEF) advocated for stronger interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex environmental challenges.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to philosophy and ecological thought, with the presentation of the book Gaia and Philosophy by Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan. The book invited a profound reflection on the interdependence of living systems and the urgent need to redefine humanity’s relationship with the planet. Dorion Sagan discussed the impact of the Gaia theory on modern ecological thought and its relevance for developing new ecological practices. Professor Teresa Ferreira and Patrícia Azevedo da Silva (Fora de Jogo) also participated in the panel, exploring how Gaia-inspired concepts can be applied to current contexts to promote more effective environmental public policies. The session was moderated by Ricardo Santos (ISAMB/TERRA), who facilitated a deep debate on the philosophical implications of Gaia theory for science and society.
The event received media coverage, with three notable publications underscoring its relevance: an article in Público, featuring sustainable initiatives to mark April 22; the blog Dá Fala, dedicated to contemporary African culture, which highlighted Lynn Margulis and the significance of ecological thought; and Jornal do Fundão, which published a reflection by Helena Freitas on collective responsibility for the planet’s future.
Helena Freitas, a TERRA researcher, reflected on the historical significance of the Earth Day movement, initiated in 1970. She noted that although progress has been made since its inception, the sense of urgency that sparked the movement remains more relevant than ever. For Freitas, the climate crisis represents not only an environmental threat but also a social and political challenge that demands a holistic approach—integrating social justice with sustainability. In her words, “There is no climate justice without social justice,” emphasizing the urgent need for cities to adopt resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions through proactive public policies.
The climate crisis was identified as the most pressing global challenge, with far-reaching impacts that transcend geographic and social boundaries—disproportionately affecting those who have contributed the least to the problem. The discussions highlighted that meaningful transformation requires more than individual action; it necessitates collective mobilization toward circular, regenerative, and sustainable solutions. Helena Freitas also pointed to another, quieter yet equally dangerous crisis: the erosion of public trust in institutions and the growing sense of powerlessness in the face of overwhelming environmental problems. She stressed that restoring trust and fostering coordinated, collaborative action are imperative to effectively address the climate crisis.
The event was also attended by several government and public administration representatives, who acknowledged the importance of the discussions and the need for coordinated action across all sectors of society. It became evident that political mobilization and scientific collaboration are essential to addressing environmental challenges and ensuring a more resilient and just future for upcoming generations. This Earth Day celebration reaffirmed the importance of sustained efforts toward a more sustainable planet, aligned with the principles of environmental and social justice. The event, which was well-received by participants, demonstrated that collaboration among science, philosophy, and multiple sectors of society is critical for generating effective solutions to the environmental crisis. The high turnout and the intensity of the debates reflected a growing commitment from both the scientific community and society at large to protect the planet and work toward a more sustainable future.
Watch highlights from the event in this video:
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DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0092/2020
Copyright Labterra 2024 © By Ação360
DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0092/2020