Experts believe that Greek Island of Antikythera can help fight climate change
Scientists worldwide believe that the island of Antikythera in Greece is worth observing for its uniqueness and potential to help significantly in the fight against climate change, greekcitytimes.com reports.
The picturesque Greek island, which lies on the edge of the Aegean Sea, between Peloponnese and Crete, is home to just 22 people, and its whole area is nearly 20 km².
Regardless of its small size, Antikythera is famous around the globe for being the location where the Antikythera Mechanism was discovered, along with the historical Antikythera shipwreck. The Antikythera Mechanism is believed to be over 2,000 years old and has been called “the world’s first computer”, as it helped Greeks in the ancient times understand the universe around them.
BBC made a trip to Antikythera, and after speaking to a team of scientists and experts, it presented the Greek island as “the place that can give the solution to climate change.”
Currently in the island, there is a group of people from several scientific fields, who have been working since 2017 on the innovative project of the National Observatory of Athens entitled “Pangaea”.
The Pangaea project was named after the ancient supercontinent, which was almost assembled 335 million years ago, and its researchers recently received a grant of 25 million euros from the European Union.
BBC journalist Stav Dimitropoulos noted that “located where three seas converge, Antikythera is a meteorological melting pot that can provide the scientific community with valuable information on combating climate change.”
Antikythera is especially worthy of observation for scientists, as particles with completely different origins to each other can be found in the island’s atmosphere. For example, dust from the Sahara, ash from Mount Etna, and even remnants of fires in Canada, which reached Antikythera just 15 days after the great fires of 2018, have been found in the air of the island from time to time.
Vassilis Amiridis, the research head of the National Observatory of Athens and leader of the scientific committee of the Pangaea project, explained that “Antikythera is located at the crossroads of air masses from all continents. This means that large parcels of air from all continents, with the ability to take on the temperature and moisture properties of their respective place of origin, meet exactly above Antikythera. In addition, there is no light pollution, so scientists can observe the skies clearly and easily.”
At the Climate Change Observatory, situated in the village of Katsaneviana, experts have been studying the motion of all these different particles and their dispersion in the atmosphere, hoping that in the future they can have a clearer picture of cloud formation and extreme weather phenomena.
Such an achievement would enable scientists to develop better early warning systems for weather changes, but also will help experts predict more accurately how weather is affected by climate change.
“The prevailing scientific belief is that particles move in the atmosphere randomly. We assume that they can move in a straight line, which allows 10% to 20% more radiation to penetrate the atmosphere, reaching the ground,” Mr. Amiridis pointed out.
“If our theory turns out to be true – something we will know in a year from now – we may need to review everything we know about climate change,” he continued.
Visiting the facilities of the Antikythera Climate Change Observatory, Dimitropoulos told BBC that she was “speechless” by the advanced equipment on the island, most notably the green laser beam detection particles that glow every night in the island’s sky.
During the next three years, researchers plan to install up to 40 new devices that can, among other things, accurately calculate the infrared radiation trapped in the clouds and how climate change affects winds.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions set by the Greek government for gatherings of big groups of people, researchers visit the island in groups of five per month. There is however, a plan so that in the future, scientists from around the world can stay on the island for longer periods of time, in specially designed “scientific hostels”.
At Antikythera, where the majority of habitants are over the age of 65, representatives of the scientific community have been enthusiastically welcomed, with locals believing that the arrival of new people on their sparsely populated island brings a much-needed renewal.
Eleni Marinou, a climate scientist and member of the Paggea project said that “this rural landscape in the island might soon change, with Paggea’s grand plan of turning the island into a worldwide climate superstation.”
The BBC crew and Stav Dimitropoulos said that when they arrived at the island by boat at 4:30 in the morning, together with a team of researchers, almost all the residents of the houses close to the port came to greet them.
“Every new arrival here is like a small celebration, and this tiny island may be worlds apart from Pangaea, the mega-continent, but it continues its role in expanding the horizons of science – this time by writing a whole new chapter in the fight against climate change.” Dimitropoulos concluded.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
- 1) 'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
- 2) Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
- 3) UN Tourism and Croatia to launch Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism
- 4) Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
23/04 23:52
Greece’s New Ambassador to the United States visits Queens in New York
23/04 21:49
Traffic regulations in Athens due to the Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday-Friday
23/04 20:59
President of the Hellenic Republic wrapping up visit to Uruguay at parliament
23/04 15:44
Greek government will pass legislation halving commission paid for POS transactions
23/04 15:03
Precise location of Plato's burial site unveiled by ancient papyrus
22/04 22:33
'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
22/04 21:25
22/04 20:37
Greek and Turkish delegations discuss Confidence Building Measures for 2024
22/04 18:29
Over 114,000 Greek Diaspora citizens register to vote by post in the European elections
22/04 13:40
19/04 01:29
Athens State Orchestra presents 'St. Matthew's Passion' by Bach on April 30th
18/04 21:49
Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
18/04 20:32
'Easter Basket' and 'Godparents basket' to be put into effect next week in Greece
18/04 20:17
18/04 17:40
17/04 21:06
Thessaloniki Port: Performance growth for 2023 with record container throughput
17/04 20:57
Traffic regulations imposed in Athens for the 41st Peace Marathon on Sunday
17/04 20:52
17/04 18:15
Greek Foreign Minister addresses the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
17/04 17:12
16/04 21:02
NHM hosts the Trial of Pericles at the Harris Theater in Chicago on April 17
16/04 20:17
Greece will invest $830 million to protect marine biodiversity
16/04 01:46
New York Greek Independence Parade honors 1821 and solemn Cyprus Anniversary
16/04 01:35
Olympic Games Paris 2024: Olympic Flame to be lit at Ancient Olympia in Greece
16/04 00:29
European Committee of Regions and UN release study on Rural Tourism
15/04 20:41
15/04 19:58
Minister: Greece is transforming into a hub for exporting quality agri-food products
15/04 18:51
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
13/04 00:13
UN Tourism and Croatia to launch Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism
12/04 00:03
2024 marks a critical year in the enduring strength of Greek-German relations
12/04 00:00
11/04 22:07
Ambassador: US committed to upgrade of Greek military and support NATO's SE flank
11/04 19:40
Hellenic Pride on display at rainy Chicago Greek Independence Day Parade
11/04 02:06
Delphi Economic Forum IX: Energy collaboration a 'key' in Greek-Bulgarian relations
11/04 01:58
UN Tourism launches investment guidelines for Albania sector
10/04 19:01
Greek FinMin: New package of economic measures in 2025 to lower taxes, raise pensions
10/04 18:25
Greek city of Nafplion hosts Mediterranean Yacht Show for ninth year running
09/04 23:57
Greek PM on Tilos: Innovative projects for a cyclical economy are of key significance
09/04 23:55
UN Tourism members promote agenda for Europe as region leads global recovery
09/04 23:46
HFS presents 1968, Rousing Docudrama about Greece’s First European Cup April 21
09/04 22:48
Stolen 7th-century BC oenochoe returned to Greece by Hanover museum, municipality
09/04 22:42
Greek civil servants confederation ADEDY to strike on May 21
09/04 21:55
Greek Migration Minister meets Senior US Coordinator for Lawful Migration
08/04 23:48
08/04 23:41
Elliniko-Argyroupoli Mayor marches in Greek Independence Philadelphia Parade
08/04 21:53
Project Voria casino complex in Maroussi moving ahead after environmental report
08/04 21:36
Minister: Up to 120 delegations to take part in 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
08/04 19:22
Direct flight from Shanghai to Athens offers access to key tourism market for Greece
08/04 18:31
AI conference to attract distinguished speakers to Thessaloniki on April 25-27
04/04 23:28
City of San Jose marks March 25 with 16th Annual Greek Flag Raising Event
04/04 22:16
Urban plans published for seven townships in Thessaloniki and Attica of Greece
04/04 17:24
FinMin: The new EU economic and fiscal framework is good for Greece
04/04 15:30
Greek PM meets with the chiefs of the international pharmaceutical manufacturers
04/04 00:15
Deputy Minister for Macedonia-Thrace meets US Embassy Deputy Mission Chief
03/04 20:12
Syracuse AHEPA Chapter 37 marks March 25th Greek Independence Day
03/04 18:10
Greece's Delphi Economic Forum on April 10-13 to focus on 'The Great Transition'
03/04 16:42
Minister: Industrial production has returned to the pre-crisis levels in Greece
02/04 18:06
30/03 23:21
Eleni Gatzoyiannis scholarship offered to Greek students at Boston University
29/03 16:44
3rd edition of 'This is Athens - City Festival' with 250+ events from May 1 until June 2
29/03 15:53
Athens Metro station Aghia Varvara to stay closed on Saturday and Sunday
29/03 13:55
Greek Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy concludes visit to Montenegro
29/03 12:00
29/03 11:51
28/03 18:41
Attica Region to channel 640 bln euros to services of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
28/03 17:32
Greece to auction three-month T-bills on April 3, 2024 in a book entry form
28/03 15:46
Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
28/03 14:44
IPTO announces framework agreement tender for undersea power cables in Greece
28/03 11:49
IOBE: Construction sector in Greece records robust growth and good prospects
26/03 23:51
St. Thomas Hellenic School honors 1821 and the Feast of the Annunciation in NJ
26/03 21:59
PM at Economic Club of Canada: Greece is an attractive investment destination
26/03 17:56
Greek State budget primary balance reaches a surplus of 3,378 million euros
26/03 11:45
Ancient Messene to get upgraded visitors' facilities after approval by Council
23/03 17:43
New requirements for 'Golden Visa' program to kick in on March 31
23/03 16:49
Athenians continue to head out of the Greek Capital for March 25 long weekend
23/03 16:47
Greek Parliament lights to be turned off for Earth Hour 8:30-9:30 pm
22/03 21:54
US President on Greek Independence Day: Alliance with Greece stronger than ever
22/03 19:51
High diplomacy and geopolitics at Delphi Economic Forum IX in Greece
22/03 19:32
Tax authorities enable payments with foreign bank cards in Greece
22/03 14:19
22/03 00:24
Greece ranks first on list of countries with fastest business environment progress
22/03 00:02
Hellenic Police acquires first electric VAN-type highway patrol vehicle
21/03 22:41
21/03 15:33
Unseen Museum presents "The stele of the twin babies" exhibition in Athens
20/03 22:48
Health Minister: 95% of Greek hospitals to perform afternoon surgeries
20/03 21:52
Greek Deputy Minister of Justice meets delegation from US Embassy in Athens
20/03 21:44
Greek Interior Minister to visit United States and Canada on postal vote
20/03 20:55
Philadelphia Icarians mark 85th Anniversary and organize Apokriatiko Dance
20/03 18:01
Development Minister: We continue the battle against high prices in Greece
19/03 22:28
President of the Hellenic Republic meets her Ethiopian counterpart in Athens
19/03 20:57
19/03 20:25
FinMIn: Moody’s analysis records significant progress in the Greek economy
19/03 11:15
Sector chiefs report: Good news for Greek tourism in 2024 at ITB Berlin
18/03 22:20
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association honors Past Supreme President
16/03 13:01
Greek Deputy Foreign Μinister meets her Slovenian counterpart in Athens
16/03 12:56
Greek-Canadian Diaspora to welcome Greek Prime Minister to Toronto
16/03 11:28
Greek Migration Minister visits refugee hosting facilities in Kavala, Drama and Serres
15/03 21:50
Greek Minister announces conference on defence ecosystem in Athens from Lithuania
15/03 13:45
PM: More than 80 hospitals and 156 health centres being upgraded in Greece
15/03 12:55
Piraeus Port and Genoa Chambers of Commerce ink memorandum of cooperation
Precise location of Plato's burial site unveiled by ancient papyrus
Traffic regulations in Athens due to the Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday-Friday
Greek government will pass legislation halving commission paid for POS transactions
Greece’s New Ambassador to the United States visits Queens in New York
President of the Hellenic Republic wrapping up visit to Uruguay at parliament
Over 114,000 Greek Diaspora citizens register to vote by post in the European elections
'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
Greek and Turkish delegations discuss Confidence Building Measures for 2024
Resilience through diversity and investments the aim of UN Tourism visit to Jamaica
Prime Minister: Greece is Serbia's most stable ally in its European prospect
Greek Deputy Transport Minister flies in first test seaplane flight from Lavrio port
Greek Tourism Minister concludes meetings with luxury travel officials in New York
EU forecasts Greece 2024 growth at 2.3%, Eurozone’s fourth-highest rate
Prime Minister inaugurates Aktio-Amvrakia motorway in Western Greece
Minister: Greece to support Bulgaria and Romania in joining the Schengen zone
Price cuts of up to 15% in important product categories in Greece after March 1
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
AEGEAN concludes transfer of stake in Animawings to Memento Group
Greek archaeologists discover ten ancient shipwrecks off Aegean island of Kasos
DEFEA Conference to be held at Stavros Niarchos Foundation in Athens on May 15
Rally concludes with farmer tractors leaving Athens on Wednesday morning