The AXIOS Project

Situated in the Mediterranean “climate hotspot,” Greece is experiencing the impacts of climate change faster, and more acutely, than the rest of the world. This is leading to a series of rapidly intensifying risks: more dangerous wildfires, worsening heat waves, and threats to the country’s prized agricultural crops. At the same time, with its fast-growing economy and forward-looking national leadership, Greece is positioning to be a global climate leader. The country’s unique geography and varied economy—which spans the shipping, tourism, and agricultural industries—make it an ideal proving ground for the cutting-edge clean technologies of the future. Moreover, within the country and among the diaspora, there is a growing constellation of Greek business, science, and policy leaders focused on the issues of energy, climate, and sustainability, and an endless supply of students and young professionals eyeing careers in these areas. Despite these great risks and opportunities, there is currently no effort mobilizing diaspora Greeks to help Greece tackle these fast-evolving environmental challenges. Our effort aims to strike in the here and now, to rally the attention, effort, and resources of the Greek-American community and support concrete environmental ventures—both philanthropic and profit-driven—that will make an impact in Greece, and globally.