COP28
The University of Reading is an official Observer of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) process, having participated in almost a decade of the global climate conference and negotiating platform. This status was obtained and maintained by the Walker Institute and underpins our direct research in support of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which we are heavily involved in (particularly WGI on The Physical Science – with most lead authors of any single institution in the world) at UoR.
We will be present in COP28 this year in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. You can follow our activities during COP28 as well as read updates on what is happening around the world leading up to the UNFCCC conference in December 2023.
Watch this space for updates on upcoming side events and activities during COP28 from the Walker Institute.
COP Climate Action Studio
We, in the Walker Academy, are thrilled to welcome PhD students from the University of Reading, University of Brunel and Surrey University in our COP Climate Action Studio programme which will be hosted live again this year! During the UNFCCC conference students will engage remotely with COP28, watching sessions, conducting interviews, and discussing the issues they encounter. They will also be encouraged to relate COP28 to their research topics and translate and communicate COP28 developments to different audiences. They will engage with social media, write blogs and produce videos for the Walker Institute communication platforms and other media outlets. They will also have the opportunity to liaise with the three students who will be traveling to Dubai to attend the Conference in person and conduct interviews with a wide range of people. Make sure you stay in touch and look out for blogs and other outputs from COPCAS that might help you make sense of COP28 developments posted on the Walker Institute’s website.
Later Is Too Late: Tipping the Balance from Negative to Positive
The Walker Institute from the University of Reading are joining the University of Exeter and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) in a side event during COP28 in Dubai: Later Is Too Late: Tipping the Balance from Negative to Positive. The Global Carbon Budget shows emissions rising and time running out to deliver the Paris Agreement. As global warming pushes humanity closer to dangerous tipping points, our only way out is rapid CO2 emissions cuts and triggering positive tipping points. Around the world, concerted efforts are activating positive social, economic, political and technological shifts that are driving progress towards cleaner energy and a safer future — faster than many realise. COP28 is a vital opportunity to harness exponential change and get us back on course. Because later is too late!
Find out more
COP28 Exhibition space
The University of Reading will be joining the University of Exeter and the University of California in manning an exhibition space during COP28 from 1st to 3rd December in the Blue Zone. The exhibit will showcase educational initiatives that empower climate action and accelerate resilience in vulnerable communities. Leading researchers in the UK and the U.S. are creating innovative learning environments for students of all ages who want to build a green and just future.
The Reaching the Last Mile Forum: Pledging Moment
The Walker Institute is supporting Sighsavers in this event organised by Reaching the Last Mile Forum and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of hte UAE and in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Sightsavers have focused efforts to end neglected tropical diseases (NDTs) and forge a healthier, more resilient future.
COP28 Exhibition space
The Walker Institute will be supporting the Climate Heritage Network for the event, COP28 Call to Action: Culture at the Heart of Climate Action. If you recognise culture as an indispensable pillar of climate action, sign up to support the campaign, and share it with your networks and communities. Find out more and add your voice to the Call to Action. Add Your Voice!
Addressing Climate Risks: Cooperation on Transboundary Climate Adaptation in the Mena Region
The Walker Institute will be supporting the UN Environment Programme in this side event at COP28. Transboundary considerations of climate adaptation strategies are only just gaining traction and limited information is available on both the risks and opportunities in the region. This event will initiate a discussion for stakeholders in the region to identify promising practices and ways to enhance cooperation around transboundary adaptation and prospects for development, stability, and peace. 3 Dec, 16:30-18:00 GST. More information to be posted on the Walker Institute website soon.
Physical Science Challenges for AR7 (WG1)
The event will discuss physical science challenges for the seventh assessment cycle in the light of knowledge gaps identified in the Sixth Assessment Report, and of the scientific outcomes of the World Climate Research Programme conference held in Kigali in October 2023. Prof. Rowan Sutton, NCAS Senior Scientist and professor in the University of Reading will be participating in this event.
COP28 Opportunities and Updates
UUCN scholarship programme
- The UK Universities Climate Network (UUCN) is delighted to be coordinating a scholarship programme for two one-week delegations of UK ECRs to attend COP28. Full details on eligibility and instructions on how to apply are available here. The deadline to apply is 20 September 2023 23:59 hours. Please note that passes to the Blue Zone are not provided through this opportunity
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First Global Stocktake
The co-facilitators of the technical dialogue (TD) of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement (GST1) have published the synthesis report on the UNFCC website. Watch the broadcast on YouTube.