This special COP28 Update highlights the events taking place during 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.
This year 14 academics and students comprise the delegation that will be attending COP28 as observers both in person and remotely.
EVENTS
The Walker Academy is 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. 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
The Walker Institute and University of Reading are joining the University of Exeter and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) in a live multimedia side event during COP28 in Dubai: Later Is Too Late: Tipping the Balance from Negative to Positive. While we are nearing dangerous tipping points in nature, we are also activating positive social, economic, political and technological tipping points around the world. Progress is happening faster than many realize, and COP28 is a time for courageous leadership to harness exponential momentum and get us back on course. Later is too late! The side event will be hosted in the Al Hur Stage, Action Arena 1, Global Climate Action Area, COP28 Blue Zone, Dubai, UAE on 6 December, 17:00-18:30 (GMT+4). Visit our COP28 webpage for more information.
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. Come and visit us at Exhibit booth No8.
Prof. Paul Williams will be chairing a panel discussion organised by the Institute of Physics on 7 December 2023 in Dubai. The panel, including four speakers, will focus on Transport and the Environment: “Can we achieve a sustainable transport system?” For more information contact Prof. Paul Williams from the University of Reading.
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!
The Walker Institute will be supporting the UN Environment Programme in their side event in COP28, Addressing Climate Risk: Cooperation on Transboundary Climate Adaptation in the Mena Region. 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.
If you are organising and event before, during or after COP28 and would like to add it to this list, please contact us at info@walker.ac.uk with information on date and location.
All the best!
The Walker Institute Team