Established in April 2020 and convened by the University of New South Wales in Sydney, these leading climate research universities come from every continent, encompassing thousands of the world’s most accomplished climate researchers, including hundreds who have worked as authors of reports for the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Throughout COP, the Alliance is running a range of activities to help universities and their communities connect and collaborate. We’ll also be throwing the spotlight on the myriad ways universities are working to tackle climate change:
- Creating new knowledge and understanding of climate.
- Working with industry to develop new technology to tackle climate change.
- Building community around universities to connect beyond academia.
- Educating the next generation of climate leaders.
Securing net zero: new ideas from the University sector
From zero-carbon-emission flight to net zero concrete, open-source carbon capture to clean energy for the world’s poorest billion people, it is the university sector which will provide the innovation and expertise to meet the urgent and ambitious targets set by policy-makers at COP26.
What do you know about climate change?
15 minutes | Survey link here
Does it worry you? How do you think it might affect your community and your livelihood? COP26, the United Nations climate change conference being held in Glasgow, UK, will bring together leaders from nearly every country on Earth – politicians, scientists, activists, and celebrities. But, we want to hear from communities. What do you think?
Virtual Events
Glasgow will bring together specialists from around the world to debate how global leaders can implement rapid changes needed to solve the climate crisis. We have brought together some of our university community to discuss what work they are doing and are hosting live Q&A to answer questions from the community about what outcomes they would like to see from COP26.
Future water leaders talk climate, commitment, and consequences during COP26
Thursday 4th November | Register Here
Climate change is forcing societies globally to rethink every aspect of how water is managed and protected. And the consequences of actions taken now will have a significant impact on challenges and priorities for the world’s future water leaders. During this event, 12 early career researchers from UNSW Sydney showcase their research disciplines across many facets of water – from water security to healthy oceans to water, sanitation and hygiene. Hear about how climate change impacts and influences their fields of research, the hard-hitting questions they would ask current world leaders and their greatest hopes for meaningful outcomes from COP26.
Guiding Climate Policy: What role can universities play beyond COP26?
Friday 5th November | Register Here
The discussion would go beyond just COP forums and also look at around the world from local governments through to global policy frameworks and then a panel discussion with a diverse cross section of experts who can share their journey, ending with some challenging questions for live discussion to explore the diverse challenges different regions face.
Tackling adaptation limits and residual risks through transformational change
Tuesday 9th November | Register here
Limits of adaptation to climate-related hazards and processes, and whether the interplay of equitable and community-lead transformational adaptation in climate risk management can alleviate some of the expected residual risks and losses and damages.
Collaborating in Asia: how universities can co-create climate resilient communities
Thursday 11th November | Register Here
Universities play a central role in Asia in helping communities understand and respond to climate change. This seminar looks at both the researcher and student experience in supporting COP26 across China, Japan, India, Nepal and Singapore.
#ClimateTalks Global Hackathon: Student Showcase
Friday 12th November | Register Here
How might we transform the way we communicate climate change to create positive action? Our students have some great ideas and we will be showcasing the global finalists who participated in the #ClimateTalks Global Hackathon, followed by an interview with the winner and a panel session hosted by world leading oceanographer, Professor Matthew England discussing the amazing work students are doing to drive climate action.
