Connecting Voices for Climate Action: Priestley International Centre for Climate

The Priestly International Centre for Climate are supporting a week of events which aim to build local to global ambition for COP26 and beyond.

Climate change presents an unprecedented global challenge that demands an unprecedented global response. As the UK prepares to host the next UN climate change conference, the University of Leeds is convening a week of events in April 2021, gathering together voices from across sectors and geographies to build ambition for impactful climate action.

Programme

Monday 19 April

How can Leeds lead the way to a resilient, low carbon future?

As part of The Future of Innovation series hosted by Nexus, this event will explore what a low carbon future looks like, how it will be financed, and how businesses of all sizes and sectors can build resilience and rise to the challenge.

Tuesday 20 April

Research to innovation: Solutions to the climate crisis in Africa

Hear some of the leading voices in climate change research, policy and innovation discuss priorities for African countries ahead of COP26 and how the research community can support ambitious action. Speakers include Ambassador Seyni Nafo, Professor Barbara Evans and Sir Nick Kay.

Wednesday 21 April

Realising the University climate commitments together

A discussion about how we ensure the delivery of the University of Leeds Climate Plan is collaborative and inclusive.

COP26: implications for enhancing resilience

This webinar will explore the aims and likely debate at COP26, focusing on resilience, from three perspectives: international, national and local. Speakers include Youssef Nassef, Director of Adaptation at UNFCCC and Dr Louise Ellis, Director of Sustainability at the University of Leeds.

Climate Research LIVE

Hear from three postgraduate researchers working in very different fields of climate research, covering climate resilient urban water supplies, the role of religion in climate action, and tracking the accelerating flow of Antarctic glaciers.

From Farm to Fork: The climate impact of our food

Leading researchers will talk about the climate impacts of the food supply chain, including sustainable agriculture, consequences for consumer behaviour, and food waste.

Thursday 22 April

Partnerships for Climate Action in the North

Join us for an online discussion with regional MPs as we address opportunities for partnerships on climate action and implementing the COP26 agenda in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Friday 23 April

The role of the University in a sustainable future

Vice-Chancellor Professor Simone Buitendijk will gather a number of key voices to discuss the role of academic institutions in driving ambition for COP26 and establishing the legacy of cooperation and innovation that is needed to deal with the existential threat of climate change.