Book now | Week of events – connecting voices for climate action
We’re hosting a series of events from the 19 April to gather together voices from across sectors and geographies as the UK prepares to host the next UN climate change conference.
In November 2021, the UK will be hosting COP26 in Glasgow – one of the most important gatherings on climate change since the Paris Agreement in 2015. The climate conference will bring together heads of state, climate experts, policymakers and campaigners to agree on action to tackle climate change.
Universities have a fundamental role to play in delivering impactful climate action through COP26 and beyond. As networked institutions of research, innovation and education, we are at the cutting-edge of knowledge development and are training the leaders of tomorrow. None of the challenges that the world faces can be solved without the research and evidence-based thinking and actions of universities.
Week of events - connecting voices for climate action
Leeds is gathering together voices from across sectors and geographies as part of this week of events to focus on efforts tackling climate change. All events are free to attend and open to staff and students.
You can find out more information and book your place on the Connecting Voices for Climate Action webpage.
Monday 19 April
How can Leeds lead the way to a resilient, low carbon future?
As the UK’s fastest-growing city, businesses in Leeds play a critical role in our low carbon future. This event will explore if and how Leeds can lead the way to a resilient, low carbon future and meet ambitious net-zero climate emissions targets by 2050.
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 discussing 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
Join us for a discussion on how we can work together to ensure our response to the climate crisis is collaborative and inclusive.
COP26: implications for enhancing resilience
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.
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
MPs from the Yorkshire and Humber region join the University of Leeds to discuss a framework for ongoing collaboration on climate action between the University and regional representatives.
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.
Priestley International Centre for Climate
In 2016 the University of Leeds established the Priestley International Centre for Climate to amplify our interdisciplinary climate research and bring together researchers from across the institution to work collaboratively in areas related to climate change, its impacts and response strategies.
Membership of the centre is open to all staff and postgraduate researchers whose interests align with its vision, ‘delivering research to underpin robust and timely climate solutions’.
Find out more about becoming a Priestley Centre member and the benefits it offers.
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