COP26: Leicester experts on world stage to combat climate crisis

Leicester scientists will feature on the world stage as they share their expertise at COP26.

The 26^th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) is to be hosted by the UK next week from Monday 1 to Tuesday 12 November.

All eyes will be on Glasgow as world leaders, NGOs, trade unions, businesses and more take action towards safeguarding our planet for the future. By the end of the event, it’s hoped that there’ll be clear steps in place to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework for Convention on Climate Change.

Over the next few weeks, to help raise awareness of the important issues emerging from COP26, the University of Leicester will share the research our academics have already contributed towards tackling the climate crisis, including:

• Professor Hartmut Boesch’s research into how we can use satellites to monitor greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.

• Professor Pat Heslop Harrison’s work to genetically enhance crops to help alleviate the world’s poverty problem.

• Professor Sue Page’s studies into peatlands, the world’s unsung ecosystem hero.

You can find out more about the work that Leicester researchers are undertaking to help sustain the world at le.ac.uk/research.

Leicester-based experts will also be scientifically active at the conference itself. Their inputs are aimed at showcasing the measurement of greenhouse gas concentrations accurately from space, and illustrating differences between the world today and the climate plus 2^oC.

This research, led by the National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO) hosted at Leicester, will provide information on changes in the carbon store of the world’s forests and illuminating the use of satellite information for climate change mitigation.

COP26 events at the University of Leicester

Space Park Conversations: What does COP26 mean for Leicester?

On Tuesday 2 November (6.00 to 7.30pm) guests, panel members and the public will be invited to take part in the University-led event Space Park Conversations: What will COP26 do for Leicester? The in-person event will be held at the newly-opened Space Park Leicester, and will feature research presentations by Professor Sue Page, Dr Rob Parker and Dr Cristina Ruiz Villena, as well as a panel discussion on air quality chaired by Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering.

While this event is open to the public, guests are encouraged to register for their free tickets using Eventbrite.

After COP26: Implications for the University of Leicester

Following the main conference, on Wednesday 1 December (2.00pm to 3.30pm), the Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability and the Leicester Institute for Advanced Studies will host an insightful event exploring what COP26 means for the University of Leicester.

The event will comprise two short talks, an expert panel, open Q&A and a call to action. The event will provide insights into how various areas of the University are already tackling sustainability and climate challenges, followed by discussion on what the distinctive Leicester research topics, questions, methods, or practices might respond to the agendas set during COP26.

The purpose of the event will be to:

• Draw out key lessons from COP26 and begin to articulate their implications for University of Leicester in the medium term.

• Highlight/celebrate the work being conducted across the University of Leicester (research, teaching, estates) to address climate change and related sustainability challenges.

• Provide an opportunity for informal discussion and networking between those interested in the topic of climate change across the three Colleges.

Guests are welcome to join in person or online and are encouraged to register for their free tickets using Eventbrite.