This year, the Columbia Climate School will have a significant presence at COP26 as a key part of Columbia University’s commitment to bring its expertise and leadership to drive climate solutions. The Columbia Climate School is hosting a series of events and expert roundtables which will include many influential climate leaders including President Barack Obama, Gina McCarthy, Catherine McKenna, Mary Nichols, Samantha Power, and Peggy Shepard.
For the next two weeks, heads of state, delegates, and members of the public and private sectors will convene in Glasgow to discuss how society can adapt to a warming planet and avert future disaster if temperatures continue to rise unabated. COP26 comes as global emissions and temperatures reach all-time highs, and is an opportunity for countries to revisit and make new commitments to net-zero emission targets.
Columbia University is also sending a delegation of scholars to play an active role in the COP process by sharing insights from our research with leaders from government, business, and civil society.
In addition to the many events our faculty and scholars are involved in, below are just some highlights of the activities we are directly organizing. For more, please visit the Columbia Climate School website. We hope you can join us be part of the process!
- On November 3, along with the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) we will host a public discussion on Mobilizing Private Capital for Climate Action in Emerging Markets, where we’ll be joined by many climate leaders including Deputy White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. You can join in person or virtually.
- On Thursday, November 4, we will connect Columbia University and University of Strathclyde students with an all-star cast of climate and energy leaders including Jason Bordoff, Gina McCarthy, Catherine McKenna, Mary Nichols, Peggy Shepard, Laurence Tubiana, and Alex Halliday. You can register to attend in person here, or register for the livestream here.
- On November 4, the CGEP is hosting a virtual discussion on engaging state-owned power companies in climate action. You can register here.
- On Monday, November 8, we are partnering with the Obama Foundation to host former President Barack Obama for a roundtable with youth activists, including Columbia University students, to discuss how to accelerate climate action.
- On Monday, November 8, the Climate School, the Center on Global Energy Policy, and Galvanize Climate Solutions will host a dinner with global leaders in climate finance to explore strategies on mobilizing private capital for climate action in developing countries, featuring USAID Administrator Samantha Power and Galvanize Climate Solutions Co-Founder Tom Steyer.
- On Monday, November 8, there will be a special dinner introducing people who have been working in the adaptation field to the new Columbia Climate School. The dinner is hosted by The Earth Institute and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society.
- On Wednesday, November 10, Climate School Founding Dean Alex Halliday will serve on a panel of judges for the Climate Challenge Cup Awards Ceremony, celebrating innovative projects to address the climate crisis. Register for the livestream here.
Very pleased that the Asian Mountain nations are at COP26 and with a unified message – I’ve only a superficial reading, but there does seem a lot to worry about.