The University of Winchester has joined the COP26 Universities Network to help deliver a successful United Nations' Climate Change Conference (COP26) and support its mission of a low-carbon, resilient world.
The Network is a growing group of 80 UK-based universities and research institutions working together to raise the ambition for tangible outcomes from the United Nations' COP26 Climate Change Conference taking place in Glasgow in November 2021.
Working with colleagues in the Cabinet Office, the Foreign Office, learned academies and institutions, the Network aims to drive change at a central government level and make a real positive difference in the lead up to COP26 and beyond, by easing access to evidence and academic expertise for COP26 for government, Non-Governmental Organisations, and other agencies. The Network also aims to create lasting partnerships and legacies that reach beyond the Conference.
Alongside the launch of the University's new Institute for Climate and Social Justice in autumn 2021, membership of the Network will increase the University's efforts in tackling climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon future. The focus of the Institute is the intersections of climate change and social justice in global communities.
Professor Robert Beckford, Director of the University's Institute for Climate and Social Justice, said: "Through signing up to the COP26 Universities Network, the University of Winchester will be able to make an important contribution to address the challenge of climate change. COP26 will drive momentum to deliver change, and we at the University of Winchester can be part of that."
Dr Simon Boxley, convener of the Centre for Climate Change Action and Education, added: "We have already co-authored a briefing paper for the Network on mainstreaming Climate Change Education. The University continues to lead on ensuring that our graduates leave with an understanding of the importance of climate change in their world and future employment; playing an active part in the Network allows us an opportunity to build further on our firm foundations."
The University is hosting a series of events to mark COP26, including public lectures; an exhibition of photographs of underwater sculptures by sculptor and environmentalist Jason DeCaires Taylor, and a 'Sing for the Climate' event with the University of Winchester Music Centre and WinACC (Winchester Action on Climate Change). Details will be published on the University website at: www.winchester.ac.uk/events
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