EARC joins COP26 Universities Network

Eastern Arc has joined the COP26 Universities Network.

With the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) due to take place in November, the Network exists to ensure that universities play a central part in the discussions, and that participants have access to rigorous evidence-based research.

It is based on the network that was created for the COP21 in Paris, through which a series of publications, events and activities took place to create momentum, engage public and business audiences, and provide support to the UK government in its planning.

In addition, the Network has developed links with its Italian higher-education counterparts, so that plans are shared between academics in our two countries.

The Network already consists of over 50 UK universities that have met at a grassroots, academic level since September 2019 to discuss and agree the plans for COP26. This will be broadened out further and the Network is encouraging further, wider participation, including from other consortia.

The vision of the Network is very much in line with those for Eastern Arc. At our heart is an intention to deliver real and tangible change through a close collaboration to address pressing issues of sustainable development. As our Strategy 2020-25 states,

We are living through a time of unprecedented change and increasing economic disparity. The UK Parliament has declared a climate emergency, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has stated that we are ‘at a tipping point,’ with inequalities at their highest levels in 30 years and widening.

We need to act now, and we need to act together. By collaborating, we believe that we can achieve more than if we acted alone. By sharing our resources, our knowledge and our skills, we will be more effective in overcoming the specific challenges to a sustainable, peaceful and equitable future.

To find out more about the work of the COP26 Universities Network, click here.