Hosted in Belém, Brazil, the conference aims to facilitate discussions on climate change right in the centre of the Amazon rainforest.
A delegation of experts from the University will be attending the conference, where they will be lending their expertise on climate issues and solutions and highlighting key University research projects.
COP30 sessions
COP30 starts on Monday 10 November and runs until Friday 21 November. The conference, now in its 30th year, will be attended by national leaders, policy makers, academics and activists from across the globe.
Themes for this year’s event include transitioning energy systems, building climate resilient cities, transforming agriculture and unleashing the finance and technology necessary to combat climate change.
Joining discussions in Brazil from Edinburgh will be Professor Liz Grant, Magnus Course, senior lecturer in social anthropology, Dr Maya Mayblin, senior lecturer in social and political science, Dr Iain McNicol, programme development manager for global change, Dr Pablo Sanchez Martinez, a researcher into ecophysiology, and PhD student Lion Martius.
As well as attending sessions and observing proceedings, academics will also be leading and contributing to events at COP30.
Notably, Professor Liz Grant will represent the University and Scotland Beyond Net Zero at the British Council Panel Session on 11 November.
Professor Margaret Graham will lead a session on the role of partnerships for universities to make a difference on climate action. The event will take place at the Higher Education for Climate Action Pavillion on 15 November.
Thought leadership
More than 20 academics have also contributed to a brochure capturing how Edinburgh is using its research, innovation and thought-leadership to address the issues being discussed at COP30.
The publication, ‘Advancing action Edinburgh’s Research and Reflections for COP30 and the Future’, will be distributed at the beginning of the conference.
The brochure includes essays that address each thematic area, where experts delve into the complex issues of climate change and offer solutions and reflections grounded in their current research.
Events on campus
On the other side of the Atlantic, a number of events are being held on campus in Edinburgh to engage the University community with COP.
The Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) is hosting a COP Café, with live screenings from Brazil and expert discussions.
COP Café begins on 12 November 10:30am to 12pm, where staff and students are encouraged to join the Climate Change Management MSc programme for an informal panel discussion on experiences, hopes and predictions for COP30, followed by a networking lunch.
On 19 November from 2pm to 5pm the cafe will host an afternoon of learning and discussion featuring a COP30 explainer, a panel on amplifying local voices, and interactive breakout sessions on key climate themes. Student societies at the University have also received a digital COP pass, and will host events for their members.
Online learning
The University is also running a free online course – Learning for a Sustainable Future: Live at COP30 – in parallel with the summit. It will explore what CO30 is, its importance and reflect on how you can personally take action towards sustainable futures.
More information and details of how to sign up
University’s climate actions
Aligning with COP30 climate ambitions, the University is committed to creating a more sustainable world, addressing climate change through its world-leading research, teaching, partnerships and innovations.
Tackling the climate and environmental emergencies are a key part of the University's mission to become carbon neutral by 2040.
Actions taken to mitigate the University’s climate impact and make strides to net-zero include divesting from fossil fuels, which was completed in 2021. This involved removing direct and pooled investments in companies involved in the extraction and production of fossil fuels.
Other actions taken also include scaling renewable energy generation on campus and the creation of a sustainable travel policy.
Related links
Edinburgh Earth Initiative website
Image credit: Wagner Meier/Getty Images