COP26UK Universities' Climate Innovation Showcase
Mission possible
This is a sample of the innovative work going on at universities in the UK, showcasing the creativity and endeavour of researchers to develop new ways to reduce greenhouse emissions, adapt life to the changing climate, help us to better understand the nature of the climate and its impacts, and inform action.
The showcase, which comprises an exhibition of climate-related research, as well as a series of events, has been curated by the COP26 Universities Network, an informal association of academics in the UK active on subjects related to climate change, who wanted to work together in support of the aims of the 26th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties, i.e. COP26.
Images of climate innovation
The images in this exhibition were submitted by researchers and academics across the UK and are grouped under six themes.
The work represented here is not all that UK researchers are doing related to climate change. There is lots more besides, information on which can be found on the websites of universities right across the country and on the pages of funding bodies such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Sustainable world
Modern life requires energy and materials, the production of which causes greenhouse gas emissions. How can we use resources more efficiently and sustainably, or even engineer the removal of CO2 from the air and store it safely?
Living on land & sea
We depend on land and sea for food, the natural storage of CO2 and the hosting of infrastructure. How can these needs be met and balanced with respect for nature’s richness and diversity?
Fuel for thought
Our use of fossil fuels has been the biggest cause of climate change since the industrial revolution. How can we make best use of renewable sources to meet society’s demand for energy in every minute of every day?
Adapt & advance
The climate has already changed and will continue to because of the cumulative effects of emissions. This is causing dramatic changes to weather patterns. How can life adapt to these impacts?
Behind the science
We know how the climate is changing and why, but work is still to be done to understand the complexities and local effects more fully and better inform action.
Telling the story
Climate change affects everyone. How are academics helping our collective understanding of it and what we might do about it?
Events & activities
The COP26 Universities Network invited proposals for events – many of them happening online – to help showcase some of the work that is being done, the collaborations that have been formed (often with industry or non-government organisations), and the challenges that remain.
View events & activities