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Reflections from COP26

Climate

Penn faculty, researchers, and students at the COP26 conference reflect on some of the biggest issues facing climate action.

This year, a delegation from Penn traveled to Glasgow, Scotland to attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s Conference of Parties (COP26). This is the second time Penn has had official observer status at the crucial global conference on climate change.

While there, Penn faculty, researchers, and students had time to reflect on some of the biggest issues facing climate action. Read their insights on the role of wealthy nations, commitments to end coal use, the potential impact on cities, and more.

Anticipating COP26

Mark Alan Hughes

As COP kicks off in Glasgow this week, wealthy nations playing fair will build the trust necessary for finance provisions.

Coal powered plant in Eemshaven

What COP26 Coal Commitments Reveal

Cornelia Colijn

COP26 delivers on long-term commitments to decarbonize through coal reductions but reveals short-term problems that global leaders face at home.

For Effective Climate Finance, Developing Countries and MDBs Lead by Example

Michael Franczak

Bankers promise trillions at COP26, but effective climate finance will not come from markets alone.

summer heat wave in the city

It’s Cities Day at COP26. Here’s What Your City Can Do.

Mark Alan Hughes

With a focus on national commitments at COP26, cities claim their own role in climate action.

vlt train in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - November 21, 2020: vlt train, one of the main means of transport in downtown rio de janeiro.

Can Cities Fill the Gap in Climate Leadership?

Amy Montgomery

Home to more than 50% of the global population, cities are at the center of the climate crisis. Local action plays an important role in reducing overall global emissions. But recent studies find that cities, like countries, struggle to accurately measure and report their carbon emissions.

Large Waves Breaking Against Sea Wall At Dawlish In Devon

Can We Measure Successful Climate Adaptation?

Allison Lassiter

As countries take longer to cut emissions, adaptation will require more extreme measures. How will countries successfully adapt? What does successful adaptation look like? Can adaptation be quantified and tracked?

Further Reading

Penn at COP26: By the Numbers

Penn IUR’s Daily Bulletin from COP26

Perry World House: Climate Change and Geopolitics