In 2019 the United Nations (UN) declared a climate emergency. Facing catastrophic change to our climate and environment, the UN warned that everyone must work to reverse the damage we have inflicted on our planet and the place we all call home. Climate action is everyone’s responsibility and the immediacy to act is at tipping point.
In November 2021 the UK, in partnership with Italy, will host COP26 in Glasgow. The summit will bring together leaders and parties from across the globe to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention of Climate Change.
Here at Greenwich, we champion climate action and believe every university has a part to play in sustainable teaching. Ranked as a 'First Class University' by People and Planet along with our commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 demonstrates how we actively lead and engage to have a lasting positive impact. Our decisions are always, set firmly through the lens of sustainability and climate responsibility.
The Road to COP26
Today, 22 April 2021, on Earth Day and when world leaders are meeting for a global climate summit we have announced our commitment to COP26 and its objectives.
Aligning with our wider sustainability mission and values at Greenwich, we will take action to share our, knowledge, research and expertise to in support of the goal to keep the global temperature rise to below 2 degrees and preferably to below 1.5oC.
Throughout this year we will be hosting a series of events, research knowledge sharing, interactive learning sessions and open forums to discuss climate action and the role we play. As key leaders in collaboration and research our knowledge base is fundamental to change, and we believe that collaboration allows everyone to achieve a healthier planet.
"I believe it is vital that the university shows its commitment to tackling global issues through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Our participation in COP26 later this year further demonstrates our determination to tackle the global climate crisis."
Prof Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor
The university has joined the COP26 Universities Network to support the sector’s role in engaging with the Glasgow Conference and also in sharing the expertise of Greenwich academics that will be of interest in terms of partnerships, speaking and conference participation and media enquiries and opportunities.
Share your expertise
We encourage our academic staff working in carbon and climate related fields to visit the COP26 Universities Network and also upload their fields of knowledge to the database of climate expertise.
The university is also signed the Global Climate Letter for Universities and Colleges a group of institutions and networks of higher and further education from across the world collectively committing to going net-zero.
"We are proud to collaborate to help tackle climate change, we hope all of our students, staff and partners work together to help Greenwich and the world meet the ambitious, essential climate challenge we all face."
Simon Goldsmith, Head of Sustainability
