Reflections from COP26

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.

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.

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.

Further Reading

PENN AT COP26: BY THE NUMBERS

PENN IUR’S DAILY BULLETIN FROM COP26