Participating in COP26 with colleagues from MIT was an insight into the complexity of addressing the climate challenge. Daily the pavilion was abuzz with thousands of climate champions from around the world. The conversational hum of discussion filled each venue and multiple languages could be discerned with a keen ear. It was energizing to see how passionate people from every corner of the globe came to Glasgow with optimism and purpose to enact change—however slow or small the steps forward may be. While there are many takeaways from my experience, below are a few highlights:
Each day outside of the COP26 venue there were large groups of protesters, urging world leaders to make meaningful action on climate.
The Loss & Damage Fund was a major topic of discussion to urge developed nations to financially contribute to pay for the past, present, and future damages to mainly developing countries who are bearing the brunt of climate impacts, not primarily caused by their actions.
A vital topic being discussed was the inherently gendered nature of climate change and the role of education, especially for girls and women on climate issues. Numerous studies have confirmed the disproportionate impact climate-related challenges have on women and girls and the opportunity to better equip them to face these issues and lead.
The Cryosphere Pavillion focused on research and policy concerning Earth’s snow and ice resources. Starting this year and continuing annually, the State of the Cryosphere report will summarize key concerns and any progress made to understand and protect these vanishing resources. It was a sobering reminder that ice loss can be permanent, representing a state change to the Earth’s climate system, even if warming is maintained at 1.5 deg C. The only way to regrow icesheets is during an ice age, making efforts to reduce warming even more vital.
