Hosted by Politics & International Relations, this series of recorded events offered fascinating insights into current challenges in global climate policy.
The events were attended by staff, students and alumni from across our Honours, Masters, and doctoral programmes in Politics & International Relations. Participants had a chance to engage with climate policy experts from a wide range of backgrounds, including from the Scottish government, international organisations such as the World Bank and European Commission, research institutes, and non-governmental organizations.
Invited experts talked about current challenges in climate politics such as the need to mobilize funding for a ‘just transition’ toward a carbon-neutral economy. Among the key questions covered by discussants were:
- What are the financing needs to confront climate change? Who should pay?
- Through which institutional mechanisms should climate aid be channelled?
- Is the Green Climate Fund the solution or the problem?
- To what extent does COVID-19 facilitate transition to carbon-neutral economy?
- What is the track-record in mainstreaming climate issues into other sectoral agendas, such as trade negotiations, energy strategies, security cooperation?
In addition, our invited experts shared their experience working in the climate sector. Our experts covered the following questions:
- Which professional roles are there for social scientists to help tackle climate change?
- Which skills do employers expect graduates to have? Which skills do employees need in their daily work?
- Where do I find current vacancies?
The event took place over three afternoon sessions from 19-21 April 2021.
Climate Justice and Development (19/04/2021)
Panelists:
- Michael Mikulewicz, Centre for Climate Justice, Glasgow Caledonian University
- Laetitia Pettinotti, Climate Change Economist, Overseas Development Institute
- Marc Sadler, Manager of the Climate Funds Management Unit, World Bank
Moderation: Dr Bernhard Reinsberg
Zoom recording (Passcode: GV2?RroR)
The COVID-19 crisis: a new chance to build a climate-friendly future? (20/04/2021)
Panelists:
- Professor Elizabeth Bomberg, Environmental Politics, University of Edinburgh
- Mairi McAllan, Special Adviser to the First Minister of Scotland
- Dr Jacob Werksman, Principal Adviser, DG CLIMA, European Commission
Moderation: Professor Beatrice Heuser
Zoom recording (Passcode: m8122.Gm)
Career paths in a carbon-neutral future (21/04/2021)
Panelists:
- Isabel Cavelier, European Climate Foundation, Director of Strategy, International Climate Politics Hub
- Hazel Gulliver, Director of Engagement, Scottish Power
Moderation: Dr Dickon Copsey
Zoom recording (Passcode: EA6&rB*k)
Part of the COP26 activities at the College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow
