Climate solutions exist - so why isn't more happening? On 9 December, researchers from University of Cambridge and Lund University will gather in Lund and online to try to find answers to how we can accelerate the climate transition.
The UN climate panel is clear: human activity is already affecting extreme weather, ecosystems, our health, and livelihoods worldwide. At the same time, there are a range of strategies and solutions that can help us balance nature's role with society's needs. The challenge is to scale up what works - and to have the vision to develop completely new, untested solutions.
"This conference is a recognition of a growing international collaboration between the University of Cambridge and Lund University. We are determined to work together to advance research on climate change and biodiversity loss, the energy transition, and adaptation to a changing planet," says Erik Mackie, Head of Research Engagement at Cambridge Zero (the University of Cambridge's umbrella organization for climate research).
He is one of many people currently visiting Lund University to discuss how we can address some of the most urgent and decisive societal challenges of our time.
"Climate emissions are continuing to increase and yet political focus has shifted. Now research must continue, and specifically explore questions where new knowledge can make a difference. Researchers at Cambridge and Lund are well equipped for this, especially as they now can get to know each other even better and have the opportunity to jointly develop new ideas," says Per Mickwitz, Pro Vice-Chancellor for research, sustainability and campus development at Lund University.
About a hundred researchers from Lund and Cambridge are participating as speakers, in panels, and in workshop discussions.
The conference has been fully booked for a long time. In total, 277 people have registered, of which 166 are from Lund University, 37 from University of Cambridge, and 74 from other universities, public authorities, and industry.
The conference will alternate lectures with roundtable discussions and centres around the following themes: energy transitions, climate and biodiversity, adaptation, losses and damages, at what cost sustainable development occurs, and better understanding of future risks in a changing climate and society.
