Pictures: Columbia Environment School at COP26
Alex Halliday, founding dean of the Columbia Climate School, discussed why it was crucial for the School to be present at COP26. Together with the Obama Foundation, the Columbia Climate School helped to organize a roundtable discussion between former president Barack Obama and young environment activists. He thanked and acknowledged Columbia for setting up the Climate School, and informed the audience to not be prevented or feel their efforts decreased if expectations were not met in Glasgow: “Youre constructing power,” he stated.
Climate School establishing dean Alex Halliday served as a judge for the Climate Challenge Cup, a competition that showcased interesting developments required to tackle environment change.
At the current COP26 meeting in Glasgow, world leaders satisfied to hammer out the details of the Paris environment agreement and to discover brand-new methods to reduce emissions and adjust to a warming planet. Amongst them were scholars from the Columbia Climate School, who helped to form the conversation by hosting and getting involved in a number of special events.
Alex Halliday, establishing dean of the Columbia Climate School, discussed why it was crucial for the School to be present at COP26. “A Climate School that simply does terrific research and education will not necessarily make much of a difference,” he stated.
Three of the Columbia Climate Schools co-founding deans– Alex Halliday, Ruth DeFries, and Jason Bordoff– pose for an image with previous president Barack Obama.
Together with the Obama Foundation, the Columbia Climate School assisted to organize a roundtable discussion between former president Barack Obama and young environment activists. He thanked and acknowledged Columbia for setting up the Climate School, and informed the audience to not be discouraged or feel their efforts diminished if expectations were not met in Glasgow: “Youre building power,” he said.
See the conversation on C-SPAN, and see the students reactions here.
Eduarda Zoghbi (left), a climate activist and student in Columbias MPA program, shared her ideas during the discussion with former president Barack Obama. Photo: Obama Foundation
Climate School establishing dean Alex Halliday served as a judge for the Climate Challenge Cup, a competitors that showcased amazing developments required to take on climate modification. Image by Charlotte Munson
The Climate Schools signature occasion, “Turning Ambition into Action,” went over a number of topics, including the function of universities in the environment crisis, how environment justice advocates were not well-represented at COP26, and what really goes on after the world leaders leave. Deputy White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi had some closing words for trainees: “Be persistent, be hesitant, be scientists, but be optimistic.”
Environment School co-founding dean Ruth DeFries shared her research during a speak about how nature-based solutions can improve incomes, nutrition, and more.