Live Panel Discussion on COP 26

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Dr. Thomas Schinko, leader of the Equity and Justice (EQU) Research Group in the Population and Just Societies (POPJUS) Research Program was invited by the Austrian national radio station OE1 to represent IIASA's systems perspective on an expert panel discussing the upcoming 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26), bringing to the table his expertise on climate economics and comprehensive climate risk management. At IIASA, Dr. Schinko has focused his research on the identification of just and inclusive climate risk management strategies, the understanding of risks and risk perceptions connected with climate change mitigation and adaptation options, and the ethical and politico-economic aspects in the context of a Just Transition towards a sustainable future.

The live panel discussion aimed at reaching the wider public in Austria, will address the political and public perception of the Climate Crisis and what can be done to improve the sense of urgency worldwide. Moreover, the expert panel will discuss how we can reach the goals and objectives of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26), scheduled to take place in Glasgow on 31 October - 12 November 2021. The overarching objective of COP 26 is to "bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change". As the commitments agreed upon in Paris did not come close to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, COP26’s first goal is to urge countries to go further and update their plans for reducing emissions worldwide. As the climate is already changing and will continue to change even as we reduce emissions, with devastating effects today and in the future, particularly on the most vulnerable people, the second aim of COP26 is to enable and encourage countries to strengthen their adaptation ambitions to avoid further loss of life, livelihoods and natural habitats. To deliver on the first two goals, global North countries must make good on their promises and increase climate finance for climate action in the global South.

Finally, the expert panel will address Austria's options in reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the worldwide climate action. 

The Live Panel Discussion "Klartext: The Big Easy" will take place in person on 27 October at 18:30 CEST and will be broadcasted live on OE1 Radio Station.