JRC at the COP26 – The 2021 UN climate change conference

The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26), the 2021 UN climate change conference, will take place in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November.

The COP26 will bring Parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Registration

Register online

Programme and detailed information of Commission events at COP26

At COP events, the Commission's department to fight climate change (Climate Action) leads the negotiations on behalf of the EU.

Visit the dedicated COP26 European Union side events website

See full programme

JRC side events in COP26

The JRC is bringing to the conference independent scientific evidence and technical advice. Our scientist are presenting studies, new tools, and contribute to the discussions.

The COP26 events will have a hybrid format; from the EU Pavilion in Glasgow, from Brussels or completely online.

Monday, 1 November

• The role of photovoltaics for the global energy transition – requirements and a spotlight on Africa

Description

This event will focus on energy transition scenarios to realise the global energy transition, and will present arguments supporting that solar photovoltaics could become our majority global energy source and argue for an improved representation of this technology in climate and energy models.

The event is co-organised with the Aarhus University, the Lappeenranta University of Technology, the International Solar Alliance, and the RTS Corporation.

JRC speaker: Arnulf JÄGER-WALDAU

• Too much data: How can the composite indicators and scoreboards explorer help you?

Description

This event will focus on exploring and discussing on the Composite Indicators & Scoreboards Explorer, in the context of COP26. This new composite indicators tool will combine data from multiple sources, visuals and narratives, allowing analysing policy questions, designing compelling communication and to making informed decisions.

It is a standalone event organised by the JRC.

JRC speakers: Michaela SAISANA, Ana Rita NEVES, Carlos MOURA

• EO for Climate Action: Mitigation, REDD+, and the Global Stocktake

Description

This side event will focus on building awareness on the substantial, and increasing potential of Earth Observation (EO) for addressing Climate Mitigation – from both EU and International perspectives. EO provides a global, objective and transparent evidence base on which to develop, implement and assess Mitigation policies.

The event is co-organised with the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), DG DEFIS and DG RTD.

JRC moderator: Mark DOWELL

Tuesday, 2 November

• Connecting the dots: From ambition raising to mission zero

Description

This side event will provide with an up-to-date assessment on global climate policy commitments. The world is getting closer to the temperature targets of the Paris Agreement, but substantial further actions are needed. The JRC will launch the 2021 edition of the Global Energy and Climate Outlook (GECO) 2021.

The event is co-organised with China’s National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC), the consulting firm Carbone 4, German Federal Environment Agency

JRC speaker: Matthias WEITZEL

Thursday 4 November

• Building blocks for transformative climate action

Description

Transformative climate action is needed for a successful green transition. The event discusses the role and potential impact of three fundamental building blocks for transforming economies: financing (with a focus on green bonds) and macroeconomic policy in developing economies.

The event is co-organised with the Institute for Climate Economics (I4CE) and the French Development Agency (AFD).

JRC speaker: Serena FATICA

Monday 8 November

• Land for climate and biodiversity: scientific challenges and highlights from EU-China cooperation

Description

The event will present the findings of a JRC paper also published in Nature climate change. The study proposes an adjustment to anthropogenic land CO2 fluxes to allow a like-with-like comparison between global models and national GHG inventories, which would support a more accurate assessment of collective progress towards the Paris Agreement.

The event is co-organised by the JRC, DG CLIMA and the Strategic Partnerships for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement (SPIPA) Programme.

JRC speaker: Giacomo GRASSI

• Options for climate-neutral transition towards sustainable food systems and forest management

Description

The event will display new estimates of two global databases (EDGAR-FOOD and EDGAR-LULUCF) for greenhouse gas (GHG) footprints on sectorial level. The event will also present results of the potential effects of reducing food waste and changing diets demonstrated by a global simulation model (MAGNET, latest article)

The event is co-organised with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO).

JRC speakers: Robert M'BAREK (moderator), Simone ROSSI, Monica CRIPPA, Kirsten BOYSEN-URBAN, Giacomo GRASSI

Wednesday 10 November

• New European Bauhaus: a global dimension

Description

This side event will be the first opportunity to present, discuss and reflect on the global dimension of the New European Bauhaus, and look at how citizens and communities around the world could get involved, exchange ideas and cooperate with the New European Bauhaus movement.

It is a standalone event organised by the JRC.

JRC moderator: Xavier TROUSSARD

• Just Transition: Putting People & Fairness at the Heart of the Transition to Climate Neutrality

Description

This side event will aim to bring fairness at the core of climate policy discussions and raise awareness on the need for a Just Transition. As climate policy may raise energy prices, we need to make sure we introduce elements in policy that take considerations of the poor and vulnerable in society.

The event is co-organised with the Net Zero Technology Centre, the association Transizione Ecologica Solidale (TES), the foundation Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, the Government of Scotland, and lead by DG EMPL.

JRC speaker: Antonio SORIA

Thursday 11 November

• How education can support transition towards a climate neutral society

Description

This side event will bring together actors of the education community involved in projects related to education for climate.

The European Commission will present the EU approach on Education for Environmental Sustainability (EES) aiming to boost cooperation and exchange on education and training for the green transition.

This includes the community of practice Education for Climate Coalition set-up, to be launched during the first Education for Climate Day, on 25 November.

The event is co-organised with the Office for Climate Education (OCE), The Climate Fresk NGO, and DG EAC.

JRC speakers: An THIJS, Tremeur DENIGOT

• Climate impacts as drivers of displacement: science, human rights and policy response

Description

Our scientists will reveal the main findings of a new JRC Science for Policy report on climate-induced displacement in Africa, published in conjunction with the COP26 session. This will happen during the side event “Climate impacts as drivers of displacement: science, human rights and policy response” and amongst other, the JRC presentation will shed light on the connection between climate change and net migration, as well as the importance of local adaptation measures.

JRC speaker: Fabrizio NATALE

COP 26 - background

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the international response to climate change.

It is a treaty that sets out the basic responsibilities of the 196 Parties (States), plus the European Union (EU), to fight climate change.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the decision-making body of the Convention.

The parties meet annually to review progress in the implementation of the convention, while other instruments underpinning its implementation are proposed, assessed and approved.

• Visit the Glasgow COP26 website
• Visit the dedicated UN website for the Glasgow Climate Change Conference COP26

Venue

Glasgow, Brussels, online, GB