This hybrid event is open to all - online meeting link here.

Launch of Walker Institute / Microsoft UK Collaboration - Perspectives on COP26 for climate resilient societies

One of the big takeaways from COP26 was a clear increase in positive engagement from the private sector. There’s growing potential to accelerate progress towards climate goals with smart public/private partnerships building on each other’s strengths to efficiently translate the science through to solutions on the ground.

To that end, we’re proud to launch the Walker Institute’s ground-breaking new collaboration with Microsoft which aims to enable a climate-resilient society capable of adapting to an uncertain, changing world.

Join us in person, or online, for a panel discussion reflecting critically on the outcomes of COP26 and how technology can play a crucial role in their implementation. Our panellists bring perspectives from academia, tech business, the African continent and the younger generation.

Programme:

14:30 Tea and Coffee available

15:00 Welcome and introductory short talks from leaders representing the University of Reading, Microsoft and the Walker Institute

Paul Inman, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International), University of Reading

Jimmy Cockerton, Microsoft UK, Business Strategy Manager

Professor Rosalind Cornforth, Director of the Walker Institute, University of Reading

15:15 Panel discussion and questions from the audience chaired by Peter Gibbs, Chair of Walker Board:‘What really happened at COP26 and how can public private partnerships generate impact at scale?’

Eve Joseph, Microsoft Corp, Responsible for Environmental Sustainability Products and Services

Dr Alberto Arribas, Microsoft Corp, Sustainability Science Lead for Europe

Professor Ted Shepherd, Grantham Professor of Climate Science, University of Reading

Dr Aida Opoku-Mensah, Walker Institute Board member and former Chief of Staff at United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Jo Herschan, COP Climate Action Studio and SCENARIO DTP PhD Student

16:00 Screening of winning COPCAS film

16:15 Summing up and call to action

Professor Rosalind Cornforth, Director of the Walker Institute, University of Reading

16:20 Drinks and mingling

17:30 Close

Would you like to find out more about what it was really like at COP26 from people who took part? Do you have ideas about how you could work with Microsoft UK on future research on climate change, artificial intelligence, and sustainability?

We invite you to join us at this reflection on COP26 and launch of our exciting new collaboration with Microsoft UK and to explore future joint working.

Climate variability and change pose a huge risk to developing societies in the form of ecological degradation, state fragility, conflict, migration, rapid population growth and social inequality.

Understanding these issues demands a new approach that does not fit into any singular traditional academic discipline. The Walker Institute at the University of Reading is well placed to fill this critical gap: driving new interdisciplinary research to address these major global challenges.

Now through this new collaboration with, and generous support from, Microsoft, the Walker Institute is increasing its capacity to undertake its essential and impactful work. The collaboration will provide funding for the Walker Institute to advance research understanding of Earth’s natural systems, develop nature-based solutions to problems like agricultural stress, and strengthen collaborations with scientists and communities in affected areas.

“Walker Institute’s mission is to enable the development of climate-resilient societies: societies able to adapt in an uncertain, changing world. Our contribution to a new knowledge base is key, ensuring that climate-resilience is better understood and can be attained. We make a meaningful difference in peoples’ lives: conducting risk-taking, innovative and novel research to tackle the complexity of the global challenges facing society. This support from Microsoft lets us grow our research base, giving us more information and allowing us to answer critical questions more effectively and more efficiently.”

Professor Rosalind Cornforth, Walker Institute Director

“Sustainability at Microsoft is about helping us, and helping others, to reduce carbon emissions and protect biodiversity. A key way we do this is working with leaders in the fields of weather, climate, prediction and risk. We are delighted to be building the capacity of the Walker Institute to do more of what they do best, and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with both the Walker Institute and the University of Reading”.

Alberto Arribas Herranz, Microsoft Sustainability Science Lead for Europe

Registering for this event via the Eventbrite website means that your personal data will be processed by Eventbrite, Inc. in accordance with their privacy policy.

Registrations are closed

Microsoft UK / Walker Institute collaboration launch and COP26 next steps