COP29 - University of Reading

From 11 to 22 November 2024, experts from the University of Reading joined climate leaders from across the world in Baku for COP29.

A delegation of staff and students from the University's Walker Institute engaged with global leaders, showcased our groundbreaking research, and contributed vital scientific insights to climate policy discussions.

The University's presence at COP29 combined physical and virtual participation, featuring a core team on the ground in Baku and broader engagement through remote attendance from our Whiteknights campus.

COP29 comes at a crucial time in our fight against climate change. The global community faces urgent decisions about climate adaptation and mitigation. Our role is to ensure these decisions are grounded in robust scientific evidence, particularly regarding support for vulnerable nations.

Professor Rosalind Cornforth, Director of the Walker Institute

Meet some of our COP29 delegates

Dr Deepa Senapathi

Professor Simone Varotto

Dr Emmanuel Essah

Professor Rosalind Cornforth

Reading students at COP29

Along with our academic experts, the University's COP29 delegation included students and early-career researchers from the Walker Institute.

Learn what it's really like at a COP conference, with University of Reading students both in the UK and on the ground in Baku.

Our response to COP29

“The new financial commitments are welcome and reflect the inclusive framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Without this, the world would be heading on a destructive trajectory with no cooperation on climate change.

“However, whilst the multi-lateral process remains important, we also need to be clear-eyed about the growing gap between current commitments and the scale of transformation needed.

“The scientific evidence and people’s stories of change from the ground signal the need for more ambitious cross-cutting action that targets communities and countries that are most vulnerable.

Professor Rosalind Cornforth, Director of the Walker Institute

Learn more about our climate expertise

The Walker Institute has led the University's COP involvement for almost a decade and is an accredited official observer.

The Walker Institute undertakes global interdisciplinary research to advance knowledge and deliver a better understanding of future climate, its impacts, and the consequences on people’s lives. Our research supports the development of climate resilient societies.

Our observer status underpins our research in support of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in which we are heavily involved.

Discover more about the Walker Institute's involvement with COP29

We're green in all sorts of ways

1st in the People & Planet University League 2023/24

The Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2025, Sustainable University of the Year

Queen's Anniversary Prize for climate research and action

Winner of Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Leadership, London Higher Award 2024

Winner of Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership