WRI at COP26
WRI is at the heart of many conversations at COP26. Tune in to an upcoming event or a recorded webinar with WRI researchers and other renowned experts at this year's climate negotiations.
Monday Nov 1
Navigating the Transition to Zero Carbon Buildings
Over one third of the world’s carbon emissions are generated by the buildings sector. As such, the buildings and construction sector must urgently be decarbonized to meet Paris Agreement goals. The Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction and World Resources Institute will host a joint event to announce the Buildings as a Critical Climate Solution commitment and showcase countries developing roadmaps to implement these ambitious goals. Ministers and mayors from Colombia and Turkey, the first countries to join the Zero Carbon Building Accelerator – a WRI initiative aligning national roadmaps and local action plans, will highlight opportunities and challenges, and officials from Cambodia and Vietnam will discuss their framework and approach to reducing emissions from the built environment as a part of GlobalABC’s Roadmaps for Buildings and Construction in Asia.
Time: November 1, 16:00 – 17:30 GMT
Location: Buildings Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): WRI, UNEP, Global ABC
Speakers:
- Jennifer Layke, Global Director, Energy, WRI
- Martina Otto, GlobalABC
- Others TBC
WRI Contact: Kayla Rakes
Land and Carbon Lab Launch
Time: November 1, 17:00-18:30 GMT
Location: Nature Pavilion
Organizer(s): WRI, Initiative 20x20
Speakers:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, WRI
WRI Contact: Christopher Ede-Calton
Tuesday Nov 2
Parched Power: Assessing Physical Climate Risks for Power Generation Project Portfolios
Physical climate hazards — like water temperature and water stress — can cause substantial disruptions to power production now and in the future. The demand for information on the implications of physical climate risk is increasing, driven by burgeoning environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds and investor scrutiny of material climate risks, particularly in the power generation sector. However, quantifying physical climate risks in loan and equity portfolios of power generation assets in a cost-effective way remains challenging.
In this event on the Finance Day of COP26, we will introduce a cost-effective yet comprehensive framework for assessing physical climate risks for power generation project portfolios, co-developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Additionally, we will share a pilot study where we apply the framework over EBRD’s current power generation portfolio, and demonstrate how investors can leverage portfolio-level physical climate risk assessment to inform their financial and investment decision-making and shift towards a climate resilient future.
Time: November 2, 10:00- 10:30 GMT
Speakers:
- Tianyi Luo, Director of Aqueduct, Water Program, WRI
- James Falzon, Principal, EBRD
- Kathleen Dominique, Programme Lead, OECD
WRI Contact: Marlena Chertock
How Cities are Inspiring Nations, Companies, and Financiers to Embrace Forest Action
This event will showcase how city leadership on forest conservation is inspiring nations, states, companies, and financial institutions to invest in nature for climate, biodiversity, and human prosperity and well-being. The event will showcase the Cities4Forests “Call to Action on Forests and Climate,” which has been signed by 50 mayors from around the world to advocate for greater forest action. We will showcase leading global actors who will respond to the Call to Action by increasing their commitments to forest action for climate mitigation and adaptation, pledging to work with cities on forest issues; and sharing the most impactful forest-related plans, policies, and investments. The event will also feature Mayors showcasing creative city leadership on forest issues.
Time: November 2, 11:00 – 12:30 GMT
Location: Nature Zone + Online
Organizer(s): WRI, Cities4Forests
Speakers:
- Craig Hanson, Vice President for Food, Forest, Water & the Ocean, WRI
- Raymond Johansen, Governing Mayor, Oslo, Norway
- Mario Ramón Silva Rodríguez, Director General, Metropolitan Institute of Planning, Guadalajara Metropolitan Area
- Camila Zepeda, Director General for Global Affairs, Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Stephen O’Driscoll, Head of Environment, Climate and Social Policy, European Investment Bank
- Juergen Voegele, Vice President for Sustainable Development, World Bank
- Benigno Lopez, Vice President for Sectors and Knowledge, Inter-American Development Bank
WRI Contact: James Anderson
Public Policies and Private Investment for Conservation and Landscape Restoration in Latin America
This is a free-flowing discussion between ministers and CEOs of impact investment firms on aligning public policies with private investment to promote the conservation and restoration of land in Latin American and the Caribbean. The discussion will center on overcoming the barriers that prevent a faster allocation of environmentally inclined capital flows into land conservation and restoration. This event is organized by Initiative 20x20, an alliance of 18 countries launched at COP 20 that aims to protect and restore 50 million hectares of the region’s ecosystems.
Time: November 2, 13:00GMT
Location: European Investment Bank Pavilion-Blue Zone + Online
Organizer(s): WRI as the Secretariat of Initiative 20x20
Speakers:
- Carolina Schmidt, Minister of Environment of Chile
- Carolina Suárez, CEO of LATIMPACTO
- Edward Rumsey, Managing Partner of Permian Global
- Hervé Bourguignon, Senior Venture Partner of Moringa Fund
WRI Contact: Walter Vergara
A New Phase for AFR100: Accelerating Africa’s Locally Led Land Restoration Movement
Since COP21, 31 African countries have committed to restore 128 million hectares of degraded land through AFR100. Their goal? Improve food security, spur rural prosperity, and address climate change while adapting to its impacts. Thousands of community-based organizations and entrepreneurs are ready, but they need serious and nimble finance. Join Wanjira Mathai from World Resources Institute and high-level guests for a look at the second phase of AFR100 and Africa's top locally led restoration projects.
Time: November 2, 13:00 – 14:30 GMT
Location: Nature Zone + Online
Organizer(s): WRI with partners
Speakers:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, WRI
- Wanjira Mathai, Vice President and Regional Director for Africa, WRI
WRI Contact: Sean DeWitt
Zero Emissions Solutions Conference: 2C. Climate Finance: Making Good on the Rhetoric
The Zero Emissions Solutions Conference (ZESC) is a direct follow-up to key commitments in the Paris Agreement. In the Paris Agreement, every country is responsible for producing a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period to 2030 as well as a Low-Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) to 2050 (Article 4, paragraph 19).
Following several successful iterations of the ZESC predecessor, the Low-Emission Solutions Conference, at COP22, COP23, COP24, and COP25, the Conference continues into its fifth year as a virtual event alongside COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland with the aim of bringing together different sectors and stakeholders to maximize international commitments to climate action in the wake of the Paris Agreement and aid in implementation.
Time: November 2,16:00 - 17:30 GMT
Location: Online
Organizer(s): UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Emory University, Monash University, University College London (UCL), University of Strathclyde
Speakers:
- Pankaj Bhatia, Deputy Director, Climate; Global Director, GHG Protocol
WRI contact: Stacy Hong
Adaptation Action Coalition COP26 Event
This hybrid online/in-person event brought adaptation leaders across the globe together to catalyze adaptation action during the World Leader’s Summit. This high-level session allowed leaders to discuss what is needed to advance adaptation progress and provided AAC member countries an opportunity to reaffirm their commitments to adaptation action across various sectors. The event consisted of a high-level panel session focused on taking a whole-of-society approach to adaptation action, followed by a Ministerial session where Ministers reaffirmed their commitments to adaptation action in partnership with the AAC.
Time: November 2, 17:30 – 18:30 GMT
Location: Resilience Hub + Online
Organizer(s): WRI
Speakers:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, World Resources Institute
- Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Secretary of State for International Trade and UK International Champion on Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency, UK
- Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, Arab Republic of Egypt
- Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator
- Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Arab Republic of Egypt
- Francesco Rocca, President of International Federal of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
- Frances Way, Executive Director, COP-26 Climate Champions Team
- Alexandria Villaseñor, Youth Climate Activist and Founder of Earth Uprising
- Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Minister of Forests and Environment, Nepal
- Shamiso Najira, Deputy Director for Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, Malawi
- Shoda Yutaka, Vice Minister for Global Environmental Affairs, Government of Japan
- Ambassador Henk Ovink, Special Envoy for International Water Affairs, the Netherlands
- Christina Chan, Senior Adaptation Advisor to John Kerry - Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, United States
- Ambassador Ayman Tharwat, Deputy Director, Environment and Sustainable Development Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Arab Republic of Egypt
- Vijay Rangarajan, Director General, Americas and Overseas Territories, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK
WRI Contact: Catherine Beal
Wednesday Nov 3
Our Obsession With Technology Will Slow Down the Green Transition
More information and tickets can be found on the NY Times Climate Hub Website.
Time: November 3, 14:00 – 14:50 GMT
Location: New York Times Climate Hub SWG3 Glasgow + Online
Organizer(s): New York Times Climate Hub
Speakers:
- Ulka Kelkar, Director of Climate, WRI India
WRI Contact: Ulka Kelkar
Thursday Nov 4
Climate, Clean Air and Health: An Integrated Approach
To find enduring solutions for air pollution, public health and climate change, we need to define the problem and the solution in ways that engage allies beyond the traditional environmentally focused regulators and agencies. We need to build awareness of the health and development gains that cleaner air can deliver, as well as a shared understanding of pollution sources and solutions. The “end of tailpipe, top of smokestack” approach will not be enough to stem the tide of emissions that is warming the atmosphere and causing a global public health crisis - we also need a forward-looking approach that builds clean air into public investment, urban planning, infrastructure and service finance. This discussion will focus on the synergies between climate, health and air quality action; and highlight the need for an integrated approach across sectors, government and society.
Time: November 4, 09:30 – 10:30 GMT
Location: NDC Partnership Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): WRI, NDC Partnership
Speakers:
- Stientje van Veldhoven, Vice President and Regional Director for Europe, WRI
- Gillian Caldwell, Climate Change Coordinator, USAID
- Elena Villalobos Prats, Technical Officer, WHO
- Asep Kuswanto, Head, DLH Jakarta Environment Agency
WRI Contact: Beth Elliot
The Role of Energy Efficient Buildings on the Path to Net-Zero: Strategies for policy makers
Leading up to COP26, countries globally are committing to new, ambitious targets to reach net-zero by 2050. Buildings play a critical role in transitioning to a net-zero future, as they are responsible for about 40% of the global energy consumption and one-third of global GHG emissions. Transforming the built environment is critical to tackling the climate targets.
This event will present opportunities from the next generation of energy efficiency in the built environment to accelerate progress toward net-zero goals. Speakers will present examples from the private and public sectors on innovative programs that reduce the costs of mitigating emissions in the built environment while advancing social development, enhancing energy security and quality of life, and creating jobs.
Time: November 4, 13:30- 14:45GMT
Location: GEF Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): GEF
Speakers:
- Jennifer Layke, Global Director Energy Program, WRI
- Brian Motherway, Head of Energy Efficiency, IEA
- Carolina Urrutia, Secretary of the Environment, Bogotá
- H.E. Jorge Rivera, Energy Secretary, Panama
- Vincent Petit, Senior Vice-President, Global Strategy Prospective, Schneider Electric
- Melanie Slade, Senior Programme Manager, IEA
- Sayda Rodríguez, Head of the Ministry of Sustainable Development of the State of Yucatán, Mexico
- Filippo Berardi, Lead Climate Change Focal Area, GEF (Moderator)
WRI Contact: Kayla Rakes
Building Resilience in the Age of Water Stress
Addressing water stress is critical for building a resilient future. This event will explore the science, risk analytics, resilience opportunities, and government approaches to water stress management. Join Moody's ESG specialists, credit rating analysts and leading experts for a discussion on opportunities for building resilience and managing water stress risk globally. Key discussion points include: How can the latest science and technology help build resilience to water stress; How are cities managing water stress and adapting to an uncertain future; and How does water stress affect credit ratings for regional and local governments?
Time: November 4, 14:00-15:30 GMT
Location: Online
Organizer(s): Moody's
Speakers:
- Tianyi Luo, Director of Aqueduct, Water Program, WRI
- Rahul Ghosh, Managing Director – ESG Outreach & Research, Moody’s ESG Solutions
- Natalie Ambrosio Preudhomme, Director, Moody’s ESG Solutions
- Robert Bartop, Chief Risk Officer, SOURCE Global, PBC
- Michael Wertz, Vice President - Senior Analyst, Public Finance Group, Moody's Investors Service
- Katano Kasaine, Assistant General Manager / Chief Financial Officer, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
- Michael Webster, Executive Director, Water and Waste, City of Cape Town
- Snigdha Garg, Head of Adaptation Research & Performance, C40 Cities
- Zoe Jankel, Vice President - Senior Analyst, Sub-Sovereign Group, Moody's Investors Service
WRI Contact: Marlena Chertock
The Role of Private Equity and Finance in Advancing Building Decarbonization
This virtual panel discussion will explore strategies for private equity firms and financial institutions to accelerate decarbonization and improve resilience across their building portfolios. Leaders from global private equity firms, international financial institutions and non-governmental organizations will discuss investment barriers and opportunities, and consider the role of government policy and new business models to encourage private climate-oriented investment. Panelists will share insights into how private equity and banks can leverage sustainable financial instruments and new business models to improve both financial and environmental performance in support of net-zero climate goals. The session will include panelists from NREP, World Resources Institute, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, The Carlyle Group, Normative, and Sustainable Energy for All.
Time: November 4, 15:00 – 16:00 GMT
Location: ICC Make Climate Action Everyone's Business Forum + Online
Organizer(s): WRI, NREP
Speakers:
- Clay Nesler, Global Lead, Buildings, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
- Mikkel Bulow, NREP
- Lin O’Grady, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
- Kristian Ronn, CEO and Co-founder, Normative
- J.B. Oldenburg, Carlyle Group
- Brian Dean, SEforAll
- Moderator: Julia Panzer, UN Climate Action Group
WRI Contact: Kayla Rakes
Aligning Finance with the Paris Agreement and Unlocking $100 Billion
To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, financial flows need to help drive decarbonization and climate resilience. We explore the challenges and opportunities of aligning development finance with climate objectives, the critical role of export credit agencies and development banks, the post-2025 climate finance target, and the potential of national policy in unlocking international finance.
Time: November 4, 16:00 – 17:00 GMT
Location: EU Pavilion (virtual only)
Organizer(s): WRI, The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), Perspectives Climate Group, Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute
Speakers:
- Carolyn Neunuebel, Research Analyst, Finance Center, WRI
WRI Contact: Carolyn Neunuebel, Valerie Laxton
Step-by-Step: Priorities for the Transition to Net Zero
Thinkers from various academic disciplines contextualize the climate debate within a history of climate events, behavioral change and ideas, presenting a more provocative, radical lens through which to consider the COP26 climate agendas. This deep-dive introduction will be followed by a more practical and strategic discussion around immediate priorities. How do we decide which climate solutions to prioritize now, while ensuring that they are accessible to a maximum number of people? How do we instigate urgent, systemwide change without leaving large sectors of our populations behind? More information and tickets can be found on the Times Climate Hub Website.
Time: November 4, 16:00 – 16:50 GMT
Location: The Forum + Online
Organizer(s): New York Times Climate Hub
Speakers:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, WRI
WRI Contact: Corey Park
Economics of Energy Innovation and System Transition
The Economics of Energy Innovation & System Transition (EEIST) research consortium brings together experts in China, Brazil, India, the UK and EU to develop innovative systems modelling approaches to live policy decisions. At our event at COP26, world leading experts in complexity economics, systems thinking, and energy policy will launch the EEIST flagship report: The New Economics of Innovation and Transition.
Time: November 4, 19:30 GMT
Location: UK Pavilion
Organizer(s): University of Exeter
Speakers:
- Chirag Gajjar, Head Subnational Climate Action, WRI India
WRI Contact: Ulka Kelkar
Friday Nov 5
Nature Based Solutions for Climate Action in Latin America
An open discussion between ministers and CEOs of impact investment firms on the strategies, opportunities and challenges on using Nature Based Solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation in Latin America.The discussion will center on current strategies in the region that highlight the role of land based actions in mitigation and adaptation. Examples of activities, their cost effectiveness and co-benefits will be discussed. This event is organized by Initiative 20x20, an alliance of 18 countries launched at COP 20 that aims to protect and restore 50 million hectares of the region’s ecosystems. It will take place during the Global Landscapes Forum Climate.
Time: November 5, 11:00-12:30 GMT
Location: GLF - Senate Room University of Glasgow + Online
Organizer(s): WRI as Secretariat to Initiative 20x20
Speakers:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, WRI
WRI Contact: Walter Vergara
Resilient Water Accelerator and African Urban Water Resilience at the Water Action Event
Time: November 5, 11:30 – 14:30 GMT
Location: Water Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): WaterAid, High Level Champions, AGWA, CDP, IUCN, SIWI
Speakers:
- Wanjira Mathai, Vice President and Regional Director for Africa, WRI
WRI Contact: Marcella Kim
The Triple Win Scenario: Catalyzing Action for Clean Air, Health and Climate
In-person-event, badge required
Join WHO Director Dr. Maria Neira, WRI CEO Ani Dasgupta and youth and civil society representatives for a conversation on the synergies between climate, public health and air quality action. During the discussion, the speakers will explore the need to engage allies beyond the traditional environmentally focused regulators and agencies to find enduring solutions to climate change that offer immediate public health and development benefits.
Time: November 5, 17:00 – 18:00 GMT
Location: COP26 Health Pavilion
Organizer(s): WRI, WHO
Speakers:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, World Resources Institute
- Dr. Maria Neira, Department of Public Health and Environment Director, World Health Organization
- Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, Co-Founder, Ella Roberta Family Foundation
- Olumide Idowu, Nigerian Climate Change Champion
- Disha Shetty (moderator), Independent Science Journalist
WRI Contact: Beth Elliott
Saturday Nov 6
Union for Restoration: TNC, WRI Brasil, CI and WWF-Brasil together for the Amazon, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest
For further information, please visit: Agenda - Brazil Climate Hub
Time: November 6, 10:00 – 11:00 GMT
Location: Brazil Climate Action Hub
Organizer(s): WRI Brasil, TNC, WWF, CI
Speakers:
- Carolina Genin, Climate and Forests Director - WRI Brasil
- Alexandre Prado , Green Economy Director - WWF Brasil
- Leonardo Lacerda, Global Director of Climate Change at TNC
- Maurício Bianco, Vice President of CI Brazil
WRI Contact: Mariana Oliveira
Linking Energy and Development: A User-Centric Approach
This event will focus on lessons and experiences that we have been gathering from the implementation of our Energy for Development work that WRI, together with its partners, have been implementing in East Africa and India.
Time: November 6, 12:30-13:15 GMT
Location: SDG7 Pavilion
Organizer(s): WRI
Speakers:
- TBD
WRI Contact: Benson Ireri
No 'Net Zero' Without Nature: How committed are countries to transform land and food systems (In-person event)
Current food and land use systems cause up to 30% of greenhouse gas emissions; the Paris Agreement, net-zero or net-negative targets cannot be met if we do not consider food and land use systems. This high-level panel, hosted by the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) will launch new analysis on updated and enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from a land use and nature perspective. The event will amplify the voices of countries on how to move nature, food and land use to the core of the global climate agenda; to drive policy action toward “real” net zero in all countries; to share case studies; and to build momentum and empower local actors to leverage ambitious action and results. Taking place in the Nature pavilion on Nature Day, the event will also explore FOLU’s recently released ‘Why Nature’ report that makes the case for putting nature at the heart of national agendas and the importance of cross-sectoral and inclusive policy action.
Time: November 6, 13:00 – 14:30 GMT
Location: Nature Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): FOLU, UNSDSN, N4C
Speakers:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, WRI
- Craig Hanson, Vice President for Food, Forest, Water & the Ocean, WRI
- Marion Ferrat, Senior Policy Expert, FELD Action Tracker, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
- Jeffery Sachs, UN Champion of SDGs
- Jeffery Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University
- Naoko Ishii, Director, Center for Global Commons, University of Tokyo and FOLU Ambassador
- Nicolás Galarza, Vice Minister, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Government of Colombia
- Theo De Jager, President, World Farmers’ Organization (WFO)
WRI Contact: Katie McCoshan
Committing to Nature: Nature based-solutions for climate-positive cities
Hosted by Councillor Susan Aitken of Glasgow City Council, Cities4Forests, TreesAI, and CitiesWithNature will present the cases and commitments of Glasgow and many other cities as leaders in charge to incorporate nature-based solutions in their climate action plans to help cities achieve its environmental, social and economic goals. The event will engage mayors and other important political stakeholders in a conversation on nature-based solutions with a particular focus on the role of forests both near and far.
Time: November 6, 14:30 – 18:00 GMT
Location: Glasgow City Chambers
Organizer(s): Cities4Forests with partners
Speakers:
- Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council
- Audry Choi, Morgan Stanley
- Brigitte Hoyer Gosselink, Google.org
- Indy Johar, Dark Matter Laboratories
- Max Hislop, Clyde Climate Forest
WRI Contact: James Anderson, John-Rob Pool
Resilience as the Middle Ground: Aligning NbS and Adaptation Communities
The session will explore ways that the nature-based solutions (NbS) and adaptation communities can collaborate to advance NbS for adaptation projects. Additionally, the finance community will be represented to provide insight on how we can fund a pipeline of NbS for adaptation programs. The event will consist of a keynote presentation highlighting the differences, as well as shared mutual goals, between the adaptation and NbS communities, case studies illustrating examples of well-designed projects where NbS and adaptation are mutually aligned, and an expert panel discussion between representatives from the NbS, adaptation, and the finance communities to identify mechanisms that can help mainstream, institutionalize, and fund a pipeline of NbS for adaptation programs.
Time: November 6, 15:00- 16:30 GMT
Location: Resilience Hub + Online
Organizer(s): WRI, AGWA
Speakers:
- Craig Hanson, VP for Food, Forests, Water & the Ocean, WRI
- Rebecca Carter (moderator), Deputy Director, Climate Resilience Practice. WRI
- Sahil Kanekar, Senior Associate, WRI-India
- John Matthews, Executive Director, AGWA
- Dr. Candice Piercy, Engineering with Nature, US Army Corps of Engineers
- Romain Maendly, Senior Water Resources Engineer, California Department of Water Resources
- Astrid Michels, Programme Manager, GIZ
WRI Contact: Rebecca Carter
Climate Watch Presentation
Time: November 6, 15:30-16:30 GMT
Location: SDG7 Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): WRI
Speakers:
- Johannes Friedrich, Senior Associate, WRI
WRI Contact: Leandro Vigna
Localising NDCs and Supporting City Action for a 1.5 Degree World and a Green and Just Recovery
This event — co-hosted by GIZ, C40 Cities and CUT/WRI — aims to explore how national and local governments can work together to realise the commitments made through NDCs. This event will also dive into how to localise and finance NDCs. It will bring together national governments, mayors, experts and leaders from the finance sector to explore the importance of national policies and targeted finance in delivering local climate action. The session will focus on how national governments can place cities and local governments at the heart of their plans to increase resilience, reduce emissions and generate green jobs, thus creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Time: November 6, 18:30 – 19:45 GMT
Location: Blue Zone + Online
Organizer(s): WRI/CUT, GIZ, C40 Cities
Speakers:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, WRI
- Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, Member of the Management Board, GIZ, Germany
- Andrea Meza, Minister of Environment and Energy, Costa Rica (TBC)
- Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas, Mayor, City of Monterrey, Mexico
- Gilles Kleitz, Director, Biodiversity, Water, Agriculture and Oceans, AFD, France
WRI Contact: Pandora Batra
Monday Nov 8
Climate Adaptation Day Special Event: "Accelerating Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Investment in China" Report Launch
To better support China's climate adaptation work, WRI initiated a research project in November 2020 to analyze climate risks, estimate costs and benefits associated with climate-resilient infrastructure, and identify potential financing mechanisms. Participants will share key research findings and deepen discussions on how to accelerate climate-resilient infrastructure investment in China.
Time: November 8, 7:00 - 8:30 GMT
Location: Beijing + online
Organizer(s): WRI, NCSC, IIGF
Speakers:
- Li Fang, Country Director, WRI China
- Wee Kean Fong, Deputy Country Director, WRI China
- Wenyi Xi, Research Analyst, Climate and Energy Program, WRI China
- Helen Ding, Environmental Economist, WRI
WRI Contact: Jinghan Xu
Aligning Practice, Policy, and Priorities through an Urban Water Resilience Agenda
City leaders in Africa face the converging challenges of providing water and sanitation services for growing populations, managing watershed risks largely outside city jurisdictions, and designing for climate resilience. With the right vision and support, cities and city-regions have the potential to play a lead role in safeguarding their populations from water risks and securing access to well-managed water resources even as they face the challenge of rapid growth.
WRI, the African Center for Cities, ICLEI Africa, WaterAid, Resilient Cities Network, Arup and Reos Partners are organizing a series of consultations around developing an “Urban Water Resilience Agenda for Africa.” The aim of this effort is to catalyze a continent-wide movement to accelerate urban water resilience linked to key COP26 and COP27 campaigns and deliverables and to connect the dots across the many existing and emerging initiatives within a shared framework for ambitious, accountable and coordinated action to ensure impact at scale. At the event, partners will share their experiences and perspectives on building a joint Agenda, envision a future with water resilient African cities, and present a path forward to launching the Agenda at COP27. An updated zero draft of the Agenda will be shared post-COP. We invite African partners and stakeholders to join in shaping, advancing, and launching this agenda.
Time: November 8, 08:00-09:30 GMT
Location: Online only
Organizer(s): WRI and partners
Speakers:
- Rogier van den Berg, Acting Global Director, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
- Smita Rawoot, Urban Resilience Lead, World Resources Institute
WRI Contact: Marcella Kim
12th Sustainable Innovation Forum: Public Private Partnerships to Support the NDCs [Day 1]
Event hosted from Monday, November 8 – Wednesday, November 10
To create truly transformational change and accelerate the transition to a net zero global economy, greater cross-sector partnerships are required. How can we utilise public-private partnerships to help countries deliver on their NDCs?
More information and registration on the Sustainable Innovation Forum Website.
Session: Public Private Partnerships to Support the NDCs
Time: November 8, 9:05-9:45 GMT
Location: Cessnock Quay, Glasgow + Online
Organizer(s): Climate Action
Speaking:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, WRI
WRI Contact: Stacy Hong
Scaling Science-Based Targets for Private Equity Firms
The SBTi will be launching a tailored guidance for private equity firms to submit science-based targets. The webinar will host SBTi experts, partner organizations and a CEO panel discussing the significance of this work and how it can help streamline financial climate action.
Time: November 8, 13:00-14:00 GMT
Location: Online
Organizer(s): SBTi
Speakers:
- Chendan Yan, SBTi
- Nate Aden, SBTi
- Quentin Van Doosselaere, Bregal Investments
- Benoit Durteste, ICG
- Frode Strand-Nielsen, FSN
- Andrea Bonomi, Investindustrial
- Nathan Fabian, PRI
- Myles Tatlock, Anthesis
WRI Contact: Chendan Yan
Infrastructure for Climate Resilience
Nisha will be presenting the work of the Coalition for Climate Resilient Investment on this CIF-ADB-WB hosted panel that aims to address the question of what it takes to shift the focus of infrastructure investment with resilience as the primary goal. This is to be achieved through unpacking some of the key elements for scaling up investment in infrastructure designed to build climate resilience: policy and planning processes, finance, and knowledge support.
Time: November 8, 13:00 - 14:30 GMT
Location: Online
Organizer(s): Climate Investment Funds, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank
Speakers:
- Nisha Krishnan, Senior Finance Action Track Associate, Global Commission on Adaptation, WRI
WRI Contact: Nisha Krishan
OS-Climate @ COP26 2021
This event will demonstrate the power of community-based open collaboration on open data and open source analytic tools to accelerate the transition to Net Zero, framed with keynotes by PRI CEO Fiona Reynolds, GFANZ Portfolio Alignment Chair David Blood, former Federal Reserve Governor Sarah Bloom Raskin, BNY Mellon International Chair Hani Kablawi, Airbus EVP Catherine Jestin, OS-Climate CEO Truman Semans; and panelists from OS-Climate members Allianz, Amazon, BNP Paribas, Federated Hermes, Goldman Sachs, KPMG, London Stock Exchange Group, Microsoft, the Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance, Ortec Finance, Red Hat (an IBM company), and S&P Global. Important contributors of data and code Jupiter Intelligence, Urgentem, and World Resources Institute will discuss the value for partners of leveraging the OS-Climate Platform.
Time: November 8, 13:00- 17:00 GMT
Location: Skypark 7, Glasgow + Online
Organizer(s): OS-Climate
Speakers:
- Tianyi Luo, Director, Aqueduct, Global Water Program, WRI
WRI Contact: Marlena Chertock
Removing and Storing Carbon: Responsible Forest Management as a Tool to Limit Climate Change to 1.5°C
To support robust climate action aimed at halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero latest 2050, this session seeks to stimulate debate about the role of forests, and how companies can find the potentials within or connected to their value chain to remove and store carbon through responsible forest management.
In a live panel, WWF will share best practices to enhance biodiversity and protect people who depend on forests. FSC will share insights on its role to promote and uphold the highest standards of sustainable forest management. World Resources Institute (WRI) will share progress on new accounting guidance in the the GHG Protocol standard for removing and storing carbon through forestry and agriculture. Speakers will also touch on new guidance from the Science-Based Targets Initiative on setting science-based targets for forest, land and agriculture sectors, called the FLAG standard.
Time: November 8, 15:00-16:00 GMT
Location: Online
Organizers: IKEA, via ICC
Speakers:
- Pankaj Bhatia, Director GHG Protocol at World Resources Institute
- Andreas Ahrens, Head of Climate Inter IKEA Group
- Ulf Johansson, Head of Global Wood Supply & Forestry, Inter IKEA Group
- Martha Stevenson, Senior Director, Strategy & Research, Forests, WWF
- Pina Gervassi, Climate Director, Forest Stewardship Council
WRI contact: Stacy Hong
Announcing winners and progress of the Challenge Program for Adaptation Innovation
Helen will be representing CRP/ WRI at this awards ceremony. CRP & Willis Towers Watson is one of 10 finalists chosen by the GEF – this $1.3m award will help scale up systemic resilience assessments in 3 countries (tbc), expand our development of systemic resilience metrics, and help structure an investment vehicle for resilient infrastructure.
Time: November 8, 15:15 – 16:45 GMT
Location: GEF/GCF Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): Global Environment Facility
Speakers:
- Helen Mountford, Vice President, Climate & Economics, WRI
WRI Contact: Nisha Krishnan
Energy Transformation in Turkey and the East Mediterranean
(In person, badge required)
One-hour panel discussion on energy transition in Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean. Jennifer Layke to present on the state of energy efficiency and demand side management in Turkey, including the role of cities and buildings, as well as future plans for the region.
Time: November 8, 15:30-16:30 GMT
Location: Turkey Pavilion, Blue Zone
Organizer(s): Chatham House
Speakers:
- Jennifer Layke, Global Director, Energy Program, WRI
WRI Contact: Kayla Rakes
Net Zero Partnerships to Catalyze Investment in Developing Countries
Join us on November 8 for a high-level event on innovative partnership business and finance models that can translate developing countries’ climate priorities into action. You’ll hear from Climate and Sustainable Development Ambassadors, Heads of Country Delegations and Civil Society Leaders on how public-private partnerships can progress national and global climate agendas. Participants will share examples of specific scalable solutions and the role of platforms like P4G as a delivery mechanism to drive impact in developing countries.
This winner of P4G’s State-of-the-Art Partnership of the Year Award will be announced at this event to demonstrate an example of exemplary partnership solutions that can catalyze private sector investment to reach net zero.
This event is co-hosted by the Republic of Korea and Denmark and is an official side event of the Republic of Korea Pavilion at COP26.
Time: November 8, 16:00-17:30 GMT
Location: Republic of Korea Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): P4G, Korean Government, Danish Government
Speakers:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, WRI
- Ian de Cruz, P4G Global Director, WRI
- Other Speakers TBD
WRI Contact: Raquel Szomstein
Getting money where it matters – new initiatives for scaling-up locally led adaptation
On November 8, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) hosted an event at COP26 titled “Getting money where it matters – new initiatives for scaling-up locally led adaptation.” This session announced new actions from national governments and development partners to scale up locally led adaptation globally in accordance with the Principles for Locally Led Adaptation.
The event resulted in significant new endorsements for the locally led adaptation (LLA) principles from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), US Agency for International Development (USAID), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. With this newly announced support, the LLA principles now have over 70 endorsements.
During the event, the Treasury of Kenya, the World Bank, and the Governments of Denmark and Sweden announced the launch of its new Financing Locally Led Climate Action program in Kenya. The Asian Development Bank announced financial support from the United Kingdom and Nordic Development Fund on its Community Resilience Partnership Program during the session as well.
Time: November 8, 16:00-17:30GMT
Location: Resilience Hub
Organizer(s): WRI with partners
Speakers:
- Cristina Rumbaitis del Rio, Senior Adaptation and Resilience Advisor, WRI
- Clare Shakya, Director, Climate Change, International Institute for Environment and Development
WRI Contact: Tamara Coger
The Brazilian tools for planning and monitoring NDCs
WRI Brasil, SEEG, Mapbiomas and IEMA will discuss the tools that already exist for planning and monitoring the implementation of the Brazilian NDC, such as SEEG and EPS Brasil. EPS Brasil is a tool that assesses the potential impact of different policies on greenhouse gas emissions. See here for more information.
Time (GMT): November 8, 17:15 –18:15 GMT
Location: Brazil Climate Action Hub
Organizer(s): WRI Brazil
Speakers:
- Carolina Genin, Climate Director, WRI Brasil
- David Tsai - IEMA
- Natalie Unterstell - Talanoa Institute
- Tasso Azevedo -MAPBIOMAS
- Marcio Rojas - MCTI
WRI Contact: Caroline Rocha
Tuesday Nov 9
Future Cities Adapted to Climate Change under the Carbon Strategy Seminar
The built environment plays a crucial role in minimizing emissions and making our cities adaptable to the impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing. As responsible practitioners and inhabitants, we should and will lead the way. Building up to COP26, Arup, appointed by UK Government as sustainability consultant for COP26, will collaborate with organizations that share the same vision to host a series of events across East Asia region. The session in Beijing is designed to gain insights from leading experts on best practices, policies and trends across Asia.
Time: November 9, 06:00 – 07:30 GMT
Location: The British Embassy Residence in Beijing
Organizer(s): WRI, Arup, Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Speakers:
- Daizong Liu, Ross Center for Sustainable Cities & Communications Director, WRI China
WRI Contact: Shiyong Qiu, Jinghan Xu
ACT2025: How the COP26 package can drive ambition and resilience with solidarity and justice
The failure of advanced economies and major emitters to fully deliver on their financial commitments and emission reduction targets has eroded trust and solidarity among developed and developing nations. Success at the COP26 climate summit and beyond hinges on restoring this trust and uniting the world.
Join the Alliance for Climate Transformation 2025 (ACT2025) consortium live from COP26 where representatives from vulnerable countries discuss what the COP26 package must include to drive ambition and resilience with solidarity and justice.
Time: November 9, 11:30-12:45 GMT
Location: Online
Organizer(s): WRI as secretariat for ACT2025
Speakers:
- Moderator: Wanjira Mathai, Vice President and Regional Director for Africa, World Resources Institute
- Yared Abere Deme, Global Youth Climate Leader, Ethiopia
- Ambassador Spencer Thomas, Special Envoy for Multilateral Environmental Agreements, Grenada
- Tina Stege, Climate Envoy, Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Yamide Dagnet, Director, Climate Negotiations, World Resources Institute
WRI Contact: Deirdre Cogan
Mobilizing Finance to Reach Net-Zero in Developing Countries
Developed countries need to deliver a clear roadmap for meeting their over-due commitment to mobilize $100 billion a year in climate finance for developing countries. But what are some solutions that can be scaled because of this finance? And how can the private sector be mobilized to do more?
Join us on November 9 for a discussion of tangible solutions in developing countries that can mobilize private sector investment to reach net zero goals. You’ll hear from global leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs on solutions that ready for investment and scaling, and actionable steps forward for turning plans and commitments into action.
This is an official side event of the We Mean Business Coalition Pavilion at COP26.
Time: November 9, 13:00-14:00 GMT
Location: We Mean Business Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): P4G. We Mean Business Coalition
Speakers:
- Ian de Cruz, P4G Global Director, WRI
- Peter Kapala, Minister of Energy, Zambia
- Torben Huss, CEO, IFU
- Shinta Kamdani, CEO Sintesa Group and Co-chair UN GISD Alliance
- Lisa Ashford, CEO & Director, Ethex and Energise Africa
- Katherine Stodulka, Director, Blended Finance Taskforce, SYSTEMIQ
WRI Contact: Raquel Szomstein
Live from Glasgow: The Business Case for Climate Engagement
Join the International Climate Engagement Network and special guests for this interactive online workshop. Broadcast live from Glasgow during COP26, the workshop will connect with participants around the world to explore how engaging the voices of citizens, residents, and under-represented communities can lead to better policy-making, while also increasing the democratic legitimacy of difficult decisions and mobilizing collective action.
Time: November 9, 13:30- 15:00 GMT
Location: Online
Organizers: International Climate Engagement Network
Speakers:
- Carole Excell, Director, Environmental Democracy Practice, WRI
WRI Contact: Carole Excell
COP26: Roadmap to Rapidly Scaling Solar Investment
This event will consist of a series of interactive high-level panel discussions among 1) Government ministries and 2) financing experts, focusing on how solar investment can be scaled to mitigate climate change and advance universal energy access and energy security. The panelists will discuss the role of governments and organizations like the International Solar Alliance to engage public and private finance sources to catalyze a massive scale-up of solar investment.
Time: November 9, 16:30-18:00 GMT
Location: Commonwealth Pavilion
Organizer(s): WRI and ISA
Speakers:
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Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, WRI
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Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance
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Jennifer Layke, Global Director, Energy, WRI
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René van Hell, Director for Inclusive Green Growth, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Netherlands
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Barbara Buchner, Senior Director, Climate Policy Initiative
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Amal Lee Amin, Director Climate Strategy at CDC Group plc and Senior Advisor COP26 Unit, Cabinet Office
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Hon. Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of The Commonwealth
WRI Contact: Laura Van Wie McGrory
UrbanShift: Transforming Cities for People & Planet through Multi-Level Governance
Time: November 9, 18:30-19:45 GMT
Location: Online
Organizer(s): UrbanShift; Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation; Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)
Speakers:
- Rogier van den Berg, Acting Global Director, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
- Martina Otto, Head, Cities Unit, UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Marcelo Morales, Secretary for Research and Scientific Formation, Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI)
- Faustin Munyazikwiye, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)
- Matthew Brian Reddy, Senior Private Sector Specialist, Global Environment Facility (GEF) Secretariat
- João Campos, Mayor of Recife, Brazil
- Ladislas Ngendahimana, Secretary General, Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA)
- Aaditya Thackeray, Environment Minister, Maharashtra, India
- José Sarney Filho, Environment Secretary, Federal District Government, Brazil
- Marco Lobo, Centro de Gestão e Estudos Estratégicos (CGEE)
WRI Contact: Mariana Orloff
Wednesday Nov 10
Linking Air Quality Management to Climate Change Mitigation [Day 1]
Hosted by the World Bank Group, the objective of this two-day meeting is to put forward a call for action by COP26 to catalyze clean air efforts around the world to simultaneously achieve climate, health and other sustainable development goals. Panel discussions will highlight the work of OECD, Environmental Defense Fund, WRI, Clean Air Fund, Clean Air Catalyst, UN Environment Programme, WHO and other institutions.
Time: November 10 and 11, 12:30 – 16:00GMT, both days.
Location: Online Organizer(s):World Bank Group
Speakers:
- Stientje van Veldhoven, Vice President and Regional Director for Europe, WRI
- Michael Doust, Director, Urban Efficiency & Climate, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
- Jessica Seddon, Global Lead, Air Quality, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
WRI Contact: Jessica Seddon
Net-Zero Foundations for Financial Institutions: Draft for Public Consultation
The SBTi will holding an event to kickoff our efforts to further develop net-zero guidance for financial institutions, a much needed action to enable financial institutions to follow through on their net-zero commitments. This foundational framework represents the first step in defining net-zero for financial institutions. The November 10 webinar will commence a 5-week stakeholder consultation process. Stakeholder feedback will inform the revision and final publication of the net-zero for financial institutions foundations paper in the beginning of 2022.
Time: November 10, 13:00 GMT
Location: Online
Organizer(s): SBTi
Speakers:
- Nate Aden, SBTi
- Ronan Hodge, GFANZ
- Eric Usher, UNEP-FI
- Marilyn Waite, European Climate Foundation
WRI Contact: Nate Aden
The Transition to Greater Transport Resilience and COVID-19 Recovery
In-person, badge required
Under the leadership of the High-Level Climate Champions, the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action (MPGCA) supports the implementation of the Paris Agreement by enabling collaboration between governments and the cities, regions, businesses and investors that must act on climate change. This session regards the transport thematic event in the framework of MPGCA at COP26 and will cover transport sector resilience and green recovery.
Serving as Co-Focal Point of the Transport Thematic Group jointly with the International Transport Forum, SLOCAT continued to establish the transport community as an essential and reliable partner in the MPGCA. SLOCAT’s mandate was renewed by appointment by transport sector peers in 2020.
Time: November 10, 14:20 GMT
Location: Blue Zone
Organizer(s): SLOCAT, Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action
Speakers:
- Stientje van Veldhoven, Vice President and Regional Director for Europe, WRI
WRI Contact: Benjamin Welle
Financing innovative nature-based solutions in cities: Lessons learned for the next generation of urban NBS projects
The event will focus on how to leverage mechanisms such as the Natural Capital Financing Facility (NCFF), to support projects that use NBS for climate adaptation and/or biodiversity benefits, that generate revenues or demonstrate cost savings. And how to catalyze political, social and economic support among city governments and urban residents to integrate inner, nearby, and faraway forests into city development plans, programs, and investments.
Time: November 10, 15:00 GMT
Location: Online
Organizer(s): WRI with partners
Speakers:
- Todd Gartner, Director, Cities4Forests and Natural Infrastructure, WRI
- Stefanie Lindenberg, Coordinator, Natural Capital Finance Facility, European Investment Bank (Moderator)
- Julie Delcroix Coudun, Policy Officer, Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions, DG RTD, European Commission
- Elissavet Bargianni, Landscape architect, Department of Resilience and Sustainability, City of Athens
- Doris Schnepf, Managing Director of the Green4Cities: Green Deal Neighbourhood Vienna NCFF project
- Holger Robrecht, Deputy Regional Director, Sustainable Resources, Climate & Resilience
- ICLEI European Secretariat
- Guy Hudson, Senior Advisor, Innovation Finance Advisory, European Investment Bank
- Representative of the GINKGO Fund
WRI Contact: Todd Gartner
Transport Day: Driving the global transition to zero-emission transport
(In person event, badge required)
Time: November 10, 15:30-17:30 GMT
Location: Columbia Pavilion
Organizer(s): National Government of Columbia
Speakers:
- Adriana Lobo, CEO, WRI México
WRI Contact: Angelica Vesga
Climate-Smart Mobility: Where to Invest?
An event capping off a series of webinars on Transport Decarbonization Investments in key areas, including walking/cycling, public transport/demand management, electrification, freight, and the used vehicle trade. The series of events have engaged several high level leaders on these topics and the summary event aims to bring together the key partners, World Bank, Government of the Netherlands, and WRI, key messages around COP26 and beyond.
Time: November 10, 16:30 GMT
Location: MDB Pavilion, Blue Zone
Organizer(s): WRI with Partners
Speakers:
- Stientje van Veldhoven, Vice President and Regional Director for Europe, World Resources Institute
WRI Contact: Benjamin Welle
Accelerating Electrification of High-Mileage, Ridehail Vehicles
Focusing policy and investment on high-mileage ridehail vehicles can amplify the impact of electrification and ameliorate inequitable access to electric vehicles. World Resources Institute will host a hybrid virtual/in-person panel at the COP26 Business Pavilion on Wednesday, November 10, bringing together Uber with a panel of private- and public-sector stakeholders. The discussion will highlight opportunities for private-sector innovation and public policy to accelerate decarbonization and increase access to electrified transportation by focusing on policies to electrify ridehailing. WRI will introduce research examining opportunities and challenges on the road to 100% EV use by ridehail drivers.
Time: November 10, 16:00- 17:00 GMT
Location: Blue Zone, We Mean Business, Business Pavilion, Board Room + Online
Organizer(s): WRI
Speakers:
- Adam Gromis, Global Lead on Sustainability Policy, Uber
- Dr. Shelley Francis, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, EVNoire
- Lauren Faber O’Connor, Chief Sustainability Officer, Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
- Mariola Panzuela Malgosa, Zero Emission Vehicles Programme Manager, C40 Cities
- Leah Lazer, Research Associate, World Resources Institute
- Dan Lashof, Director, United States, World Resources Institute (Panel Moderator)
WRI Contact: Matthew Cronin, Matt Herbert
12th Sustainable Innovation Forum [Day 3]
Event hosted from Monday, November 8 – Wednesday, November 10
More information and registration on the Sustainable Innovation Forum Website.
Session: Climate Action Must Overtake Commitments: How do we hold governments and business to account?
Time: November 10, 17:15 GMT
Location: Cessnock Quay, Glasgow + Online
Organizer(s): Climate Action
Speakers:
- Helen Mountford, Vice President, Climate & Economics, WRI
WRI Contact: Stacy Hong
Thursday Nov 11
How do we kick-start the renovation revolution?
We can’t tackle climate change without tackling buildings. About one-fifth of carbon emissions in the U.S. and U.K. come directly from households, with drafty windows, tired boilers, and poorly insulated walls leaking energy and making it more tempting for residents to turn up the thermostat to keep warm. A large-scale campaign of retrofitting is necessary to bring them up to standard, but the work remains expensive and hasn't yet taken off. Who is going to pay for it? Homeowners or governments? What will it take to update housing for the age of the climate emergency?
Time: November 11, 08:30 - 09:30 GMT
Location: The New York Times Climate Hub (The Nature Bar within the Warehouse building) + Online
Organizer(s): Tortoise Media in partnership with The New York Times
Speakers:
- Jennifer Layke, Global Director, Energy Program, WRI
- Jens Birgersson, President and C.E.O., ROCKWOOL Group
- Tracie Pearce, Chief Customer Officer, Homes, Santander
WRI Contact: Emily Kaldjian
Better management of export of used cars, fuel standards and motorization
This event will discuss the triple benefits of pollution, climate and safety when addressing the export of used cars. The session will communicate solutions to preventing and improving the export of dirty and unsafe vehicles, particularly from geographies like Europe, the United States, and Japan to African countries where most vehicles are used imports. This event is hosted by UNEP and the Government of the Netherlands.
Speakers:
- Stientje van Veldhoven, Vice President and Regional Director for Europe, World Resources Institute
Time: November 11, 09:30 - 10:45 GMT
Location: Benelux/EIB Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): UNEP, Government of the Netherlands
WRI Contact: Benjamin Welle
How Open Government principles can help deliver Climate Action
(In person, badge required)
This workshop will recognise the important and necessary contributions the public make to delivering Climate Action; will outline ambitions to meaningfully, transparency and accountability involve people; will share learning through good practice examples; will identify practical steps to involve people in delivering Climate Action, including how Open Government can help.
Time: November 11, 10:00 – 11:00 GMT
Location: Nordic Pavillion, SEC Centre, Hall 4
Organizer(s): Scottish Government, Lithuanian Government, open Government Partnership
Speakers:
- Chair: Yamide Dagnet, Director, Climate Negotiations, WRI
- Patrick Harvie, Scottish Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights
- Krista Mikkonen, Finnish Minster of the Environment and Climate Change
- Simonas Gentvilas, Lithuanian Minister of Environment
- Patricia Fuller, Climate Change Ambassador, Canada
WRI Contact: Jesse Worker
Be Bold: Accelerate the Transition to Zero Carbon Buildings
Over one third of the world’s carbon emissions are generated by the buildings sector. As such, the buildings and construction sector must urgently be decarbonized to meet Paris Agreement goals. The Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction and World Resources Institute hosted a joint event to announce the Buildings as a Critical Climate Solution commitment and showcase countries developing roadmaps to implement these ambitious goals. Ministers and mayors from Colombia and Turkey, the first countries to join the Zero Carbon Building Accelerator, a WRI initiative aligning national roadmaps and local action plans, highlighted opportunities and challenges, and officials from Chile and Jordan discussed their frameworks and approaches to reducing emissions from the built environment as a part of GlobalABC’s Roadmaps for Buildings and Construction.
Time: November 11, 10:45-11:30 GMT
Location: SDG7 Pavilion
Organizer(s): WRI, SEforAll, GEF
Speakers/Moderators:
- Jennifer Layke, Global Director, Energy, WRI
- Martina Otto, Head of GlobalABC Secretariat, UNEP, GlobalABC
- Juan Nicolás Galarza Sánchez, Deputy Minister of Environmental Planning, Colombia
- Roy Alejandro Barreras Cortés, Director of City Planning, Cali, Colombia
- Maria Carolina Urmeneta Labarca, Ministry of Environment, Chile
- Carolina Duarte, International Affairs and Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Sustainable Development of the State of Yucatán, Mexico
- Rasmi Hamzeh, Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF)
WRI Contact: Kayla Rakes
COP26 Reception | The Vital Role of Cities and Nature-based Solutions
In-person, badge required
This intimate session will connect practitioners demonstrating the relevance of city commitments in addressing climate resilience and vulnerabilities; discuss the value of financing nature-based solutions to adaptation as well as mitigation; and explore the wins and good practices in bringing nature and nature-based solutions to cities to date.
Time: November 11, 11am-12pm GMT
Location: The Clydeside Distillery, Blue Zone
Organizer(s): UK Government, C40, Cities4Forests, Conservation International
Speakers:
- Leo Horn-Phathanothai, Director, Strategy and Partnerships, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
WRI Contact: James Anderson
Advancing Equity in Cities—The Bedrock for Transformative Climate Action
(In-person, badge required)
WRI is organizing an event hosted by the Global Environment Facility at its COP26 Pavilion. Heads of organizations, including from WRI, The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), Shack/Slum Dwellers International (SDI), and global mayors and ministers, as well as key urban stakeholders, including from EC, IIED, JPI EU, C40, Oxford University, and PEAK Urban will gather for a two-part event. The first portion will feature a Leadership Moment for Action focused on Urban Equity and Climate, followed by an Urban Stakeholders' Dialogue on Scaling Equitable Climate Solutions. This event will build on the World Resources Report: Towards a More Equal City synthesis and series, and it aims to galvanize broad-based support for a forward-looking agenda to shape more equal cities via inclusive climate action and COVID recovery.
Time: November 11, 11:00 – 12:30 GMT
Location: GEF Pavilion
Organizer(s): WRI with partners
Speakers:
- Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, WRI
- Wanjira Mathai, Vice President and Regional Director for Africa, WRI
- Leo Horn-Phathanothai, Head, WRI UK Office, and Director, Strategy and Partnerships, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
- Gustavo Alberto Fonseca, Director of Programs, GEF
- Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, CEO, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)
- Matthew Baldwin, Deputy Director-General Mobility and Cities, European Commission
- David Dodman, Director, Human Settlements, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
- Vijay Rangarajan, Director General, Americas and Overseas Territories at the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
- Lochan Sehra, Secretary to Government, Urban Development and Urban Housing Department for State of Gujarat, India
- Sarah Colenbrander, Director of Climate and Sustainability Programme, ODI
- Felipe Ramírez, General Manager, TRANSMILENIO, City of Bogotá, Colombia
- Michael Keith, Professor at COMPAS, University of Oxford, and Director of the PEAK Urban Research Programme
WRI Contact: Anjali Mahendra, Shagun Mehrotra
Race to Resilience Transformations: 1000CAN Announcement
(In-person, badge required)
This space will be provided for R2R Partners working on Transformations to share their vision for the future and the impact they aim to create through the implementation of the solution.
Each Transformation will receive 5 to 10 mins to make their presentation in person or share a pre-recorded video. Guiding questions for this will include but are not limited to:
- A short description of the Transformation
- The impact it will create/the quantitative or qualitative target they have set OR What is their vision for 2030
- What would the world look like with their Transformation implemented and scaled?
The session will have a moderator who will weave a story to bring on each Transformation to speak. Our partners range include grassroot organizations, the private sector and knowledge sharing organizations. Their work is creating stories of resilience across the world and are prime examples of how systems can be changed or influenced by addressing operational challenges.
Time: November 11, 11:15-12:30 GMT
Location: Blue Zone
Organizers(s): TBD
Speakers:
- Rogier van den Berg, Acting Global Director, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
WRI Contact: Marcella Kim
Building new coalitions to win the race to zero emissions by 2050!
Time: November 11, 12:00 - 13:00 GMT
Location: Green Zone Cinema Auditorium
Organizer(s): WRI with partners
Speakers:
- Rogier van den Berg, Acting Global Director, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
- Adriana Lobo, CEO, WRI México
- Dirk Wilutzky (Film Producer)
- Dr. Simone Sandholz, Senior Urban Expert, UNU-EHS
- Pablo Lazlo, Director of Urban Development and Accessibility WRI Mexico
WRI Contact: Tini Tran
Linking Air Quality Management to Climate Change Mitigation [Day 2]
Hosted by the World Bank Group, the objective of this two-day meeting is to put forward a call for action by COP26 to catalyze clean air efforts around the world to simultaneously achieve climate, health and other sustainable development goals. Panel discussions will highlight the work of OECD, Environmental Defense Fund, WRI, Clean Air Fund, Clean Air Catalyst, UN Environment Programme, WHO and other institutions.
Time: November 10 and 11, 12:30 – 16:00GMT, both days.
Location: Online Organizer(s): World Bank Group
Speakers:
- Stientje van Veldhoven, Vice President and Regional Director for Europe, WRI
- Michael Doust, Director, Urban Efficiency & Climate, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
- Jessica Seddon, Global Lead, Air Quality, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
WRI Contact: Jessica Seddon
Climate and Transport: What’s Needed for Sustainable Mobility and How to Get There
A panel discussion co-hosted by the Benelux Pavilion and the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. The session will focus on the role that sustainable transport modes, such as walking, cycling and public transit should have in addressing Climate change and achieving a Green Recovery in the aftermath of COVID-19. A high level panel of Ministers of Transportation and leaders from multilateral institutions will discuss, from their experiences in the developed and developing world, the need for decarbonizing investment and the importance of shifting away from building private-vehicle-reliant systems.
Time: November 11, 12:30-14:45 GMT
Location: Benelux/EIB Pavilion + Online
Organizer(s): WRI with partners
Speakers:
- Stientje van Veldhoven, Vice President and Regional Director for Europe, World Resources Institute
- François Bausch, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Luxembourg
- Dagmawit Moges, Minister of Transport, Ethiopia
- Riccardo Puliti, Vice President for Infrastructure, World Bank Group
- Kris Peeters, Vice-President, European Investment Bank
WRI Contact: Wesley Uhl
Adaptation and Resilience in Urban Water: Convergence of Water and Sanitation
With increasing vulnerability to climate change, acceleration of adaptation and resilience building in water and sanitation will be crucial to cities thriving in the future. Join us for a high-level roundtable with representatives from government, financing and non-government institutions on the enablers and barriers they face, and the potentials and opportunities that climate resilient sanitation presents to accelerate climate action in cities. Featuring Ingrid Hoven and Birgit Pickel.
Time: November 11, 12:45 – 13:45 GMT
Location: Blue Zone
Organizer(s): WRI with partners
Speakers:
- Leo Horn-Phathanothai, Director, Strategy and Partnerships, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities; Head, WRI UK Office
- Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, GIZ's Managing Director
- Birgit Pickel, Director for Global Health, Pandemic Prevention, One Health at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
WRI Contact: Marcella Kim
Operationalizing Paris Alignment: Public Development Banks
(Invitation Only)
This event will be about operationalizing the Paris Alignment commitments of Public Development Banks. The research consortium (New Climate Institute, Germanwatch and WRI) will present the framework for alignment of financial intermediaries, as per the working paper: https://www.wri.org/research/aligning-financial-intermediary-investments-paris-agreement
Time (GMT): November 11, 15:30 – 17:00 GMT (TBC)
Location: IDFC Pavilion
Organizer(s): WRI, IDFC/AFD, I4CE, NewClimate Institute, Germanwatch
Speakers:
- Aki Kaichi, New Climate Institute
WRI Contact: Valerie Laxton, Carolyn Neunuebel
Joint Water Pavilion & Resilience Hub Event: Accelerating Action in Water Resilience in Cities and the Built Environment
This joint session between the Resilience Hub and Water Pavilion will begin with dialogues between cities sharing the foundational elements and opportunities for resilience. In the second part of the session, join us for a roundtable with financial institutions, non-government organisations and practitioners on 'what should be our shared future objectives for water resilience' and hear about the exciting developments aiming to accelerate action in water resilience.
Time: November 11, 17:10-18:45 GMT
Location: Blue Zone
Organizer(s): Resilience Hub and Water Pavilion
Speakers:
- Rogier van den Berg, Acting Global Director, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
WRI Contact: Marcella Kim
Community Voices Equitably Shape Urban Infrastructure Resilience
This WRI-cohosted event will offer insights on how advancing urban equity is the bedrock for transformative climate action. Speakers will share international examples of people-centered design and adaptation to enhance resilience and offer support and solutions to both policymakers and private sector investors. The event will take place as part of the Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day with the Infrastructure Theme of the Resilience Hub.
Time: November 11, 19:15-20:45 GMT
Location: Blue Zone, Resilience Hub
Organizer(s): WRI, PEAK Urban/Oxford Martin Programme on Informal Cities/University of Oxford, Climate Chance Association, Google
Speakers:
- Robin King, Director of Knowledge Capture & Collaboration, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
- Francisco Obando, Policy Manager, PEAK Urban, University of Oxford
- Fernando Escobar, Mayor of Itagüí, Colombia
- Susan Parnell, Deputy Principal Investigator, PEAK Urban and Professor, University of Bristol
- Nithya Sowrirajan, Director of Global Solutions, Google Earth and Earth Engine
- Juan Carlos Duque, Professor, EAFIT University and Lead Researcher, PEAK Urban
- Michael Keith, Professor, Centre on Migration, Policy and Society (COMPAS) and Director of Peak Urban, University of Oxford
- Shuaib Lwasa, Researcher, Global Centre on Adaptation
- Charlène Kouassi, Director Observatoire des Mobilités Africaines (Movin'On LAB Africa)
- Nidia Ruda, Representative of DiMu Women’s Group in Itagui, Colombia
- Juan Pablo Orjuela, Senior Research Associate and Executive Education Programme Director, Transport Studies Unit, University of Oxford
WRI Contact: Anjali Mahendra, Shagun Mehrotra
Understanding Systems and Tools are Key to Building More Resilient and Inclusive Cities
This WRI-cohosted event will showcase the PEAK Urban framework for catalyzing productive urban change and highlights of WRI’s flagship World Resources Report, Towards a More Equal City that offers seven crucial transformations for equity and sustainability. It will highlight the value of funding both cities-focused research and knowledge exchange activity in LMICs. The event will take place part of the Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day.
Time: November 11, 22:30-23:30 GMT
Location: Online
Organizer(s): WRI, PEAK Urban/Oxford Martin Informal Cities/University of Oxford, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)/Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF)
Speakers:
- Anjali Mahendra, Director of Global Research, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
- Francisco Obando, Policy Manager, PEAK Urban, University of Oxford
- Jaideep Gupte, Cities and Sustainable Infrastructure Portfolio of the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), UKRI
- Michael Keith, Professor, Centre on Migration, Policy and Society (COMPAS) and Director of Peak Urban, University of Oxford
- Susan Parnell, Deputy Principal Investigator, PEAK Urban and Professor, University of Bristol
- Tim Schwanen, Director of Transport Studies Unit, Senior Research Fellow and Professor of Transport Geography, University of Oxford
WRI Contact: Anjali Mahendra, Shagun Mehrotra
Friday Nov 12
ACE and the Clean Energy Transition
WFD would like to convene a panel in collaboration with the WRI, International IDEA, Climate Action Network (CAN), E3G and the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee (BEIS) of the UK House of Commons to:
- Provide views on how to ensure that climate empowerment is placed at the heart of national action plans on climate as a delivery mechanism of the Paris Agreement and its 'ratchet mechanism’.
- Highlight the role of Parliaments to serve as major hubs for innovative action for clean energy climate empowerment and demonstrate the example of the UK Climate Assembly in generating and integrating citizens’ views into policymaking as regards societal preferences for a zero-carbon energy mix.
- Showcase examples of environmental democracy worldwide driving climate action including the transition to clean energy. (MPs from Costa Rica, Georgia, Pakistan).
Time: November 12, 10:00-11:00 GMT
Location: Tower Base South, Green Zone
Organizer(s): WRI, WFD, CAN, E3G, BEIS, IDEA
Speakers:
- Jesse Worker, Senior Associate, Climate Governance and Rights, WRI
WRI Contact: Jesse Worker