Science is crucial to understanding how and why our climate is changing, the risks posed and solutions available.
Why it matters

​​Science and innovation are essential to develop and scale solutions so that we can limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C and adapt to the current and future impacts of climate change. 

A collaborative, inclusive and multi-disciplinary approach is required for research and innovation to ensure that a diverse range of technologies and climate solutions are affordable, available and accessible to all.

Science in the Negotiations

Ever since the creation of the UNFCCC itself, scientific evidence has underpinned the international climate negotiations.

At COP26, the IPCC’s latest report will inform several areas of negotiations and other processes.

Scientists and negotiators will come together at Earth Information Day and the Structured Expert Dialogue to discuss the latest science and its relevance to national and international policy, while negotiations will also take place to discuss how to further promote and cooperate in research and systematic observation.

What we are doing

We are leading three Presidency science programmes to advance science for higher ambition climate outcomes and support the negotiations:  

  1. Futures We Want: We are unveiling six region-led visions developed in collaboration with academics and citizens from across the world which explore the opportunities and benefits of achieving a resilient, net zero future, building a positive case for ambitious climate action.
  2. Risk: We are promoting climate change risk assessment for heads of government, to support the case for ambitious NDCs that drive policy beyond business as usual, to reduce emissions. 
  3. Health Programme: We are seeking ambitious country commitments to build climate resilient and sustainable health systems, supported by funded, evidence based and innovative action on the ground, and welcoming the call to action from the health community worldwide to recognise and respond to the climate crisis as a health emergency with ambitious and equitable action

We are strengthening cooperation to accelerate the pace of innovation so that every country and sector has affordable, accessible and available clean energy solutions this decade. We are working on technologies and sectors where increased innovation will be essential to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C including power, hydrogen, industry and shipping.  

  1. We have launched an ambitious second phase of Mission Innovation catalysing a decade of action and investment in research, development and demonstration. 
  2. We are launching public-private innovation Missions that set ambitious and inspirational innovation goals that can lead to tipping points in the cost, performance or scale of clean energy solutions. 
  3. We are working with international partners to build and shape markets to increase the deployment of key technologies.
How you can help
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