SRUC and COP26

_{SRUC’s research includes future land use, both in Scotland and further afield.}

COP26 comes at a “pivotal moment” for the world but also represents a “huge opportunity” for change, according to the Principal of SRUC.

With all eyes turning to Glasgow ahead of the crucial summit next month, Professor Wayne Powell has highlighted some of the organisation’s world-leading research into climate change and other global challenges.

In a specially recorded message on SRUC’s new COP26 webpage, Prof Powell says: “At SRUC, we are facing and tackling some of the biggest challenges that are highly relevant to COP26.

“This includes future land use and how we’re going to manage land into the future, to producing food ethically in a way that is safe for future generations, and which also addresses the decarbonisation of the economy and net zero.

“In addition to that, we’ve got to think creatively about how we manage and enhance biodiversity in farming systems.”

Among other projects, the new webpage highlights SRUC’s Challenge Centres, which are tackling some of the world’s most urgent issues and producing work that influences industry, policy, communities and society.

The Centres include Global Climate Emergency, Thriving Natural Capital and Future Food Systems.

The work of SAC Consulting, and how it works with rural businesses to become more sustainable, is also highlighted along with SRUC's extensive range of courses. 

And as part of the run-up to COP26, on 24 September SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre’s new podcast will see experts in climate change, biodiversity and agriculture take part in a roundtable discussion on the themes of the summit.

Prof Powell added: “We are beholden not only to the gathering in Glasgow, but beyond them to our students, our staff, our communities and stakeholders, to work to do all we can to address climate change and make this a better and safer planet for us all.”

Taking place from 31 October to 12 November, the COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

To find out more about SRUC’s research around the themes of COP26, visit our COP26 page.

Posted by SRUC on 17/09/2021