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University of Birmingham launches groundbreaking report on adaptation and resilience at COP28

New report released during COP28 - Adaptation and Building Resilience in a Changing World.

1 December 2023
Audience sitting at launch event

Adaptation and Building Resilience in a Changing World. Launch event

Academic experts, students, industry leaders and policy makers came together at the University of Birmingham Dubai campus for a panel discussion to launch a new report ‘Adaptation and Building Resilience in a Changing World’.  

Chaired by the distinguished Lord Bilimoria, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, the event highlighted the University's commitment to combating the climate crisis. Panellists discussed the vital role of global collaboration in generating meaningful outcomes from COP28.

The discussion began with opening remarks from Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Al Mubarak welcomed the policy recommendations presented by the report and “commended the collaborative endeavours that will be enabled by this initiative.”

Lord Bilimoria, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, delivering a speech from behind a lectern.

Lord Bilimoria, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham

Further presentations were given by;

  • Professor David Hannah Professor of Hydrology and UNESCO Chair in Water Science, University of Birmingham
  • Professor Aleks Cavoski, Professor of Environmental Law, University of Birmingham
  • Professor Hisham Farag, Professor of Finance; Head of Research, Birmingham Business School and Director of Sustainable Financial Innovation Research Centre, University of Birmingham
  • Dr Rebecca Heaton Group Environmental Sustainability Director, Lloyds Banking Group
  • Shruti Tamilselvan, Business Management and Marketing student, University of Birmingham Dubai
  • Himansu Sekhar Das, Unit Head of the Marine Species and Habitat Research, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.

Professor David Hannah commented: “There is a huge weight of expectation on this year’s UN Climate Summit COP28 to deliver a clear plan of action – and this international, intergovernmental effort requires new knowledge and innovation to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and inform adaptation strategies for impacts around the world.”

Dr Rebecca Heaton shed light on the historical neglect of 'adaptation' in comparison to climate change mitigation, pointing out the pressing reality of weather events directly linked to climate change.

Shruti Tamilselvan, representing the student perspective, highlighted the crucial role of youth engagement as a cornerstone of resilience in the face of climate change.

The 'Adaptation and Building Resilience in a Changing World' report has consolidated national and global policy recommendations, incorporating the latest research led by the University of Birmingham. The report comprises four separate policy briefs focusing on water and food security, global adaptation, global finance and health and environmental quality. Created by top climate experts and other academics, it includes recommendations on how research can help us to understand and address climate challenges. 

Throughout COP28, the University of Birmingham is hosting a programme of events focusing on specific challenges arising from climate change. It will harness its pool of world-leading academics and researchers, drawing on its broad network, including UN organisations and other universities in the UAE.

Academics from the University of Birmingham will be involved throughout the Summit, sharing their insights and research with policymakers and industry leaders in the Green Zone and Blue Zone.

Notes for editors

  • For more information please contact Beck Lockwood, Communications Manager, University of Birmingham.
  • The University of Birmingham is proud to be part of the COP28 discussions being held in Dubai in 2023. From city infrastructures to food security, water challenges to health inequality, the University of Birmingham is leading global research addressing the real impact of climate change. Together with colleagues in Dubai, the University is working with industry and academic partners to help mitigate and adapt to the risks and impacts associated with climate change. In addition, the University is working with policymakers to transform health, the environment, and society. The University of Birmingham is using research expertise, global partnerships and, with staff and students, working together to bring about positive change.
  • The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions, its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham and Dubai, including researchers and teachers and more than 8,000 international students from more than 150 countries.

Featured staff

  • Professor David Hannah

    Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability)

    David M. Hannah is Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability), Professor of Hydrology and UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences, and Director of the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability & Climate Action.

    Phone: +44 (0)121 41 46925 (for own research)
    Email: d.m.hannah@bham.ac.uk

  • Professor Aleksandra Cavoski

    Professor of Environmental Law

    Academic profile of Dr Aleks Cavoski, Senior Lecturer at Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham

    Email: a.cavoski@bham.ac.uk

  • Professor Hisham Farag

    Business School Director of Research

    Hisham Farag is Professor of Finance and Director of Research at Birmingham Business School. He is also the Founding Director of the Sustainable Financial Innovation Research Centre (SFIC).

    Phone: +44 (0)121 414 3101
    Email: h.farag@bham.ac.uk

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