Release Date 30 November 2015

The University of Reading and the Walker Institute will be taking an active part in the major international climate summit taking place in Paris from 30th November to 11th December 2015.

A new global climate deal in Paris is seen as vital if the world is to keep warming below 2 degrees and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

However, even if the world can limit warming to 2 degrees, and current commitments put us on target for closer to 3, there may still be serious impacts on human health and well-being - especially in the more vulnerable countries, including in Africa.

A key issue for Paris will be the old fracture line of developed versus developing countries. The challenge will be forging a global climate deal, with commitments from all countries, which is seen as fair and just by all parties.

Prof Ros Cornforth, Director of the Walker Institute at the University of Reading, said: "This is the world's second attempt at agreeing a universal climate deal and we can't afford to fail a second time. 

"What is crucial for success In Paris is that developing countries feel they get a fair deal. They will be looking not just for cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, but also for support towards strengthening their capacity to adapt and build a resilient society on the ground. Our research is helping to guide this.

We are focussing on understanding the needs of communities in the developing world and helping them cope with the higher temperatures, variable rainfall and extreme events that climate change will bring -- Prof Ros Cornforth, Walker Institute

"We are focussing on understanding the needs of communities in the developing world and helping them cope with the higher temperatures, variable rainfall and extreme events that climate change will bring.

"We are doing research differently by bringing together scientists, policymakers and practitioners, including the private sector, to make a difference to the lives and prosperity of some of the most disadvantaged people in the world.

"We're answering questions such as: how do we adapt and build resilience to climate change? How do we get the best results for the investments made?"

Kathy Maskell, Communications Manager at the Walker Institute, said: "This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for the Walker Institute and the University to build our international reputation and to engage with decision makers in the climate policy arena."

A delegation of 10 staff from the University of Reading and the Walker Institute will be prominent at COP showcasing and discussing our work to policymakers.  We will be covering climate science, climate impacts, resilience, justice and ethics and there will be regional foci on Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Find out more>> www.walker-institute.ac.uk/COP21_Paris