• Overview

When: October 13, 2020; 2pm EST

Where: Online; Register here

What: With the UN Secretary General's COVID-19 response emphasizing the need to develop national recovery plans which include climate-positive actions such as decarbonizing all aspects of our economies, and with young people around the world calling for a repurposing of the education system, this conversation couldn't be more timely. 

Both Countdown and Race To Zero are global campaigns to rally leadership and support from governments, businesses, and other institutions for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. 

Countdown seeks to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in half by 2030, while the objective of Race to Zero is to build momentum and awareness of the Intergovernmental Climate Meeting (COP26) scheduled for November 2021 in Glasgow. Both are sending a resounding signal to governments that the broader community is united in meeting the Paris goals and creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Hundreds of colleges and universities from around the world have committed to Race to Zero's goal of Net-Zero by 2050 at the latest. Many have also signed onto interim goals or have committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2030 or before. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Second Nature, The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education (EAUC) and others are working with campuses worldwide to achieve their reductions and serve as a catalyst for others to take action.

The event will seek to:

  • Explore actionable and cost-effective pathways to CO2 emissions reduction
  • Understand the role of higher education as a leader in decarbonization
  • Discuss the engagement in Race To Zero in the lead-up to COP-26

This program will include speakers such as:

  • Nigel Topping, UK High-Level Champion for Climate Action, COP26
  • Joyce Msuya, Deputy Director, UNEP
  • Michael Drake, President, University of California System
  • H.E. Matilda Ernkrans, Minister of Higher Education and Research, Sweden 
  • Tim Carter, President, Second Nature
  • Sam Barratt, Chief of Youth, Education and Advocacy, UNEP
  • Fiona Goodwin, Director of Operations and Planning, EAUC

This webinar is free and open to the public. If you are not available on the day of the program, you can still register and a link to the recorded program will be sent to you after the event.

Register here!

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