Press release
Law masterclass marks launch of UOD COP26
Published on 6 March 2020
The University of Dundee will next week host a masterclass to launch its programme of events in the run up to the world’s largest climate change event later this year.
The University of Dundee will next week host a masterclass to launch its programme of events in the run-up to the world’s largest climate change event later this year.
The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will take place in Glasgow in November, the first time the UK has hosted the event. Plans are underway for the University to contribute to COP26 with Dundee having applied for Observer Status for the conference. Between now and then, the University will hold a series of talks, workshops and other events focusing on the climate emergency and the University’s role in facilitating change.
The first of the UOD COP26 events will see the Honourable Justice Brian J Preston, Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales, deliver a masterclass, entitled ‘The Impact of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change Litigation’, to students and staff of the University on Monday 9 March.
UOD COP26 lead Dr Petra Minnerop, said, “COP26 will be the biggest international summit the UK has ever hosted and we want to make a difference through our research and education. Across the University we are looking to link our research and enhance our teaching to address the climate emergency.
“The conference brings together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree on coordinated action to tackle climate change. COP26 is an excellent opportunity to ensure that 2020 is the crucial turning point for achieving the global temperature goal of the Paris Agreement.
“Our involvement is dictated by Article 12 of the Paris Agreement, which states that parties shall cooperate in taking measures, as appropriate, to enhance climate change education, training, public awareness, public participation and public access to information, recognising the importance of these steps with respect to enhancing actions under this Agreement.
“We are in the process of pulling together a programme of educational and research events in the run-up to November and also plan to host a side event and an exhibit during COP26, showcasing our research at the intersection of science and law that is essential to the successful implementation of the Paris Agreement.”
Dr Minnerop is a Lecturer in Law at Dundee, with a research specialism in international environmental law. As well as having published widely on climate protection agreements, she is a member of the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law and an international adviser on the subject.
‘The Impact of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change Litigation’ masterclass with the Honourable Justice Brian J Preston takes place at the University’s Old Medical School on Monday 9 March.