COP28 - Durham University

Durham University at COP28

We have COP observer status.

Durham is home to world-leading research including work on how to address climate change. Read on to find out how colleagues are tackling one of the biggest challenges facing our planet, how we are sharing knowledge globally, and how we are educating tomorrow's world changers.

Find out what events we're attending

Solving global challenges

Our research is helping to solve the challenges of an ever-changing and complex world – and inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers. We have been directly involved in Conferences of Parties (COPs) since 2021, under the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and in Meetings of Parties under the 2015 Paris Agreement. Even before then, our researchers were actively engaged in important research and projects on climate change.

More about the global impact of our research

Our delegates

We take the responsibility that comes with its observer status seriously and we are sending six delegates to COP28. We were awarded official observer status at COP26 and since then, we have sent a delegation to the Conference of Parties.

Andrew Russell

Andrew Russell is an anthropologist researching global and planetary health issues and how these are addressed through institutions such as the United Nations.

Chris Stokes

Chris Stokes is a Professor in our Department of Geography. His research focusses on the response of glaciers to climate change and the impacts on sea level.

Laura Marsiliani

Professor Laura Marsiliani is an environmental and energy economist at our Business School and director of the Centre for Environmental and Energy Economics.

Petra Minnerop

Petra Minnerop is a Professor of International Law in our Law School, the Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy and Chair of our UN SDG group.

Oliver Belcher

Oliver Belcher is an Associate Professor of International Relations & Security at Durham’s School of Government and International Affairs.

Ghulam Mustafa Kamran

Ghulam Mustafa Kamran is a Research Associate at our Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy. He is pursuing an LLM from Durham Law School.

An image of a man with a beard wearing glasses.

Our official UNFCCC side event

We have organised an official UNFCCC side event at COP28 in partnership with the Centre for International Law National University of Singapore, Climate Markets & Investment Association and the Global Ethical Finance Initiative.

Find out more

Expert Opinion

Revitalising ancient water systems for future resilience within the Kathmandu Valley

Himalayan communities are under siege from landslides – and climate change is worsening the crisis

Nationally determined contributions: working towards improved international climate and health law

The Road to COP28 – Why 2 °C is too high for the polar ice sheets and sea level rise

Become a world-changer

We continue to see a range of global challenges brought about by issues that we need to tackle together. Climate change, energy use, sustainable living and disease are just some of the many world-changing areas that we need to focus on now to help make a positive long-term difference. We offer a wide range of programmes, covering many subject areas which help our students become global leaders of change.

View our sustainability-focused programmes

COP28 YouTube playlist

Watch videos from the United Nations and Durham University experts on topics related to climate ahead of the Climate Change Conference (COP28).

See the playlist on YouTube

Research Impact

Ancient landscape discovered beneath East Antarctic Ice Sheet

Graphic showing the Antarctic ice sheet lifted up to reveal the ancient landscape underneath

Explosive volcanic eruption led to record-breaking underwater flows

Members of Tonga Geological Services watch a volcanic eruption from a boat. Image credit Taniela Kula, Tonga Geological Services

New study finds European breeding birds respond slowly to recent climate change

Key climate temperature goals could be too high

A snow and icy landscape with a clear blue sky

European birds move to cooler areas but natural obstacles ‘control the traffic’

Researchers propose compulsory climate change teaching in core law curriculum

Research impact at Durham

We're a world leader in sustainability

We’re always developing new ways of thinking to shape a better future for people and our planet, and we’ve been recognised as one of the top universities in the world for taking action to address the most pressing Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) challenges facing society today.

Find out more about our sustainability ranking