ICLEI World Congress 2024: Connect leading-edge science with real-world impact
With work already underway on the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, due in 2027, this ICLEI World Congress session provided cities and subnational governments with an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights from leading IPCC experts about the objectives and potential scope of the special report. Participants also learned about the state of climate change science and gained perspectives from local and regional governments on how the report could change the state of play for city climate action and what the priorities could be for the upcoming report.
Key agendas for city-led research and innovation were explored to clarify existing aims and motivations, identify research gaps and priorities, and examine regional research and innovation needs to expedite climate change action in urban areas. The session also included a discussion of the ICLEI Global Research & Innovation Strategy, updated this year to catalyze and steer collaborative research initiatives that empower subnational governments to accelerate sustainable development underpinned by robust research.
Speakers:
Alison Shaw, Executive Director, Community-Centred Climate Innovation & ACT Action on Climate Team, Simon Fraser University
Dennis Pamlin, Chief Executive Officer, The Net-Zero Compatibility Initiative, Mission Innovation
Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, Vice-Chair of the IPCC, Full Professor at Central European University, and ICLEI’s Research & Innovation Portfolio Holder
Felix Doehler, Head of Component Climate & Finance, Sector Project Cities, GIZ, Germany
Martin Wainstein, Founder and Executive Director of Open Earth Foundation
Saharnaz Mirzazad, Incoming Executive Director, ICLEI United States Office