Institute of Island Studies co-hosts virtual event at COP26
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, is underway in Glasgow, Scotland. UPEI’s Institute of Island Studies is co-hosting a virtual event for the conference, entitled “Climate Change and Islands” from noon until 2 pm on Thursday, November 11.
“Having Island Studies and UPEI be part of the global conversation at COP26 is an opportunity not to be missed,” said Dr. Laurie Brinklow, interim chair of the Institute of Island Studies. “I am proud of the work our colleagues and students have done on the COVID-19 Island Insights Series and the research we continue to do on climate change and islands. Islands are at the forefront of climate change and sea-level rise. Like it or not, Prince Edward Island is one of those islands. If we don't want to become three or four Prince Edward Islands, we must continue to get our research out there and to ensure that our voices continue to be heard.”
What lessons can we learn from the responses to COVID-19 when positioning islands to become more sustainable? This is what the COVID-19 Island Insights Series had set as a goal over the past year. This session aims to gather island perspectives on climate change. From Scotland to the South Pacific, islands are at the forefront of climate change. Islands have contributed the least to climate change but are suffering the most. Islands in countries like Scotland have the potential of showing the way forward in promoting innovation when it comes to climate change mitigation and adaptation. In this session, a distinguished multidisciplinary line-up will discuss key challenges and opportunities for islands in relation to climate change.
The hybrid event is co-hosted by the Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance in Glasgow. Dr. Jim Randall, Professor Emeritus at UPEI, and former UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, will bring opening remarks on behalf of Island Studies at UPEI.
Learn more about the event, including how to register, at islandstudies.com.
Admission is free. All are welcome.
