The GCHU have today launched a podcast series hosted by GCHU Research Associate and Kellogg College Visiting Fellow Dr Katherine Maxwell discussing COP29 outcomes for sustainable cities. The limited series podcast provides a thought-provoking summary of COP29, drawing on global experts commenting on the international negotiations and the impact of these on global cities.
Podcast episodes
There are four podcast episodes in the series.
Episode 1: What role do cities play in delivering climate action?
Podcast guest: Ms Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director, UN-Habitat
Overview: This year’s COP priority is ‘enhancing ambition and enabling action’. This session explores how cities are working with national governments to meaningfully develop and deliver on agreed NDCs and aligning with global climate targets.
Episode 2: Why do cities need collaboration and partnerships to meet climate commitments?
Podcast guest: Professor Michele Acuto, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement), University of Bristol
Overview: This session explores the outcomes from the mitigation and adaptation commitments at COP29. As cities transition from climate commitments and policy design to delivery, this session provides insights on how they are collaborating and developing partnerships globally to accelerate climate action implementation, highlighting some of the broader challenges and opportunities.
Episode 3: What role does climate finance play in enabling cities to reach their climate targets?
Podcast guest: Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council
Overview: Billed as the ‘Finance COP’, this podcast explores the scale of climate finance needed, to understand how we can improve the quality of finance delivered and access more diverse financial instruments to ensure greater financial predictability.
Episode 4: Reflections on COP29, what’s next for addressing climate change within cities?
Podcast guest: Mr Mark Watts, Executive Director, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group
Overview: As COP29 ends, what do the negotiations mean for climate change within cities? This session explores the key takeaways for urban areas, regarding the knowledge shared and new commitments (e.g.., finance for mitigation and adaptation). The session covers both progress made and key challenges that must be overcome to meet commitments.