Launch event for Walker Institute and Microsoft UK collaboration

Join the Walker Institute to celebrate their new collaboration with Microsoft UK. We will explore how public private partnerships can better build climate resilient societies particularly in the Global South.

• Wednesday 24 November, 14:30-17:30
• Large Lecture Theatre 150, ICMA Centre, Whiteknights
• This is a hybrid event, available to join either in person and online – please see registration form for more details on how to join

A panel of experts from different disciplines and backgrounds will critically reflect on COP26 and the implications this has for the future of climate change risk management. With a focus on public climate partnerships and the role of research, technology and capacity building we will consider how we can help people manage climate risk in a sustainable way.

We will also be screening the winning short film made by students who attended COP26 about their experiences of the event through the Walker Institute’s COP Climate Action Studio initiative.

Timetable

Further details

Climate variability and change pose a huge risk to developing societies in the form of ecological degradation, state fragility, conflict, migration, rapid population growth and social inequality.

Understanding these issues demands a new approach that does not fit into any singular traditional academic discipline. The Walker Institute at the University of Reading is well placed to fill this critical gap: driving new interdisciplinary research to address these major global challenges.

Now through this new collaboration with, and generous support from, Microsoft, the Walker Institute is increasing its capacity to undertake its essential and impactful work. The collaboration will provide funding for the Walker Institute to advance research understanding of Earth’s natural systems, develop nature-based solutions to problems like agricultural stress, and strengthen collaborations with scientists and communities in affected areas.

“Walker Institute’s mission is to enable the development of climate-resilient societies: societies able to adapt in an uncertain, changing world. Our contribution to a new knowledge base is key, ensuring that climate-resilience is better understood and can be attained. We make a meaningful difference in peoples’ lives: conducting risk-taking, innovative and novel research to tackle the complexity of the global challenges facing society. This support from Microsoft lets us grow our research base, giving us more information and allowing us to answer critical questions more effectively and more efficiently”

Professor Rosalind Cornforth, Walker Institute Director

“Sustainability at Microsoft is about helping us, and helping others, to reduce carbon emissions and protect biodiversity. A key way we do this is working with leaders in the fields of weather, climate, prediction and risk. We are delighted to be building the capacity of the Walker Institute to do more of what they do best, and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with both the Walker Institute and the University of Reading”.

Alberto Arribas Herranz, Microsoft Sustainability Science Lead for Europe