Professor Elena Korosteleva, IGSD Director and Chair of the Sustainability Spotlight, attended COP29 as a member of the Scientific Council, contributing to global discussions on climate governance and sustainable futures, and announcing Warwick’s new initiative for sustainable futures.

What stood out to you most about COP29?

The urgency of acting collectively was a dominant theme. We’re falling short of meeting key global goals, like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the planet is crossing critical boundaries. Addressing the climate crisis requires a systemic and interconnected approach, not isolated efforts.

Equally important is investing in the next generation of thinkers – those who are conscious of the relationship between humans and the environment – to drive innovative and sustainable solutions.

How did your role on the COP29 Scientific Council influence the conversation?

As part of a global team of 26 scientists, I helped shape the conference’s agenda and declaration while contributing initiatives for consideration.

One key success was the adoption of our proposal to launch an Early Career Researchers (ECR) Training Academy for Sustainable Futures, which focuses on interdisciplinary creative thinking, aiming to design alternative futures. This initiative showcases Warwick’s expertise, with plans to establish place-based centres worldwide, starting in Azerbaijan, to train the next generation of sustainable thinkers, from researchers to local government and civil society leaders.

What role do universities play in fostering sustainable futures?

Universities play a vital role in connecting cutting-edge research with real-world needs, driving innovation and practical solutions to global challenges.

At Warwick, we are committed to making a transformational impact through interdisciplinary research and education. Initiatives like the Training Academy for Sustainable Futures equip early career researchers to address sustainability issues while meeting the needs of diverse communities worldwide.

Through global partnerships, we share expertise and develop solutions that make a lasting impact. From shaping policies to empowering local leaders and training the next generation, Warwick is helping to create a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Find out more about the work of the Institute for Global Sustainable Development: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/schoolforcross-facultystudies/igsd/

Warwick’s ‘Sustainability Spotlight’, a university-wide initiative addressing planetary challenges: https://warwick.ac.uk/research/spotlights/sustainability/

Warwick’s contribution at COP29: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/schoolforcross-facultystudies/igsd/cop29/