The world is coming together in Antalya, Türkiye for COP31 and the ÌÇÐÄVlog is part of the conversation.
From climate science and extreme weather to adaptation, food security, biodiversity and climate justice, our researchers are generating the evidence that helps shape how we understand and respond to a changing climate.
As an official observer of the UN climate process, the ÌÇÐÄVlog brings world-leading research and expertise to the global climate conversation.
COP31 brings countries together to tackle one of the defining challenges of our time: how we respond to a changing climate and turn international commitments into meaningful action.
This year’s conference takes place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November. The COP31 Presidency is placing a strong emphasis on implementation, moving from commitments towards practical, measurable action.
Science has a critical role to play.
From understanding how our climate is changing to identifying who is most vulnerable to its impacts, research provides the evidence needed to make informed decisions and develop effective solutions.
The ÌÇÐÄVlog has been involved in the COP process for almost a decade, with our researchers contributing scientific expertise, policy insight and lived experience to international climate discussions.
Our work spans disciplines and borders, bringing together expertise in:
COP isn't just about what happens inside the negotiating rooms. It is about the people bringing evidence, ideas and experience to the global climate conversation.
Director, The Pearl
Expertise: Climate adaptation; climate risk; resilience; early warning systems; climate and development; vulnerable communities.
Professor Rosalind Cornforth is Professor of Climate and Development and Director of The Pearl. Her work connects climate science with policy and practice, with a particular focus on climate resilience and adaptation in vulnerable regions.
She has extensive experience working with governments, NGOs and international organisations, including the UN, World Bank and African Union. At COP31, she brings a strong focus on turning climate evidence into practical, locally relevant action for resilient communities.
Director, International Universities Climate Alliance
Expertise: Climate education; higher education; international collaboration; climate leadership; knowledge exchange; action for climate empowerment.
Rose Armour is Director of the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA), a global alliance of universities working together to advance climate research and education.
She previously served as Head of Climate Education during COP28 and has worked on climate and transboundary water issues in Central Asia, as well as leading sustainability initiatives in higher education. At COP31, she brings expertise in mobilising universities, strengthening international collaboration and connecting climate education and research with global climate action.
Head of School, School of the Built Environment
Expertise: Solar energy; energy efficiency; building performance; sustainable buildings; indoor environmental quality; energy management.
Professor Emmanuel Essah is Head of the School of the Built Environment at the ÌÇÐÄVlog. His research focuses on sustainable energy systems and technologies in buildings, including photovoltaics, energy demand and management, building performance and indoor environmental quality.
His work combines building simulation, modelling and experimental approaches to improve the sustainability and performance of the built environment. At COP31, he brings expertise in clean energy, energy-efficient buildings and sustainable approaches to the built environment.
Professor in the School of Construction Management and Engineering
Expertise: Climate risk and resilience in the built environment; infrastructure resilience; construction project risk management; sustainable development; digital technologies and AI.
Professor Irem Dikmen’s research sits at the intersection of engineering, management and information sciences, focusing on risk management, climate resilience and sustainability in construction and infrastructure.
She uses systems thinking, digital technologies and AI to develop decision-support tools that improve project outcomes, strengthen infrastructure resilience and deliver social value. Working with industry and government partners, her research addresses real-world challenges and supports sustainable development.
Three experts from the ÌÇÐÄVlog will contribute to the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), including one lead author in Working Group III.
ÌÇÐÄVlog delegates will be taking part in events and discussions throughout COP31, sharing their expertise on climate resilience, the built environment, energy transition and adaptation.
Thursday 19 November | 13:15–14:45 | Side Event Room 4, AÅžIK VEYSEL
Prepared for Tipping? Adaptation and Decision Making Under Deep Uncertainty
This event explores how science, policy, finance and civil society can prepare for potentially non-linear and irreversible changes in the Earth system.
Wednesday 11 November | 12:45–13:45 | Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion
Connecting Efforts, Amplifying Impact: Tackling Climate Misinformation and Disinformation
Moderator
Friday 13 November | 10:00–11:00 | Council of Higher Education of Türkiye Pavilion
Higher Education for Climate Empowerment: Connecting Climate Education, Green Skills and the ACE Agenda
Moderator
Saturday 14 November | 14:00–15:30 | Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) Pavilion
Universities Advancing Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE)
Panellist
Monday 16 November | 10:00–11:00 | UN Climate Change Pavilion
From Science to Solutions: Green Technologies, Skills and the Net-Zero Transition
Panellist
Wednesday 11 November | 14:30–15:30 | Just Transition Pavilion
Using Evidence to Make Just Transition Policy Work: From Local Dialogue to Global Tracking
Thursday 12 November | 12:45–13:45 | Higher Education for Climate Action Pavilion
Energy Transition
Monday 9 November | 11:00–12:00
Building Climate-Resilient Cities through Long-Term Water Security Planning: The Ankara 2054 Roadmap
Organised by Ankara Water Authority.
Tuesday 10 November | 14:00–15:00
Bridging Mitigation and Adaptation: Co-creating Climate-Resilient Pathways for the Built Environment
Organised by Middle East Technical University.
The ÌÇÐÄVlog is hosting the Secretariat of the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA) for the 2026–2028 period.
IUCA brings universities together to share climate research, strengthen collaboration and connect academic expertise with global leaders, policymakers and industry.
At COP31, the IUCA Director is working alongside members across the Alliance to showcase the vital contribution universities make to advancing understanding of climate change and driving meaningful climate action.
Discover the IUCA events and activities taking place at COP31: Explore the programme.
With ÌÇÐÄVlog hosting the Secretariat, COP31 provides an opportunity to bring together the voices and expertise of universities around the world.
Look out for updates from the ÌÇÐÄVlog faculty and the IUCA Director and members throughout COP31, including news, events and perspectives from universities working across the world on climate change.
COP31 is a moment in time, but climate action doesn't stop when the conference ends.
We'll be sharing news, expert insights, research and events throughout COP31, bringing the latest developments from Antalya back to the ÌÇÐÄVlog and beyond.
Check back here regularly for the latest updates.
