Perry World House Hosts “Climate Cooperation in Transition” Conference

On October 16-17, Perry World House hosted its annual climate conference, this year titled, “Climate Cooperation in Transition.” This workshop, organized in cooperation with the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research’s Global Governance Innovation project, advanced understanding of the rapidly evolving global policy landscape and the future of climate policy within it. The outcomes will be captured in a forthcoming conference brief and in the Penn International Observatory on Climate Change (PICO) Global Trends Report.

Participants conducted a stocktake of the progress made on climate since the Paris Agreement, identifying both key achievements and areas that require urgent attention. The conference featured two keynote addresses that framed the central themes. National Geographic photographer Jason Edwards delivered a powerful presentation on “Images that Influence our Climate Future,” while former German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck spoke on “Security, Prosperity, and the Future of Climate.”

Further discussions with former Vice Chancellor Habeck explored the complexities of European geopolitics and the critical climate and security investment trade-offs that have emerged. Sessions also examined the future of climate policy leadership and the undeniable influence the real economy, specifically sub-nationals and the private sector, will have in shaping it.

This workshop, organized in cooperation with the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research’s Global Governance Innovation project, served as a crucial first step in formulating new groupings for climate action. Through these focused discussions, the goal was to move from analysis to action, building the collaborative frameworks necessary for a new era of climate cooperation.

Perry World House Distinguished Visiting Fellow Jason Edwards discussing the impact that visual storytelling can have on climate policy.

Perry World House Distinguished Global Leader Robert Habeck speaking to the PWH audience about the future of security and climate policy.

Penn International Climate Observatory Project Director Koko Warner leading an exercise with conference participants.

Participants of the Perry World House conference “Climate Cooperation in Transition.”