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The second week of the COP29 Capacity Building Programme continued to build on the momentum of the first week, offering participants a wealth of knowledge through a series of engaging and informative sessions. Designed to empower participants with the tools and insights needed to tackle global climate challenges, the programme maintained its high standard with a diverse array of expert speakers.

Day 4: Profound Approach to Climate Action

Day 4 commenced with a compelling session by Professor Hesham El-Askary, a distinguished Professor of Remote Sensing and Earth System Science at Schmid College of Science and Technology. His presentation, titled “The Climate Problem/Why Should We Be Concerned? Possible Solutions,” addressed climate change from a comprehensive perspective. Professor El-Askary emphasised the crucial role of data science in addressing climate issues, particularly highlighting the significance of early warning systems in mitigating the severe impacts of climate change.

The second session of the day featured a joint presentation by Ms. Zuzzana Borowska, a Climate Negotiator specialising in Open Dialogues, and Mr. Yusuke Sakai, Co-Contact Point at YOUNGO. Their discussion, “Just Transition: How to Achieve Climate Neutrality While Ensuring Justice for Those Most Affected,” explored the concept of Just Transition. They examined the negotiation dynamics between developed and developing nations, stressing the need for a fair and inclusive approach to achieving climate neutrality.

The day concluded with a presentation by Ms. Salma Nassar, Urban Development Programme Associate at UN-Habitat Egypt Office. Her session, “The Role of UN-Habitat Programme for Basic Services and Climate and the World Urban Forum,” offered an in-depth look at the significance of urban development in addressing climate change. Ms. Nassar highlighted the importance of involving local communities in the planning and implementation of projects, sharing examples of successful initiatives led by UN-Habitat.

Days 5 & 6: An In-Depth Look at Carbon Literacy

Days 5 and 6 were dedicated to an extensive exploration of “Carbon Literacy,” facilitated by experts from Manchester Metropolitan University, one of the programme’s validating partners. Dr. Rachel Dunk, University Lead for Carbon Literacy, along with her colleagues Ms. Jane Mork, Mr. Liam Bluer, and Dr. Cormac Lawler, led a series of interactive sessions over two days.

Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of climate change, the sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs), and the concept of carbon footprints. The sessions underscored the urgency of taking action and provided practical tools for calculating carbon footprints. Through engaging breakout sessions, quizzes, and group discussions, participants were actively involved in the learning process, enhancing their understanding of the challenges and solutions related to carbon emissions.

On Day 6, the focus shifted to the role of non-state actors in climate action, with a session led by Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, Director of the Faith for Earth Coalition at the UN Environment Programme. Dr. Abumoghli explored the roles of various actors, including the private sector, academic institutions, cities, NGOs, and individual citizens, in driving climate action. He discussed the opportunities and challenges faced by these groups in reducing carbon footprints and influencing policy.

Day 7: Energy Use and AI in Climate Research

The seventh day of the programme featured two highly informative sessions. The first, delivered by Professor Issa Chaer from London South Bank University, focused on “Energy Use Within the Built Environment and the Pathway to Net Zero.” Professor Chaer, who is the Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise at the School of the Built Environment and Architecture, provided participants with insights into the challenges of achieving Net Zero. He covered topics such as energy consumption in homes, renewable energy integration, and behavioural changes that can lead to energy savings.

The second session, presented by Dr. Doaa Ayoub, Associate Professor of Marketing and Research at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ, explored the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in climate research. Dr. Ayoub engaged participants by discussing how AI can be used to enhance climate models, refine simulations, and improve predictions of extreme weather events. She also highlighted AI’s potential in structuring data, summarising academic papers, and performing complex data analysis. Dr. Ayoub concluded by emphasising that while AI is a powerful tool, it does not replace human input.